Philadelphia Eagles: Ideal first-round targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State

While the Philadelphia Eagles have no shortage in offensive needs during a rebuilding period, there is plenty of reason for concern both at the linebacker and secondary position groups. The Eagles have failed to address their linebacker unite for years either through the draft or free agency and have continued to see a decline in the level of play following their 2018 Super Bowl win. After another quiet free agency period, the Philadelphia Eagles will be expected to improve the position through the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Eagles would have their choice of linebackers or possibly all defenders with the sixth overall pick in the draft and multiple quarterbacks expected to go early. Roseman could finally address the position with talented Penn State linebacker and Harrisburg native, Micah Parsons. Parsons opted out of the 2020 season for both COVID concerns and to remain healthy as the top linebacker prospect in college football.

While his decision to opt-out could see his draft stock fall, Parsons is a do-it-all linebacker, acting as a top-caliber tackler or someone that can create pressure when called upon. In his two years with Penn State, Parsons registered 191 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Parsons is a box-to-box tackling machine every NFL team desires and is explosive in the backfield. If the Eagles were to pass on adding a weapon for Hurts in a deep receiver class, Parsons would be difficult to pass on.