Offense scores touchdowns, but defense wins games. The New England Patriots built their dynasty’s foundation on a stone-wall defense and a quarterback who could control the game. This draft class is loaded with talent across the board. Every position contains a deep pool of valuable players, even in the mid-rounds.
Teams have traded up and down to draft their next franchise player. The Falcons have jumped into the mix, offering their fourth pick to franchises in need to move a few spots for their desired guy. The Patriots are not one of these teams — are you shocked?
New England signed a handful of players to big contracts in the first week of NFL Free Agency. They upgraded positions a lot of analysts, including myself, believed they would address at the draft. However, Bill Belichick needs to address one position in particular. The linebacking corps has begun to show their age, with no signs of the future on the horizon, unless they draft the best defensive player in the draft. Micah Parsons should be a Patriots draft target in the first round.
Patriots Should Draft Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons needs to become a Patriot. His high IQ, defensive awareness and athleticism make an excellent combination for a team losing many veterans in a season or two. The Patriots do not need to jump at a chance to move up in the draft. The 15th pick allows New England to be patient and draft the right guy, which is Parsons.
In only 26 games, Parsons recorded 6.5 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles and five pass deflections. His versatility is unmatched by anyone in this draft. Parson’s best ability is his patience and anticipation, but he also has the power meet runners in the hole and cause a fumble.
His on-field awareness is comparable to that of a young Luke Kuechly. He has the ability to recognize the play, beat the offensive player to the spot and make the tackle.
Dont’a Hightower returns after sitting out 2020 due to COVID. Hightower, the unsung hero in two Super Bowl wins, will be a fantastic mentor to Parsons, providing tips and insight into how the next few seasons will pan out.
Parsons is the missing piece that the Patriots need on defense to be competitive in 2021. In 2002, The Patriots finished 9-7. They drafted DE Ty Warren with the 13th pick; they won the Super Bowl that season.
Defense wins championships.
