2021 NFL Draft- Defensive Prospect - Team Pairings
In my last article, I highlighted four of the top offensive prospects and NFL teams that would be good fits for them at the next level. While this year’s draft class is filled with offensive talent at every position, it also has its fair share of defensive prospects with Pro Bowl potential and likely top picks this off-season. Even though these picks are not likely to happen, it is still interesting to pair prospects with teams that be a win-win situation for both parties and would certainly be a win for the fans. Here are four defensive prospects that will hear their names called in the first round and teams that would be great fits.
Gregory rousseau | edge/dl | Miami - Atlanta Falcons
Before deciding to opt out of the 2020 college football season, Miami pass rusher Gregory Rousseau was viewed by many as the top pass rusher and a consensus top 10 pick. While he may not be a top 10 pick, he still has the potential to be the top pass rusher in the class and would be a great fit for the Falcons defense. Atlanta hasn’t had a consistent pass rush threat over the last few years aside from the one breakout year from former Falcon Vic Beasley. Rousseau could step in as a day 1 starter on the Falcons defensive line and be an impact player next to star lineman Grady Jarrett.
MICAH PARSONs | LB | PENN STATE - PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Penn State standout Micah Parsons is another top college athlete who decided to opt out and while he may have lost a little steam due to lack of 2020 tape, he is still the top LB in the draft and should be a top 10 pick. Why not pair Parsons with his former Nittany Lion teammate and current Eagles RB Miles Sanders in the city of brotherly love. The Eagles have been searching for a leader in their LB group and Parsons would fill that role perfectly. Parsons is the complete package and everything the Eagles are looking for in a LB. This pairing just makes sense.
Kwity paye | Edge | michigan - new York jets
The New York Jets have been searching for stability at pass rusher for a last few years and haven’t had a defender register 10 sacks or more since Muhammad Wilkerson since 2015. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is on the rise for the Jets but they still lack a true pass rusher on the outside which is what makes Michigan’s Kwity Paye such a good fit. Paye is a versatile defender who lined up all over the Wolverine defense and would be a good piece for the Jets and first HC Robert Saleh. Saleh is one of the best defensive minded coaches in the league so to give him a defender with high upside like Paye would certainly be a fun pairing.
Caleb Farley | cb | virginia tech - Denver broncos
Rounding out the list is Virginia Tech standout CB Caleb Farley who would be a great fit with the Denver Broncos in HC Vic Fangio’s defense. The Broncos released AJ Bouye this off-season and with Bryce Callahan likely the top CB currently on the roster, Farley could step in right away as a starter across from Callahan. Farley is a tall, rangy CB with good athleticism and has shown to be able to keep up with opposing WRs whenever he steps on the field. Fangio needs a big CB in his defense and Caleb Farley could be that guy.