1) Micah Parsons, LB
Penn State’s other-worldly linebacker, Micah Parsons, would give the Giants arguably the best defensive player in the draft. We’ve already seen what Patrick Graham can do with untapped talent in Leonard Williams – imagine what he can do with Parsons.
The former Nittany Lion would give the Giants their version of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, Devin White. Some have even pegged Parsons as brimming with potential to be better than White – already one of the best linebackers in the league.
Parsons’ speed, athleticism and intangibles are first-class. His highlight reel plays like top-level cinema to scouts everywhere.
His pro day was stuff of legends – and Giants’ coach Joe Judge witnessed it first hand along with his assistant, Sean Spencer. His freakish ability was on display – posting a 4.39 40-yard dash, 39.5” vertical jump and 134” broad jump.
Parsons’ terrorized quarterbacks and running-backs alike while playing at Penn State – he’d do the same thing in New York. Adding him to a defense that already features Williams, Blake Martinez, Dexter Lawrence and one of the best secondaries in the league would scary – giving the Giants their most talented defense since the days of Michael Strahan.
With the possibility of five quarterbacks drafted before the eleventh pick, Parsons falling to the Giants isn’t unrealistic at all. If he’s still there when Roger Goodell announces the New York Giants are on the clock, they shouldn’t have any qualms about taking him.
Parsons may be the best defensive player in the draft – with Graham coaching him, he could simply become the best player from this draft class.