2021 NFL Draft: Breaking down the top three linebackers

Micah Parsons, Penn State

Micah Parsons decided to opt-out of the previous shortened season to prepare for the NFL Draft. It was a good idea for the Penn State product as he was able to get ready for the testing involved and it kept his body healthy. He was the best linebacker in college two seasons ago after his Sophomore year and that propelled him to be the top linebacker in this class as well.

Parsons might not have spent a single snap on the grass fields in Happy Valley but his tape and athletic ability have allowed him to stay on top of the rankings here. This guy is really something special and will be great at the next level as well. He tested extremely well at his pro day and that just showed how well conditioned this prospect is. He was the leader on those Penn State defenses over the past couple of seasons and that will also help him at the next level. Inside linebackers need to be vocal and leaders on the field to get their defenses set.

Parsons just jumps out on tape every game that he played in college and he is a sure-fire top 15 pick when it is all said and done in this draft. He should be selected higher but with the need for quarterbacks early, he might slip a little. It will be very tough for teams to pass up on this player as he is going to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL for years to come. His youth is still there and that is just another checkmark to raise his draft stock even more as the first round gets closer and closer.

The 2021 NFL Draft has some very nice prospects coming into the NFL roaming the middle of defenses. These three should be great players in the NFL going forward, and all three could wind up in the first round this April.