#242: 2021 Dash To The Draft (LB with Bill Carroll)

Sports Krunch w/DKROM

1. Today was the Penn State Pro Day and the consensus #1 linebacker in this draft Micah Parsons blew the roof off the facility with his freakish athleticism, most notably his sub-4.4. 40. But as you know more than anyone else, the tape matters FAR more than a Pro Day for any prospect. Based on the tape alone, why is Parsons the best LB in this draft class?

2. But as amazing as Parsons is on the field, he is, to put it mildly, a headache off the field. As my friend Erick Trickel of MileHighHuddle.com noted earlier today, Reuben Foster was considered a top-10 prospect in 2017, and character concerns nearly caused him to fall out of the first round altogether…and the red flags on Parsons are even worse. How far do you see Parsons falling?

3. An increasing trend in the NFL these days is that of the so-called “position-less” defender. Last year, we had Isaiah Simmons, who was listed as a linebacker, even though he could also be a safety, part-time EDGE, ad boundary corner. This year, Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is another such prospect. He may be universally listed as a linebacker, but many, including you, don’t see him that way. What is his best role in the NFL and how high will he get drafted because of his versatility?

4. Another outstanding LB prospect in this class is Zaven Collins out of Tulsa. He may be 260 pounds, but he moves around MUCH quicker for someone his size, is scheme versatile, and is the ultimate playmaker as he recorded four interceptions, two TD’s, one safety and one forced fumble this year alone. Would you be surprised if he ended up as the best linebacker from this class in the long run?

5. The University of Kentucky has sent two solid ‘backers to the NFL in recent years, Wesley Woodyard and Danny Trevathan. And this year, Jamin Davis hopes to add to that lineage. Davis has astronomically risen up draft boards throughout this process. 2020 was his only year as a starter, yet he absolutely broke out, totaling 102 tackles, four TFL’s, 1.5 sacks, 3 INT’s (one for a TD, the other that set up the game-clinching TD for the Wildcats in the Gator Bowl). How does Davis compare to Woodyard and Trevathan as prospects, and do you think he’ll be an even better pro than both?

6. Another prospect that has shot up draft boards due to a breakout 2020 campaign is LSU’s Jabril Cox. Cox spent the first three years of his college career at North Dakota State before transferring to LSU this past year, and he did very well down in Baton Rouge, posting 58 tackles, 6.5 TFL, five pass breakups, and three interceptions (one of which was returned for a score). The main issue with him according to Dane Brugler, is his run defense, but do you think his abilities in coverage make him warrant a higher selection given that the NFL is the ultimate pass-happy league now?

7. Buy Or Sell

-Nick Bolton: Buy

-Baron Browning: Buy on late Day 2/3, but not early

-Chazz Surratt: Buy

-Cameron McGrone: Buy Day 3

-Dylan Moses: Sell

-Pete Werner: Buy

-Garret Wallow: Buy

8. Best Team Fits:

-Micah Parsons: Cowboys, Washington, Dolphins

-Zaven Collins: Vikings

-Jamin Davis: Cardinals, Bucs

-Jabril Cox: Steelers

-Nick Bolton: Patriots, Dolphins, Titans

-Pete Werner: Giants, Packers

-Chazz Surratt: Chargers

-Garret Wallow: Seahawks, Lions