NFL Mock Draft 2021: Penn State Football’s Micah Parsons slides?

Penn State Football All-American linebacker Micah Parsons might be the most gifted defensive prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft, but that doesn’t guarantee that he’ll be a top-10 selection.

The combination of possibly four quarterbacks being chosen in the top-five picks and perhaps as many as five in the top-10, could push some of the class’s premier offensive talents — and defensive playmakers like Parsons down the board.

That’s exactly what happens in NFL Network analyst Peter Schrager’s latest NFL Mock Draft 2021 projection, as Parsons slips out of the top-15, landing with the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 17 overall selection:

"No. 17: Las Vegas Raiders – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn StateFrom what I’m told, the feeling around the league is the Raiders will focus on pass rush or offensive tackle with their first-round pick. Parsons would be a perfect fit for a team that already added Yannick Ngakoue this offseason."

Parsons’ versatility to make plays from the inside linebacker spot, as well as a pass-rusher, could be exactly what the Raiders need on defense.

Shaka Toney, who played two seasons in front of Parsons at defensive end, believes that NFL teams that pass on Parsons could be passing up on a legitimate annual Defensive Player of The Year candidate.

“You’re getting the best linebacker in the draft,” Toney told FanSided’s Matt Lombardo on the Matt Lombardo Show. “He’s going sideline to sideline. He’ll clean up other guy’s mistakes. The thing about Micah is, he’s relentless. He’s one of those once in a generation players.”