Denver Broncos: Full first-round mock draft with a QB at 9?

Pick by Shelby Manning

Although the red flags surrounding Micah Parsons and his off-field issues are serious, the Raiders may be willing to take a gamble on this talented linebacker if he falls into their lap. As the top-ranked linebacker in this year’s draft, the very gifted Parsons could potentially transform a Raiders defense that has truthfully kept their potent offense from a more serious playoff campaign the last two seasons.

For as strong as the Raiders’ offense was in 2020, the imbalance of their roster came through in another end-of-season collapse. Overall, if the Raiders want to make any noise in the AFC West in the upcoming years, their defense has to improve.

This is where drafting a guy like Micah Parsons benefits them. Prior to opting out of his final season with the Nittany Lions due to cited COVID concerns, Parsons was a first-team All Big-Ten selection, also capturing the conference’s Lineback of the Year award, and garnering AP All-American notoriety.

Some of Parsons’ biggest strengths are his superb athleticism, ability to shed blockers, quickness, and overall capability as an edge rusher. Raiders have a potential Pro Bowler in the young Maxx Crosby, but another premier pass rusher would benefit their defense greatly.

However, this is all solely based on if the Raiders are willing to take a chance on Parsons. The Raiders really cannot afford to have a first-round pick not work out at this point, and with his concerns, they may still opt to not take the chance and address their defensive concerns with another linebacker later in the draft.

Either way, solely based on football, Parsons would be an instant improvement for the Raiders.