NFL Draft Scouting Report: Micah Parsons

posted April 23, 2021 in NFL Draft by Emma Holtz.

The Blue and White are bringing worthy candidates to the 2021 NFL draft table. One of the most notable names in the mix is Micah Parsons, a junior linebacker from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Formerly a five-star prospect and No. 7 ranked player in the recruiting class of 2018, Parsons turned down offers from Power Five schools in pursuit of his excellence and chose Penn State.

In high school, Parsons trained as a running back and had a stellar season. With only 109 total carries, Parsons accumulated 1,239 yards and 27 touchdowns. Once he assimilated to Penn State, he showed early signs of leadership as a true freshman amongst his teammates.

Head coach James Franklin acknowledged Parsons’ pass-rush prowess and moved him to the middle linebacker position. The 2019 season proved to be Parsons’ most lethal, with 5.0 sacks, 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five pass deflections and four forced fumbles.

Parsons brings his decorated football career to the draft table. According to Penn State Athletics, his six career forced fumbles tied him for seventh-all time at Penn State.

Due to COVID-19 uncertainties, Parsons decided on Aug. 6, 2020 to forgo the remainder of his eligibility as a Nittany Lion to set his sights on the 2021 NFL Draft.

During Penn State’s pro day, Parsons showcased his speed and agility with an impressive 40-yard dash time of 4.39. His explosive speed and heightened reflexes allows him to quickly change his point of attack without compromising his burst of energy.

Parsons’ fiery demeanor benefits his gameplay. His aggressive strategy combined with natural agility gives Parsons an edge when it comes to staying consistently competitive even when tired. However, a temper could be viewed negatively in the eyes of coaches looking for developing prospects.

In 2019, Parsons was suspended from a game against the University of Minnesota due to a “behavioral modification issue.”

Without a traditional combine, NFL teams must rely on the visual evidence provided at college pro days. In terms of reliability, players could have good and bad days. Parsons’ instincts are known to be inconsistent as well as his effectiveness in coverage. A good pro day does not always signal success in the NFL, but Parsons’ future looks promising.

Penn State’s history of producing NFL caliber linebackers shows itself once again with Parsons. The Detroit Lions are rumored to be favoring Parsons since the organization picks seventh in the first round of the draft. However, nothing is guaranteed until NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces any prospect’s name.

A favorite of many NFL organizations and Penn Staters alike, Parsons has scheme flexibility and shows an advanced ability to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar territory.

Emma Holtz is a freshman majoring in public relations. To contact her, email exh5337@psu.edu.