Round 1, pick No. 5: Micah Parsons, LB – Penn State
An elite playmaker at inside linebacker, whose natural position is at defensive end, Parsons has the chance to anchor the Giants’ front-seven and provide immediate help for one of the NFL’s least productive pass rushes.
Not only does Parsons quickly get downhill and into the backfield with speed and explosiveness, but he’s a sideline-to-sideline defender with the athletic ability to make plays in the open field.
Prior to opting out this season out of COVID-19 concerns and to begin preparing for the NFL Draft, produced 99 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, forced six fumbles and recovered one in two seasons in Happy Valley.
Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham could deploy Parsons all over the field, either maximizing his ability to be a heat-seeking missile when blitzing up the a-gap or utilizing his cover-skills by dropping him against tight ends or running backs. The combination of Parsons and Blake Martinez could be a formidable and productive one for the Giants.