2021 NFL Draft OLB rankings: Micah Parsons or Zaven Collins at the top?

The 2021 NFL Draft outside linebacker class has three players with vastly different talents who earn first-round draft grades. Penn State’s Micah Parsons is a player with great athletic ability but is still working on his feel for the game. Zaven Collins is a player who holds up well in coverage but is not the most fluid athlete in the draft. The other linebacker to earn a first-round grade is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah who is a great cover man but lacks the size of either Parsons or Collins.

Most underrated outside linebacker in 2021 NFL Draft: Patrick Johnson

While most draftniks predict Johnson to go in the fifth or sixth round he carries a third-round grade on this draft board. Part of the reason he is rated higher here is his college production. He finished his college career with 40 tackles for loss and 24.5 sacks and was named to the All-AAC team three times. He is also a player you can count on coming hard play after play and at the bare minimum be a solid special teams contributor.

Most overrated outside linebacker in 2021 NFL Draft: Azeez Ojulari

Despite being a feared pass rusher, the first-round grade Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari carries might be too high for his overall skillset. He struggles in coverage and was not used much in this area in college. When it comes to defending the run he does do a good job of chasing down the player but lacks the strength to hold up when run at. He has also been inconsistent throughout his college career especially when it comes to getting off blocks.

Day three gem in 2021 NFL Draft: Charles Snowden

A player who will likely fall in the 2021 NFL Draft due to injury is Virginia’s Charles Snowden who is coming off of a broken ankle. Despite missing the end of the season  Snowden still recorded ten tackles for loss and six sacks. As a prospect, Snowden has ideal length coming in at 6-foot-6 and is a smart player who is usually in a good position.

Outside linebacker that is the biggest risk in the 2021 NFL Draft: Micah Parsons

Despite being the second highest-rated defensive player in the 2021 NFL Draft, Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons is a risky prospect. One of the concerns teams have with him is his maturity as he has found himself in trouble off the field both in high school and college. Teams also have some questions about his instincts on the field and if he is a player who lives off his pure athletic ability instead of being a truly great football player.

Top small school outside linebacker in 2021 NFL Draft: Chris Garrett

While Concordia’s Chris Garrett only carries a free agent grade, his pass-rushing production should get him a long look in training camp. Garrett finished his college career with 48.5 tackles for loss, 36.5 sacks and 15 forced fumbles. He was also named a Division II All-American twice.

2021 NFL Draft Outside Linebacker Rankings

1. Micah Parsons, Penn State (first round)
2. Zaven Collins, Tulsa (first round)
3. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame (first round)
4. Azeez Ojulari, Georgia (second round)
5. Joseph Ossai, Texas (second round)
6. Patrick Johnson, Tulane (third round)
7. Jabril Cox, LSU (third round)
8. Pete Werner, Ohio State (third round)
9. Charles Snowden, Virginia (fourth round)
10. Jordan Smith, UAB (fifth round)
11. Malcolm Koonce, Buffalo (sixth round)

12. Chris Rumph II, Duke (sixth round)
13. Hamilcar Rashed, Jr., Oregon State (sixth round)
14. Chris Garrett, Concordia (free agent)