Micah Parson 40 time has Penn State linebacker’s NFL Draft stock sky-rocketing

Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons didn’t play last season but his NFL Draft stock is soaring after running a blistering 40 time at his Pro Day.

Micah Parsons is fast and he’s soaring up NFL Draft boards just as fast as the 40 he ran at Penn State’s Pro Day on Thursday morning.

Parsons ran a 4.39 40 to cement his status as the top inside linebacker in the draft class and one of the top defenders in an offensive-heavy pool of talent.

While much of the focus on the draft is on the quarterbacks beyond Trevor Lawrence, how many receivers go in the top 10, how high tight end Kyle Pitts is drafted, the biggest question may be who the first defensive player drafted.

Micah Parsons 40 time assures he’ll be a top-15 pick in NFL Draft

The answer just may be the latest product of Linebacker U.

Parsons opted out of last season once the Big Ten canceled their season. By the time the Big Ten reversed course and decided to play the season, beginning in late October, Parsons had already set in motion a set of events that didn’t lead him back to suiting up for the Nittany Lions.

While it was a big loss for Penn State football who struggled mightily last year and for fans who didn’t get to see Parsons suit up in the classic Nittany Lions uniform one more year, it isn’t going to hurt his place in the NFL Draft.

In 4.39 seconds, Parsons put to rest any questions or doubts that NFL teams and talent evaluators had about his talent and athletic profile.

Now, the only knock on Parsons may be outside of his control. The inside linebacker isn’t coveted as much as edge rushers and defensive linemen who can get to the quarterback. Additionally, cornerbacks are valued more than ever in the pass-happy NFL.

If I had to bet, Parsons won’t be the first defensive player picked. I think that’ll be Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain, but Parsons may not have to wait too long to hear his name after that.

Parsons projects to be drafted in the 10-20 range and should be a Day 1 starter for the team that gets the Penn State football star.

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