Philadelphia Eagles 2021 NFL mock draft: Post-Super Bowl edition

Parsons is the perfect building block in a fractured Philadelphia Eagles defense.

Round 1: Micah Parsons, linebacker, Penn State Nittany Lions

Yes, you read that correctly. The Eagles draft a linebacker in the first round for the first time since the end of the late seventies.

Penn State Nittany Lion linebacker Micah Parsons is arguably the best defensive player in the entire 2021 NFL Draft. With his tone-setting style of play and unique athletic ability, Parsons would have the Philadelphia Eagles defense humming in perfect tune.

A complete defensive nightmare, Parsons is a player coaches have to gameplan for on a week-to-week basis. He’s a three-down backer that can shut down the running game and drop back into coverage (he’s also a problem versus the pass). The Eagles could use him in different packages, especially as a pass-rusher. He has a nose for the ball and loves hitting quarterbacks.

The Philadelphia Eagles have not had a player that matched Micah Parsons’ skill set in a long time, and if they have the opportunity to land him at eight, they have to. Adding his ability to this struggling defense could go a long way in creating a dominant force, while also adding a true emotional leader.