Micah Parsons 2021 NFL Draft scouting report and team fits

Penn State’s Micah Parsons is one of the most explosive linebacker prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The former Nittany Lion opted-out of the 2020 collegiate season to prepare for the next level. While some may have off-field concerns about Parsons, many are highly enamored by his on-field abilities.

In Micah’s 2019 campaign, he was one of the nation’s most impactful players by forcing four fumbles. Also, he accounted for five sacks and 14 tackles for loss out of 109 total tackles in 13 games played. Without question, he is a game-changer, but what makes him stand out above his peers?

What makes Micah Parsons an elite prospect?

What separates Micah Parsons from every other collegiate linebacker in the nation is his sideline to sideline athletic abilities.

As you can see above, Parsons is a linebacker who doesn’t just flow downhill; he also possesses top-flight lateral quickness in both the pass and run defense.

Speaking of run defense, the former Nittany Lion graded as the nation’s best run defender at the position in 2019 per Pro Football Focus. However, Micah truly shines brightest as a pass rusher who consistently looks to make a play on the football.

Above all, the Penn State standout is a player who can change the fortunes of even the worst NFL defenses as he bears minimal on-field negatives.

Micah Parsons fits with most NFL teams, but who is the best?

Micah Parsons would best suit a team that can maximize his versatile play as both a run defender and a pass rusher. Some of the best fits would be teams with high-pressure defenses that present multiple fronts.

Parsons should not be limited to one position on the field; he must be moved around and utilized in numerous ways to maximize his abilities and potential. As a top 20 prospect in the 2021 NFL draft, he would fit in best with the following defenses based on his aggressive football skillset:

• Carolina Panthers
• Dallas Cowboys
• Denver Broncos
• Las Vegas Raiders
• New England Patriots
• New York Giants

Some organizations may have character concerns about Parsons. Still, aside from that, he possesses minimal football and medical negatives; look for him to be off the draft board early in April’s NFL Draft.