2021 NFL draft inside linebacker rankings: Penn State's Micah Parsons headlines top LB prospects
The 2021 NFL draft will occur across downtown Cleveland locations that include FirstEnergy Stadium (home of the Browns), the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and a select number of prospects will take the stage.
The first round will be held on Thursday, April 29. Rounds 2-3 will take place on Friday, April 30. Rounds 4-7 will be held Saturday, May 1. The draft will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.
USA Today Network NFL reporters break down the draft position-by-position. Here are the top inside linebacker prospects:
1. Micah Parsons, Penn State
Pros: Has top-tier explosion from his lower body. Will catch ball carriers from behind. Brings energy to a defense with his speed and presence. Has the size and strength to start in a three-point stance. Has the speed and quickness to play in space.
Cons: Overcommits to initial reads in coverage and will overshoot his target.
2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Pros: Big-time speed and burst that shows up in all phases of defensive play. Will shift his hips while moving at full speed; able to turn a tight corner without giving ground. Spent a lot of time split out against slot receivers and proved he can run stride for stride with them down the field.
Cons: Undersized for play between the tackles. Won’t take on blocks with a stout presence.
3. Nick Bolton, Missouri
Pros: Built low to the ground with plus speed and strength. Maintains his contact presence on the move and plays with true sideline-to-sideline range. A tackle compiler who always seems to be around the ball. Effective blitzer capable of taking advantage of small windows.
Cons: Late to recognize what the offense is doing and will get caught out of position. Allows the blockers to get the angle on him.
4. Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Pros: Shows coordination, timing, and control when tackling. Brings elite strength and power on the move. Has quality burst as a pass rusher. A natural in coverage who shows the ability to smoothly turn his hips.
Cons: Will play too high at times, especially when engaged with blockers. Will be too aggressive with lateral runs and lose track of cutback responsibilities.
5. Jabril Cox, LSU
Pros: Elite speed and burst for the position. Maintains center of gravity while cutting in and out of traffic. Can put his foot in the ground and explode in any direction. Always around the ball. Comfortable and able in space.
Cons: Inconsistent tackler who will lower his face mask and dive for the ankles.
6. Chazz Surratt, North Carolina
Pros: Has quick and easy change of direction, good closing burst and open-field speed. Will play sideline-to-sideline. Gets around the ball often. Excels in coverage. Can turn and run, plant his foot in the ground and shadow receivers. Makes himself small and slippery to blockers.
Cons: Power presence is lacking. Doesn’t always turn his speed into power. Misses too many tackles.
7. Pete Werner, Ohio State
Pros: Technically sound and consistent. Does the little things right with his footwork and hand striking. Produces pop and power from head to toe. Has the extra downhill burst and will finish off plays. Excellent in coverage. Heady player who is always moving in the right direction.
Cons: Lacks stoutness against the inside run. Needs to show more late movement in a crowd to avoid the meat of a block.
8. Baron Browning, Ohio State
Pros: Plus buildup speed who will pursue well in space. Brings a high level of power presence on contact. Will defend the run inside and out. Can rush the passer as an outside blitzer. Shows quality burst and bend on the outside shoulder of a tackle.
Cons: A liability in zone coverage. Has more speed than he does twitch.
9. Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Pros: Can chase action down laterally and from behind. Brings good power and pop on the move. Will make plenty of plays in space.
Cons: Takes too many recovery steps. Instincts aren’t consistent against the run.
10. Dylan Moses, Alabama
Pros: Puts his foot on the gas and hits his top speed in an instant. Can turn and run with the best. Translates his speed into power. Excels in space.
Cons: Struggles to make consistent reads after the snap. Takes too many false steps. Lacks power presence against blockers.
11. Cameron McGrone, Michigan
Pros: Full of twitch and explosion. Hits zero to 60 in a blink. Maintains body control and accuracy on the move. Has the athletic ability to cover backs, tight ends and slot receivers.
Cons: Gets swallowed and overwhelmed by linemen. Needs to learn to move with gears rather than full speed all the time.
NEXT BEST
12. Derrick Barnes, Purdue
13. Tony Fields II, West Virginia
14. Garret Wallow, TCU
15. K.J. Britt, Aubutn
16. Justin Hilliard, Ohio State
17. Riley Cole, South Alabama
18. Paddy Fisher, Northwestern
19. Ernest Jones, South Carolina
20. Grant Stuard, Houston
21. Tuf Borland, Ohio State