2021 NFL Draft: Micah Parsons headlines athletic group of LBs

With the 2021 NFL Draft less than a week away, we keep the ball rolling with the linebacker rankings. I’ve ranked the defensive interior and the edge rushers, but this list is more about the traditional linebacker prospects, both outside and inside.

Take a look below as I rank the top-10 at the LB position. This is another extremely versatile group that can help defenses of all types and schemes. Linebackers are becoming more athletic in today’s game, and this exciting group can help NFL defensive coordinators stay competitive each and every week.

Micah Parsons the top LB in 2021 NFL Draft

One of the best talents in the entire 2021 NFL Draft heading into this past college season, Parsons is the total package at the linebacker position. He can play inside and outside, with the explosion to get into the backfield consistently and make big plays for turnovers. He is an outstanding blitzer that is only scratching the surface of his potential.

Due to an opt-out in 2020, Parsons is somewhat of a forgotten man and has tumbled down boards in the process. However, he reminded those of his freakish ability and athleticism at his recent Pro Day. He ran a 4.39 at 6-foot-3, 246 pounds, and showcased some scary movement skills. Parsons could prove to be one of the gems of this class and he is a steal if taken anywhere outside the top 10.

2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koromoah – Notre Dame

In terms of versatility, Owusu-Koromoah rivals Parsons as a bonafide first-rounder that can be great at multiple positions. JOK has experience at both linebacker and safety with the fighting Irish, which should help his positioning in the 2021 NFL Draft. As NFL offenses become more athletic and explosive, JOK offers the ability to run side-to-side to chase ball carriers while lining up against bigger slot receivers and tight ends.

He was a man on a mission for the Irish during their College Football Playoff push this past season. That additional exposure certainly suited Owusu-Koromoah, as he was able to show off his range and playmaking ability on a regularly. He could star at either position in the NFL and should be a cinch top-20 pick.

3. Zaven Collins – Tulsa

Zaven Collins is a player that burst onto the 2021 NFL Draft scene in 2020. Most casual fans did not know this versatile playmaker a few months ago, but Collins has made a huge name for himself during the offseason. Like Parsons, Collins is an inside-outside capable prospect and could fit in multiple defensive schemes. As a linebacker, he’s a sure tackler and excellent blitzer.

The level of competition may knock Collins down a peg or two on draft day, but the first round still seems likely. For teams in need of help at linebacker, there aren’t many safer picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. He looks like a day one starter and a potential top-25 pick.

4. Dylan Moses – Alabama

One of my favorite players in the entire 2021 NFL Draft, Dylan Moses has received much fanfare during his time in Tuscaloosa. He was once thought about as a surefire top-10 pick, but injuries and inconsistent play have knocked him down into the second-round area.

Moses is a former prep stud that has started for Alabama since his freshman season and has made plays all over. He may have the best range and athleticism for the position, and could certainly outplay his draft positioning in a few seasons. If he can prove healthy after missing a full season in 2019 for the Crimson Tide, Moses will make an excellent starter at the next level.

5. Jamin Davis – Kentucky

Davis is another relative unknown to the casual NFL Draft fan, but his game is NFL-ready and he is starting to make a name for himself. Davis is a dark horse first-round possibility after showcasing some serious speed and playmaking ability this past season at Kentucky.

He’s a complete inside linebacker prospect with great size, range, and tons of experience in the powerhouse SEC conference and will be ready to step in day one to start. Davis has been pegged by some to go as high as the top-20, but I see him settling in somewhere around the middle of round two.

6. Baron Browning – Ohio State

Browning is another 2021 NFL Draft favorite of mine as yet another versatile player with experience inside and out for the Buckeyes. He showed the ability to create consistent pressure off the edge and up the middle for Ohio State this season. That pressure allows Browning the ability to get timely turnovers and get the ball back for his offense.

Browning is also a tremendous leader that has started a ton of games for Ohio State the past few seasons. Ohio State has produced solid linebacker talent in recent years such as Jerome Baker, Malik Harrison, and Raekwon McMillan to name a few. Browning is the next name in that long line and should become a starter quickly in the NFL. He’s a rock-solid pick in the middle-to-late second round.

7. Nick Bolton – Missouri

Another excellent inside linebacker prospect, Bolton has been on the radars of NFL teams since even before this past season. He was one of the fiercest hitters in all of college football the past few seasons and will be a day one starter in the NFL. He does a great recognizing and diagnosing plays quickly and tracking down ball carriers before the play even starts.

Bolton has accumulated 16.5 tackles for a loss the past two seasons in the SEC to go along with three sacks and two interceptions. His playmaking ability will earn him looks at the end of the first round, but he should settle in as a rock-solid second-rounder.

8. Jabril Cox – LSU

The LSU Tigers have produced a ridiculous amount of talented prospects on both offense and defense during the past decade. And that certainly applies to the linebacker position with guys like Deion Jones, K’Lavon Chaisson, Patrick Queen, and Kevin Minter in recent years. Jabril Cox is the next in line and is only start to tap into his immense potential the past few seasons.

As a former transfer from North Dakota State, Cox experienced a big jump in competition and speed this last season for the Tigers. However, that leap did not seem to bother Cox, as he racked up 58 total tackles, three interceptions and a sack. He’s a violent hitter than can create turnovers and shows the speed to run and chase down ball carriers consistently. He should wind up as an eventual starter as a fourth-round pick.

9. Chazz Surratt – North Carolina

As I previously mentioned, the NFL is changing on offense and it is important to have players that can matchup all over the field. Chazz Surratt is that type of chess piece that defensive coordinators are looking for. As a former athletic quarterback prospect, Surratt has terrific movement skills and the speed to track down ball carriers and tight ends.

Surratt is also raw for the position but shows tremendous potential for a player in only his third season as a starter at linebacker. Chances are that Surratt’s best days are ahead of him, which could make him a steal for an NFL team. He may not be starter-ready, but he’s well worth the gamble anywhere from Round 3 on.

10. Pete Werner – Ohio State

The Buckeyes have three linebackers available for the 2021 NFL Draft, and Werner may be the most reliable and consistent one. A true inside linebacker prospect, Werner projects as a player that can play all three downs at the next level with great instincts and toughness.

Werner isn’t a big linebacker, which could limit his effectiveness on certain defenses. However, he is a great leader and smart enough to make plays anywhere. Werner also does a good job recognizing how to make plays in the passing lanes and limit opposing offenses from the linebacker position. He should be drafted before the end of the fourth round.