2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 7th overall
Scouting Report. LB. Penn State. Micah Parsons. player. Pick Analysis. 7. 50
The Detroit Lions made the trade of the offseason so far when they traded Matthew Stafford to the Rams in exchange for two first-round picks and Jared Goff. Now the question is does Detoriot give Goff a chance to prove he can be their quarterback of the future or do they draft someone in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft?
Considering no quarterback available is worth the seventh spot in the draft, and Dan Campbell told Chris Burke that the team will not reach for a quarterback I am guessing they will address needs on the defensive side of the ball.
Dan Campbell also said he doesn't want to "reach" on a QB. The Lions' goal is to find someone "that’s going to be here like Stafford was, for 12 years."
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) January 31, 2021
"If we’re split down the middle, he’s not for us. ... Let’s build this thing properly; let’s get roots in the ground first."
The Lions have several needs on the defensive side of the ball, but the two top needs are at linebacker and defensive tackle. A player who would fill the need at linebacker and is the top defensive player on my board in Penn State’s Micah Parsons.
Parsons has the versatility to play either inside or outside linebacker for Detroit. He has the bulk coming in at 245 pounds to hold up in the middle, although his instincts do need to improve some for him to reach his potential at this position. As far as how he would fare at outside linebacker he has the speed to match up well in coverage against any tight end he would see and also is one of the better blitzing linebackers in the 2021 NFL Draft.
A prospect who is getting some attention from the Detroit media is Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, so he could be another option at this pick.