2021 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks fall and a major run on tackle in mock draft
By Ian Higgins
player. 87. 8. Scouting Report. College Stats. QB. Ohio State. Justin Fields
Joining the domino effect of the New York Jets selecting Kyle Pitts second overall, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields finds himself with the opportunity to develop behind a veteran game-manager and a promising coaching staff headed by Matt Rhule. With a single year left on Teddy Bridgewater’s contract, the Carolina Panthers can afford to select a quarterback with the need for refinement in hopes of acquiring their 2022 starter.
Posting a combination of up and down performances throughout the 2020 season, Justin Fields has been a spotty passer with accuracy inconsistencies. When everything comes together though (such as against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl), Fields is a lights-out dual-threat with the ability to vertically stretch defenses with downfield dimes and cheap scrambles.
When given time to develop his mechanical shortcomings and become a more well-rounded passer, the Carolina Panthers will find themselves with an athletic quarterback touted for his leadership and toughness, potentially reviving the “Keep Pounding” culture which was so strong during the years of Cam Newton.
Scouting Report. LB. Penn State. Micah Parsons. 9. player. 45. College Stats
Narrowly missing out on a top-flight rookie replacement for Drew Lock without having to move from the ninth overall pick, the Denver Broncos opt for the best player available and an additional front-seven asset to pair alongside Bradley Chubb with Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons.
One of the most gifted athletes of the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons is a lean 245-pound inside linebacker with low 4.4 speed which keeps him step-for-step with the most athletic of tight ends. A downhill torpedo attacking rushing lanes with physicality, Parsons is also a crucial run defender who can solely generate tackles for loss with his rapid pace of play.
Capable in man-to-man coverage thanks to his athleticism, Parsons will be challenged in a Denver Broncos defense which places their inside linebackers in challenging coverage situations which place an emphasis on the ability for a linebacker to keep up in space.