The 2021 NFL Draft has come and gone; There are a few players that will come right in and make an impact both in fantasy football and real-life football. Several surprises, teams grabbing late round gems, while others were reaching for what they hope to be franchise-altering player. So much to talk about so let’s dig right in. Below are three stud defensive players that are ready to make that impact on their new teams in the NFL.
Micah Parsons – Dallas Cowboys
Nick Bolton – Kansas City Chiefs
Zaven Collins – Arizona Cardinals
Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons might just end up being the best rookie linebacker of the 2021 draft class. Parsons put up monster numbers in 2018 and 2019 before opting out of the 2020 season. In his two seasons at Penn State, he amassed 191 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. Had Parsons played in 2020, he would garnered another 100+ tackle season – which would have put him over 300 for his collegiate career! That’s an insane amount of tackle production for a player in college.
The Dallas Cowboys drafted Parsons with their 12th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. There are many out there who wonder how he might fit in with guys like Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith are still on the roster. What would Parsons snap count look like, etc? Parsons is too talented to not be on the field at all times. Having run a 4.39 in the 40 yard dash in the combine earlier this year, which is the second fastest time in the last 15 years (Isiaah Simmons 4.39 2020), Parsons has blazing sideline to sideline speed.
With Vander Esch’s bad luck with injuries and with his fifth year option not picked up by the Cowboys, this is an opportunity for Parsons to cement himself as not only a dominant player on the team, but a true leader of that defense.
Parsons will garner more and more attention, especially in the fantasy football draft world as we get closer to training camps. He will definitely become a top-10 IDP producer.
Predictions for 2021: 100+ tackles, 5+ sacks
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Nick Bolton
Nick Bolton, though not as widely known or recognized as Parsons, is someone to watch out for. Bolton is a second round pick (58th) by the Kansas City Chiefs. In three years at Missouri he garnered 220 tackles, 12 pass-deflections and 17.5 tackles for loss. Bolton also earned first-team All-SEC honors in both 2019 and 2020 seasons. He was tops in the SEC in both 2019 and 2020 in total defensive stops by a linebacker! That’s an incredible stat line.
Now here is where it gets even better for Bolton. He is going to a Chiefs squad that has no legit studs in the middle of their defense. Anthony Hitchens is their current middle linebacker and posted a meager stat line with 78 total tackles, 0 sacks, INTs, and forced fumbles in 2020. Bolton can match this in his sleep, and then some.
With no one to take away snap counts or behind any pecking order, Bolton is set to ball out. Look for him to have an immediate impact in the Chiefs defense, and in fantasy football.
Predictions for 2021: 100+ tackles, 5+ tackles for loss and 8+ pass-deflections
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Zaven Collins
After losing Haason Reddick in free agency to the Carolina Panthers, the Cardinals had a big void to fill on defense. In comes rookie linebacker Zaven Collins. Collins posted over 200 tackles at Tulsa, with a total of 25 tackles for a loss. Paired with Isaiah Simmons to man the middle of that Cardinals defense, Collins is set to form a dynamic duo with Simmons (the Cardinals have given permission to Jordan Hicks to seek a trade). A clear indication that Collins will not only play a ton but be the starting Mike linebacker for the team.
Hicks recorded 268 tackles and 4 INTs during two years with the Cardinals. However, he was a huge liability in coverage. Collins is one of the best coverage linebackers in this year’s draft. He was frequently covering tight ends and running backs in college. With great athleticism, explosive speed, and lengthy range, Collins is that chess piece the Cards defense has been lacking for years now. Though still a bit raw, I do expect Collins to quickly learn and make his presence felt.
Predictions for 2021: 85+ tackles, 5+ pass-deflections and 4+ INTs
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Conclusion
These rookies will have an advantage over last year’s draft class as NFL teams are having OTAs and minicamps this off-season. For a rookie on both offense or defense, these reps are invaluable and can’t be substituted. I expect these rookie linebackers to make an impact Day 1, and will be fantasy football darlings for those who are savvy enough to draft them. Keep it locked into the The League Winners channel for more articles like and this others!
Twitter: Singhisking908
