2021 NFL Draft: LB Rankings

We’re on to the linebackers. It’s a good group this year with a lot of talented guys with different skillsets. A few will definitely go in the first round. Here’s how I stacked them.

1. Micah Parsons, Penn State

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 246 lbs

Parsons is a special talent. He has elite athleticism and unmatched explosiveness. He was a defensive end in high school, and that definitely shows in his tape. He’s easily the best pass-rushing linebacker in this class. He’s also a very good tackler and run defender. He could fit in pretty much any defense. He’ll have to get better in coverage, but with his tools, I don’t see that being an issue.

Giants select Micah Parsons in Peter Schrager's first mock draft
Image from Giants Wire

2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 221 lbs

JOK is a modern NFL linebacker. He actually played the majority of his 2020 snaps as a slot corner. He’s a unique blend of speed, coverage skills, and anticipation. He also makes a ton of plays in the backfield. However, he tends to miss a lot of tackles because he’s so overeager to make the play. He’s on the smaller side for a linebacker, but if he’s used correctly, that won’t matter. 

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame - NFL Draft Player Profile | PFN
Image from Pro Football Network

3. Zaven Collins, Tulsa

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 259 lbs

Once an unheralded high school prospect, Collins has vaulted into first round consideration. He’s a big dude that moves seamlessly on the field. He sees plays before they happen, which makes him excellent in coverage. He’s not the most physical player, but his awareness allows him to get into the backfield for big stops. At his size, you’d like to see him be more aggressive, but he’s a consistent tackler nonetheless. 

Cleveland Browns can attack NFL Draft in plethora of ways - Page 2
Image from Dawg Pound Daily

4. Jamin Davis, Kentucky

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 234 lbs

Davis broke out in 2020. He’s another elite athlete who killed his pro day (4.37 40, 42” vertical, 132” broad). He’s a good tackler, as he had a missed tackle rate of just 7.0% in 2020. His burst gives him an edge in run defense, and his speed and length give him an edge in coverage. Overall, he’s pretty inexperienced, but he has all the tools to be a very good NFL player.

Jamin Davis - Football - University of Kentucky Athletics
Image from UK Athletics

5. Nick Bolton, Missouri

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 237 lbs

Bolton is the best classic MIKE LB in this group. He’s not an insane physical specimen, but that doesn’t stop him from being a hard-hitter. He’s well-experienced, and as a result, he’s got great instincts. His physical tools will prevent him from being elite in coverage, but he’ll be a solid starter for a long time. 

Todd McShay's 2021 NFL mock draft: Saints pick Missouri LB Nick Bolton
Image from Saints Wire

6. Jabril Cox, LSU

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 232 lbs

7. Baron Browning, Ohio State

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 245 lbs

8. Cameron McGrone, Michigan

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 234 lbs

9. Chazz Surratt, North Carolina

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 229 lbs

10. Dylan Moses, Alabama

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 235 lbs

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