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NFL Draft 2021: 3 NY Giants targets that are ideal fits post-free agency

By Matt Lombardo

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a reception in the first half against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver DeVonta Smith #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes a reception in the first half against the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 19, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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NY Giants
Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Micah Parsons (Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports) /

1) LB Micah Parsons, Penn State

The NY Giants have meaningful interest in Penn State All-American linebacker Micah Parsons.

That’s the only conclusion to draw from head coach Joe Judge and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham being in attendance for Penn State Football‘s pro day on Thursday.

Parsons went on to put on a show, running the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds.

A strong case can be made that Parsons is the premier defensive prospect in this year’s class; a dominant sideline-to-sideline player in coverage, with the ability to get downhill in a hurry when rushing the passer, and the versatility to line up at inside linebacker or come off the edge, he is a plug-and-play starter at the NFL level.

A dynamic playmaker, Parsons produced 109 tackles and five sacks in 2019, two years after arriving in Happy Valley as a five-star defensive end recruit and the top player at his position in his recruiting cycle.

Some teams have raised red-flags over Parsons’ character concerns off the field. However, the fact that NY Giants defensive line coach Sean Spencer served in the same capacity on James Franklin’s staff during during Parsons’ career at Penn State could be an asset to Judge and GM Dave Gettleman in their evaluation of Parsons.

The NY Giants need to add a dominant playmaker alongside Blake Martinez in the middle of the defense, and Parsons flashed his athleticism Thursday in front of two of the organization’s most influential decision-makers.

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.

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