NFL Draft Profiles 2021: Micah Parsons, Dylan Moses

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CLEVELAND- The 2021 NFL Draft features depth at multiple positions. However, the middle linebacker position features two juggernauts that have different strengths but are effective nonetheless. Penn State’s Micah Parsons and Alabama’s Dylan Moses possess skills that spell nightmare for any NFL offense. Here is a look at how these two middle linebackers contrast and how they will be impact players at the next level. These linebackers are first-round talents and should not be on the board during the second round.

Parsons brings a lot of versatility to the table. He has speed, athleticism, awareness, play recognition, range, pursuit, and proper tackling technique. Parsons will give any NFL defense an immediate edge. He is equally effective at stopping the run and pass defense. Using Parsons in blitz packages is a must! Aggressive defensive coordinators should want this linebacker. Parsons looks like a hall of fame level linebacker on film. If he becomes an aggressive linebacker, the sky will be the limit. Scouts want to see more aggression from Parsons. Parsons is clearly a top ten pick in terms of talent but teams may pass on him early to address their needs which will come back to haunt a few of them. When a rookie linebacker brings so much to the table, he should not be on the board in the late first round.

Moses is 6’3, 240 pounds. He is a super athletic middle linebacker. Moses is a true run stopper. However, he lacks pass coverage skills which need addressing. He will need some valuable input from a defensive coordinator. He is decent at open-field tackles and won’t allow much yardage on screenplays. Moses needs to improve his tackling technique and show better-blitzing ability, However, he can absolutely give offensive lineman and running backs a bad day. The team that needs to improve their run defense can benefit from picking Moses. He needs to improve his overall awareness and coverage skills. Overall, he is a master at run-stopping but he doesn’t look nearly as polished as Parsons. Moses also has an injury history that teams need to consider. The stats don’t leap out as he had 40 solo tackles last year which ranked 101st in the nation. He recorded 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. Moses needs to show more consistency overall.

Prediction- Parsons will get the call late in the first round and will play with a chip on his shoulder because of it. Moses looks like a potential late first-round steal if he improves on his pass coverage and awareness. He should be a late first-round pick. Next week, we got more of our NFL Draft profiles.

Parsons- 26th overall pick (Cleveland Browns)

Moses- 32nd overall pick (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)