The Las Vegas Raiders pick at 17th in this year’s draft and there is a lot they need, especially on the defensive side of the ball. If he’s available, the Raiders should draft Micah Parsons as its linebacker of the future.
Parsons is an absolute stud and would bring serious speed to the defense. He opted out of this past college football season, but that doesn’t take away from this kid’s talent.
Stat Sheet Stuffer
in 2019 at Penn State, Parsons had 109 total tackles, four forced fumbles, and five sacks. Parsons is a sideline to sideline type player and would thrive in Gus Bradley’s defense.
Parsons crushed it at Penn State’s Pro Day. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and added a 10.6 broad jump.
Linebacker isn’t a particular need for the Raiders defense. The team resigned Nicholas Morrow who played well last season, and the team still has Corey Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski who were signed last off-season.
However, Morrow only signed a one-year deal and will most likely test the market next season. Littleton and Kwiatkoski could also be on the move next year if they underperform this upcoming season.
The Raiders should draft Micah Parsons, develop him for a season, and then transition if to the full-time starter in 2022. He could be a cornerstone on this defense for years to come.
Second Coming of Luke Kuechly?
Scouts label Parsons as “the best off-ball linebacker prospect since Luke Kuechly.” That is some pretty high praise. Parsons has a high football IQ like Kuechly but the speed of Devin White.
Parsons doesn’t miss many tackles either, which is an area Vegas struggled with last season. He missed just six tackles in his 2019 season.
From “Sin City” to Win City”
The Raiders need to fill some holes this off-season. The team beefed up the defensive line already, resigned some impact player, and are currently looking to add a veteran in the secondary.
Vegas also needs a right tackle after trading pro bowler Trent Brown to New England. However, this draft class is fairly deep at the position so Vegas should be able to address that need in the second-round.
The Raiders should draft Micah Parsons, and try to sign Xavier Woods and Richard Sherman. Vegas has an efficient offense, but won’t be successful unless they finally fix the defense.
The Organization has seen one winning season since its last trip to the Super Bowl in 2002. Combining speed and veteran leaderships with Bradley’s scheme could bring the Raiders back to what they once were.
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