2021 NFL first-round mock draft: Quarterback surprises
By Ian Higgins
2021 NFL Draft: 11th-12th picks
11. LB. Penn State. Micah Parsons. player. 31. Scouting Report. College Stats
Despite a glaring need for explosive offensive weaponry around Daniel Jones, the New York Giants can’t deny a top-five overall prospect falling into their lap at number eleven overall.
Continuing the developing reputation of producing elite athletes, Penn State’s Micah Parsons is a six-foot-three, 245-pound inside linebacker who fits this size into an athletic frame capable of running in the mid 4.4’s.
With this kind of freakish explosiveness, Parsons is not only an elite gap-shooter against the run but also a mismatch neutralizer capable of staying alongside elite tight ends from snap-to-snap.
Needing a dynamic athlete in the heart of their defense, the New York Giants can form a new defensive identity behind Parsons.
42. Scouting Report. College Stats. 12. player. QB. North Dakota State. Trey Lance
With two years and $48 million left on his contract, Jimy Garoppolo has yet to live up to the price tag and could be nearing the end of his time as the starting quarterback for the Niners.
Thankfully though, San Francisco has options for their quarterback of the future in the 2021 NFL draft and has been afforded the time to let him develop.
Trey Lance is the next quarterback prospect to come out of FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, lighting draft boards on fire with his statistical dominance of 28 touchdowns to zero interceptions in his 2019 campaign.
Combine this aerial explosiveness with prospect-leading rushing production and San Francisco could have a long-term solution under center that can fold into their dynamic running attack.