2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders all-defense 3-round mock draft

2021 NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders all-defense 3-round mock draft

We have talked at length about Micah Parsons being one of the top prospects in this draft and it may be a miracle if he lasts until the 17th pick, but in this mock draft he slipped past half the league and ended up in Las Vegas. Many mocks have him linked with teams like the New York Giants, New England Patriots, or Detroit Lions, all of whom pick before the Raiders as the order stands today.

Parsons established himself as a top-tier prospect with two years of excellent play at Penn State before choosing to opt-out of his final season after the initial COVID cancellations. He further cemented that status with a blazing 40 yard dash time of 4.39 seconds at his pro day and measured in at 6-3, 235lbs.

There are two primary concerns with Parsons, some character or maturity questions from a hazing incident early in his college career, and his struggles in pass coverage. He can always improve as a pass defender over time and his athleticism can help him make up for mistakes but the Raiders will have to determine if he has matured enough to be worth the selection.

If the Raiders select Parsons, he can come in right away and compete for any of the three linebacker positions and provide depth that they are sorely lacking. Parsons can be brought along slowly but still given a chance to make impact plays as both an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher.