2021 NFL Draft: Washington trades up for Justin Fields in NFL mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
TRADE: Minnesota trades No. 14 to Cleveland for No. 26 and other assets
Pick Analysis. Micah Parsons. 14. player. Scouting Report. LB. Penn State. 53
The Cleveland Browns have once again been aggressive during the free agency period this season and that aggression carries over to the draft with this trade up. While last year the free agency focus seemed to be on the offensive side of the ball with Jack Conlin and Austin Hooper, this year that focus has shifted to the defense. With the additions of John Johnson III, Troy Hill, Tak McKinley, Malik Jackson and Anthony Walker, the Browns have few big openings, but a falling player draws attention.
Micah Parsons was far and away the top linebacker in the 2021 NFL Draft not long ago, but recently it seems like the gap between Parsons and Zaven Collins has closed a bit. That paired with a few shocks in the top part of this mock results in a tumbling Parsons. While the Browns have made a lot of defensive signings, linebacker is one position that could still see an upgrade.
Being projected as a top-five pick in some drafts, Parsons would be a huge steal for the Browns here. With two picks in both the third and fourth rounds, they have the capital to make this move affordable. As for the Vikings, they add assets while still being in play for their positions of need later in the round.