Lions: 3 team needs with 7th pick in 2021 NFL Draft

2. Linebacker

The Lions brought Dan Campbell into the building to provide new energy to the team. When you look at Detroit’s defense, there’s a lack of energy at the linebacker spot. There’s not enough athleticism when looking at this position so they must consider improving here.

The depth they had at linebacker going into the 2020 season featured: Jahlani Tavai, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Jamie Collins, Anthony Pittman, Christian Jones, Jarrad Davis, and Reggie Ragland. Among them, three are free agents, and Jones was recently released, further proving that this might become a position they’ll need to address soon. Collins is their big name in this position group through his activity in multiple spots on the defense. He’s someone who the Lions have featured on the edge and defensive tackle on top of his linebacker role. What if they got someone who can provide an equal amount of expertise in various areas defensively?

Enter Micah Parsons. Although he wasn’t available for Penn State’s 2020 season, Parsons is seen as the most versatile linebacker in this class. The last time we saw the All-American, he managed to amass 109 total tackles on top of five sacks and four forced fumbles. General Manager Brad Holmes will have to consider this move with Parsons providing such great quality through his 6-foot-3, 244-pound frame. Being able to be in the middle or become a force from the edge would fit really well in Detroit. Since they’re looking for more of a spark when it comes to defense, this would be the best option for them.

This side of the ball was a problem they continuously couldn’t avoid and was arguably the biggest reason they finished fourth in their division. Holmes could elect to have most of his team’s selections come from the defensive side following their ranks of dead last in the NFL in total yards allowed, yards per game, and points per game. If Parsons is on the board, the Lions will have some conversations about him in the war room.