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2021 NFL Mock Draft: Mac Jones explodes into top 5 in final edition

By Connor Muldowney

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 07: Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after making a tackle Kevin Marks #5 of the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 07: Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after making a tackle Kevin Marks #5 of the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

LB. Penn State. Micah Parsons. 17. player. Pick Analysis. 28. Scouting Report

No, I’m not crazy and yes, I do think Micah Parsons could see a little slip down the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft not because he’s lacking talent, but rather because he’s not the top need for most teams ahead of the Raiders.

There also may be a little concern that he hasn’t played since 2019 when he broke out with the Nittany Lions, but it shouldn’t be a turn off for teams looking for a linebacker. A lot of guys going in the first round opted out in 2020 and he shouldn’t be penalized for it.

But the Raiders would be crazy to pass him up if he fell all the way to No. 17 especially since their top needs of an offensive tackle and interior defensive lineman wouldn’t be nearly as talented here. An interior lineman would be a bit of a reach and a the top three tackles are already off the board.

Parsons is the best linebacker in the draft and he’s going to be a star at the next level. He’s a top-10 talent dropping to the teens and Las Vegas would be lucky to land him here. The Raiders could even trade up for him.

In his final season at Penn State as a sophomore, Parsons had 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, five pass breakups, and four forced fumbles — not too shabby.

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