Micah Parsons...Edge or ILB?

He played off ball LB at PSU, but what most don’t know is he was recruited as an DE/OLB. He moved to LB out of need for the team. He has even said in interviews that he is very comfortable playing outside since he was a pass rusher in high school. Also played RB in high school, go check out some YouTube video of that.

I think the beauty of Parsons is he has the size and speed to be effective in any LB position. He is way faster and bigger than Shaq Barrett of Tampa Bay.

He is also a perfect fit for Graham’s defense.

Who said he was an EDGE? Think of him basically this draft’s Devin White. He’s a classic Mike LB, or he could play stacked OLB, but I don’t think anyone would consider him an EDGE. But that’s okay. That doesn’t mean he can’t rush the passer... he’s actually an excellent pass rusher (just as Devin White is), but he’s gonna be blitzing, not necessarily lining up w/ his hand in the dirt (although who knows, given his size and speed and various skills he’s a dynamic chess piece— I’d love to see all the creative ways Graham could think to use him in). He can also cover and play the run. Just because he’s not an “EDGE” doesn’t mean he doesn’t fill a need— our “need” is guys who can rush the passer, make impact plays on D, and bring some badass attitude to this D... and Parsons would give us all of that.

It’s also nice that Graham’s defensive philosophy doesn’t necessarily require a billion-dollar EDGE to work (as long as he has other guys who can successfully push the pocket and rush the passer, and guys like Parsons who fly sideline to sideline with pure athleticism and instinct all over the field).

I certainly won’t be angry if the pick is Parsons, and even if we instead got an LB in the 2nd round or something, I’d also like to look to get Dayo Odeyingbo who IS more of a classic and very versatile and athletic EDGE. I think Dayo + Parsons (or a different impact LB) could be huge steps to helping this pass rush and shoring up this front 7 in general. Our secondary has the potential to be one of the best in the league IF we could help them out w/ just a little pass rush.

I think Devonta Smith is the one “can’t miss” player if he’s somehow there at #11, but assuming he’s gone I’d love to see Parsons at #11, two solid interior linemen in the 2nd & 3rd, and Dayo in the 4th.

He would play next to Blake Martinez in the spot that our depth chart says is Reggie Ragland/Tae Crowder. The edge would be a combination of Zo Carter, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Anderson, maybe Ximenes. I am sure Parsons would get plenty of blitz opportunities. Either way we need a LB as much as edge. He would still make the defense better.

In comment 15224464 Rjanyg said:

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He played off ball LB at PSU, but what most don’t know is he was recruited as an DE/OLB. He moved to LB out of need for the team. He has even said in interviews that he is very comfortable playing outside since he was a pass rusher in high school. Also played RB in high school, go check out some YouTube video of that. I think the beauty of Parsons is he has the size and speed to be effective in any LB position. He is way faster and bigger than Shaq Barrett of Tampa Bay. He is also a perfect fit for Graham’s defense.

I didn’t realize he was originally recruited as more of an EDGE. I guess it makes sense— with his skill set and physical tools I can imagine he could probably play any position on the field, and typically teams put their nastiest most dynamic player at EDGE. He’s been said to be a bigger faster version of Devin White (wow). It sounds almost sounds like he could be a hybrid of Shaq Barrett and Devin White, with the qualities of both players wrapped up in one. If that’s the case, I think he’d immediately elevate our defense moreso than any other single prospect in this draft (even greater than the impact either Sewell or Smith would have on our offense, although it’d be close).

This team now evaluates players in a different way. If we obtain a player like Parsons who has all the necessary physical gifts to play, it was then on the coaching staff to teach and develop the player and employ them in schemes where the player can be successful. That is what JJ told us. When looking at these players, I wouldn't classify them strictly by position but more if they can contribute to our team's intended need based on our weekly opponent.

In comment 15224471 No Where Man said:

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This team now evaluates players in a different way. If we obtain a player like Parsons who has all the necessary physical gifts to play, it was then on the coaching staff to teach and develop the player and employ them in schemes where the player can be successful. That is what JJ told us. When looking at these players, I wouldn't classify them strictly by position but more if they can contribute to our team's intended need based on our weekly opponent.

Luckily a player like Parsons will likely be successful in pretty much any role he’d be asked to do, but I agree with what you’re saying — it’s enticing to think about Judge and Graham figuring out what Parsons does best and then basically designing schemes based around maximizing his impact. Judge and Graham certainly have the minds to do that IMO. Now that would be fun.

Franklin was so intrigued and impressed by Parson's athleticism that he planned on using him as a kick returner and running back this year.

As long as his intangibles check out...he can play all the LBer spots..and can get to the QB from all angles.

Coverage can use some development.

Maybe of Monty Rice is still on the board. Good instincts and some speed.

Thread. Don’t remember who said it, but one of the many podcasts I ve listened to suggested, Parsons would be the best edge rusher in this class did he play that position.

I had heard that it was said he went to Penn State as an Edge but they needed him inside. How many teams have the luxury of taking a potentially great Edge and moving him inside? And how does it happen that a school with access to the best Football players (in the east at least) not have capable inside LBers? Wasn’t Cam Brown an inside backer when Parsons last played?

Assuming Parsons is there in Round 1 and no other receivers the Giants like fall to 11, Parsons either will be the Giants’ pick or off their board. All the other edge players (OLBs or DEs) are in the next tier.

Your whole defense around so if he is your Joker or Buck or whatever, that’s fine. Certainly, his ego can handle being a Star. I’m not sure Judge or Graham want that kind of player.

In comment 15224521 Ivan15 said:

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Your whole defense around so if he is your Joker or Buck or whatever, that’s fine. Certainly, his ego can handle being a Star. I’m not sure Judge or Graham want that kind of player.

Giants s can use a few more stars with ego, not sure why that s bad. Didn’t Strahan kind of fit that description?

He went inside due to necessity but has the traits to play outside. Obviously not as polished due to where he spent most of his time but the skill/athleticism is there. I don't know about the bend as far as a pure pass rusher but I do feel like those saying he cant take on blocks are nitpicking a stellar prospect. He's the total package.

As for attitude, character, star ego etc...the hazing bit needs to be investigated but despite all the noise in that department literally nothing else has been quantified. There havent even been any "anonymous leaks" about anything.

As for his personality and if Judge wants a star ego or big personality...what about Golladay? There were some questions as to whether he mailed it in late in the year due to injury, and he took to twitter to direct comments at the Lions like "That shit gonna cost you" after posting a big game. That is absolutely star ego, and they rolled out the red carpet for him. He passed the culture test and it was all hands on deck. So i dont think we can just rule guys out automatically. The regime has a threshold for that kinda stuff, but A) we dont know what it is and B) we don't really know Parsons.

At this point drafting him would definitely add a major playmaker to our defense but more of a project as an edge.

Inside linebacker, that is his position and where he would be inedible up in our base defense, but he can be moved all over, he is fast enough to stay with a wide reciever yet big enough to line up on the edge on passing downs, I agree that he would make a great tool for Graham on this defense, but he is not an edge rusher ge is an inside linebacker in a 3-4.

In comment 15224531 j_rud said:

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He went inside due to necessity but has the traits to play outside. Obviously not as polished due to where he spent most of his time but the skill/athleticism is there. I don't know about the bend as far as a pure pass rusher but I do feel like those saying he cant take on blocks are nitpicking a stellar prospect. He's the total package. As for attitude, character, star ego etc...the hazing bit needs to be investigated but despite all the noise in that department literally nothing else has been quantified. There havent even been any "anonymous leaks" about anything. As for his personality and if Judge wants a star ego or big personality...what about Golladay? There were some questions as to whether he mailed it in late in the year due to injury, and he took to twitter to direct comments at the Lions like "That shit gonna cost you" after posting a big game. That is absolutely star ego, and they rolled out the red carpet for him. He passed the culture test and it was all hands on deck. So i dont think we can just rule guys out automatically. The regime has a threshold for that kinda stuff, but A) we dont know what it is and B) we don't really know Parsons.

For guys wanting to get an idea of his hands,twitch and bend, I suggest going to YouTube and watching his pro day. His quickness, fluidity and hand usage are too notch. I see him as a starting OLB that could move inside. I could see a starting LB unit of Ragland and Martinez inside with Parsons and the best player of the rest ( Anderson, Carter, Ximines, Odenyigbo, Coughlin, Brown ) playing outside. The switch to the hybrid 3-4 would be complete.

In comment 15224467 Leg of Theismann said:

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Who said he was an EDGE? Think of him basically this draft’s Devin White. He’s a classic Mike LB, or he could play stacked OLB, but I don’t think anyone would consider him an EDGE. But that’s okay. That doesn’t mean he can’t rush the passer... he’s actually an excellent pass rusher (just as Devin White is), but he’s gonna be blitzing, not necessarily lining up w/ his hand in the dirt (although who knows, given his size and speed and various skills he’s a dynamic chess piece— I’d love to see all the creative ways Graham could think to use him in). He can also cover and play the run. Just because he’s not an “EDGE” doesn’t mean he doesn’t fill a need— our “need” is guys who can rush the passer, make impact plays on D, and bring some badass attitude to this D... and Parsons would give us all of that. It’s also nice that Graham’s defensive philosophy doesn’t necessarily require a billion-dollar EDGE to work (as long as he has other guys who can successfully push the pocket and rush the passer, and guys like Parsons who fly sideline to sideline with pure athleticism and instinct all over the field). I certainly won’t be angry if the pick is Parsons, and even if we instead got an LB in the 2nd round or something, I’d also like to look to get Dayo Odeyingbo who IS more of a classic and very versatile and athletic EDGE. I think Dayo + Parsons (or a different impact LB) could be huge steps to helping this pass rush and shoring up this front 7 in general. Our secondary has the potential to be one of the best in the league IF we could help them out w/ just a little pass rush. I think Devonta Smith is the one “can’t miss” player if he’s somehow there at #11, but assuming he’s gone I’d love to see Parsons at #11, two solid interior linemen in the 2nd & 3rd, and Dayo in the 4th.

I would like Odeynigbo in round 4. Parsons round 1, OL and WR round 2 & 3.

In comment 15224522 joeinpa said:

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In comment 15224521 Ivan15 said: Quote: Your whole defense around so if he is your Joker or Buck or whatever, that’s fine. Certainly, his ego can handle being a Star. I’m not sure Judge or Graham want that kind of player. Giants s can use a few more stars with ego, not sure why that s bad. Didn’t Strahan kind of fit that description?

Agree! This D needs that Alpha male if you will. That crazed dog leader!

Graham can utilize him to the best of his ability?

It's a great question. I think the answer is TBD, which is kind of scary.

If you take an inside linebacker at #11, he had better be another Patrick Willis.

imv, so I wouldn’t definitively label him at the moment

In comment 15224519 Ivan15 said:

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I had heard that it was said he went to Penn State as an Edge but they needed him inside. How many teams have the luxury of taking a potentially great Edge and moving him inside? And how does it happen that a school with access to the best Football players (in the east at least) not have capable inside LBers? Wasn’t Cam Brown an inside backer when Parsons last played? Assuming Parsons is there in Round 1 and no other receivers the Giants like fall to 11, Parsons either will be the Giants’ pick or off their board. All the other edge players (OLBs or DEs) are in the next tier.

Parsons being moved to ILB at Penn State implies that this is his best position. Edge pass rushers are much rarer in the college game, too. So he’s an ILB. I don’t necessarily see that as a problem. Was Luke Kuechly overdrafted? No.

If you can draft him, draft him. Then turn him loose and watch him wreak havoc on opposing offenses, and in the process elevate the play of his fellow defenders. Parsons is the only defensive player I'd take in the 1st Round because I believe he's that good.

In comment 15224639 cosmicj said:

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...Parsons being moved to ILB at Penn State implies that this is his best position. Edge pass rushers are much rarer in the college game, too. So he’s an ILB. I don’t necessarily see that as a problem. Was Luke Kuechly overdrafted? No.

cosmicj, to flesh out your line of thinking, but on the opposite tack, is rjanyg's comment:

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He played off ball LB at PSU, but what most don’t know is he was recruited as an DE/OLB. He moved to LB out of need for the team. He has even said in interviews that he is very comfortable playing outside since he was a pass rusher in high school. Also played RB in high school, go check out some YouTube video of that.

For those familiar with PSU last year, how good was its talent at OLB? In other words, if they were strong at the OLB position, it tends to validate ryanyg's thought; if not, then maybe Parsons was moved due to lack of fit outside.

I think about position groups and how I would rate them; Micah Parsons is a guy that really begins to stand out especially at pick number 11. Assuming Chase, Pitts, Surtain, Sewell, and Slater are off the board when the Giants make their pick; that would leave Parsons, the Bama receivers, and the edge rushers on the board.
The question the Giants may be faced with when it comes to Parsons would be is a guy with a draft grade of 90 at ILB better than a guy with an 85 grade at edge or WR?
The Giants may have an edge or a WR with the same grade as Parsons available when they pick, which, I think would make that decision much easier. We shall see come draft night.

I used to believe that the D needed to have someone coming of the edge that could get to the QB nearly every down or cause enough pressure/disruption that the OL had to account for them. Whether that is an OLB like LT or DE like Strahan was not relevant, but no I wonder if NFL offenses have adjusted their schemes to account for the prototypical ER pass rushers and neutralize them.

If Graham's defense is premised on multiples and not being predictable from game to game, then I assume he would use a player like Parsons different from game to game and series to series. What does he do well? How does he match up against X player? What is the down/distance and game time situation? If the Giants take Parsons at 11 then I think they will have various packages for him to be deployed to take advantage of his strengths and not just relegate him to one role on D.