Falcons 2021 potential draft pick profile: EDGE/LB Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons is one of the best edge prospects in the country and should be on the Atlanta Falcons’ radar at No. 4 overall. While he’s listed as a linebacker, Parsons’ best fit in the pros is at edge defender.
EDGE/LB Micah Parsons, Pennsylvania State University
6-foot-3, 245 pounds
Stats and Awards
2020: Opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2019: 13 Games Played, 109 Tackles, 14.0 Tackles for Loss, 5.0 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 4 Fumbles Forced, 5 Pass Deflections, All-American, First Team All-Big Ten, Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year, Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP
2018: 13 Games Played, 83 Tackles, 5.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, First Team Freshman All-American
Highlights: Vs. Michigan
Strengths
Micah Parsons’ biggest strength is his ability to get after the passer. His ideal fit would be in a multiple defense that allows him to move around the formation and attack the passer. Parsons is able to shed blocks with ease and has the ability to wrap up on any quarterback or running back and close plays out.
Against the run, he’s one of the smartest defenders coming out of the draft. He knows the angles to attack and is tough to block out of plays. Even if he gets blocked, he’s able to stack-and-shed as a linebacker against the run. He sets the edge effectively and can even play the run well when lined up as a true off-ball linebacker.
The versatility he has to play either edge defender or inside linebacker will help him see a lot of playing time too. Big, strong and fast, Parsons’ athletic profile should be right up there with the Von Millers and Khalil Macks of the world. The difference from guys like Vic Beasley is he’s extremely competitive and has a non-stop motor.
Weaknesses
Over-aggression is something that Parsons will have to overcome at the pro level if he ends up with the wrong defensive coordinator. He’s not a true read-and-react kind of guy, but more of an attack-and-conquer kind of linebacker. Parsons needs more discipline, which definitely shows up in coverage. He’s got the raw abilities to be effective in coverage, but he doesn’t have the instincts yet.
Overview
NFL Stylistic Comparison/Best Case Scenario: Clay Matthews III
Parsons could be a good fit early on rushing the passer and playing the run while continuing to work on his coverage skills. His best attribute is how well he can rush the passer from a multitude of angles. Much like Clay Matthews III, he will be a pass rusher primarily early in his career, but towards the middle of it, could slide into more of a true Mike role.
How Parsons fits into the Falcons’ plans
The Atlanta Falcons could take Parsons in the first round as early as fourth overall, and it would still be a good pick. He could instantly start on the edge in Dean Pees’ defense. Once he improves in coverage, the Falcons could use him as part of a three-man LB unit that’s always out there on the field with Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun.
