MICAH PARSONS

Months after the Dixie Fire tore through Greenville, California, incinerating most of the historic town, aerial video shows the entire area as a scorched wasteland.

Lofty expectations don’t faze Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers followed a stumbling first half with a strong final 30 minutes to beat Dallas 16-3 in the first NFL preseason game in two years.

Dan Campbell kicked off his tenure as Detroit Lions coach with some questionable decisions, including not having a quarterback during rookie minicamp.

Despite rumors of the Detroit Lions trading the seventh overall pick, they decided to hang onto it and select Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell. NEW STORY ON MLIVE: NFL draft analyst: Detroit Lions’ pick Penei Sewell has Hall of Fame potential10:00 p.m. -- The Los Angeles Chargers give Justin Herbert some protection, selecting Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater. 1 overall pick. The Detroit Lions pick at one of the most influential spots in the draft at No. The Lions pick isn’t the only big storyline for Michiganders during the first round.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions remain one of the more difficult teams to project in this year’s NFL draft, and that’s not changing with the festivities now only hours away. ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay released their final mock drafts on the morning of the 2021 NFL draft, and the pair went in very different directions for the Lions. McShay has Detroit staying put and rolling with Oregon offensive lineman Penei Sewell at Pick 7. The Penn State linebacker comes with off-field incidents more than worth investigating while standing as potentially the top defensive player in this year’s draft. 7 pick, Penei Sewell is a player to keep an eye on.”‘The Nine’ preview series: Penn State LB Micah Parsons | Oregon OL Penei Sewell

The Detroit Lions 2021 NFL draft could be fascinating for many reasons. Here's what 50 mock drafts tell us.

This is the seventh of an eight-part series previewing the Detroit Lions’ positional needs and priorities heading into the NFL draft, which is scheduled for Thursday-Saturday. With all that said, the Detroit Lions remain in need of a couple of linebackers. Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has remained a popular trade-down candidate for Detroit, with his versatility and athletic traits standing out. If either of those two names slips into Round 2, then watch out because Collins or Davis would be a home-run scenario. He had 107 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception last season.

Detroit’s pick, if it sits on the pick, will almost certainly come from that list. Pro Football Focus graded Parsons with the second-highest mark against the run and third-highest tackling grade in the nation that season. He wasn’t asked to do much in coverage at Penn State, but that athletic ability instills some confidence in his ability to keep up in the open field. The Penn State linebacker also ran into some off-field problems at Penn State, creating another aspect of the evaluation for a new regime. He’s big, fast and had elite production in two seasons at Penn State.

The NFL draft is less than one week away, which means it’s time to check the national temperature for what analysts are feeling for the Detroit Lions at Pick 7. In our last mock draft roundup of the offseason, we welcome Virginia Tech offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw to the mix. Chase opted out of the pandemic-altered season one year removed from lighting college football on fire with Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson. And while Waddle is arguably the most electric wide receiver in this year’s draft, he’s far from a one-dimensional prospect. Christian Darrisaw, OL, Virginia TechMocked by: Peter Schrager of NFL Network (trade back to Pick 16)Let’s round out this year’s mock draft roundups by welcoming a new name to the list.

Thirteen prospects will attend next week’s NFL draft in person.

Caleb Farley was the first top prospect to make the decision that has added a whole new layer of uncertainty to the annual crapshoot that is the NFL draft.

The Detroit Lions are in a good spot ahead of this year’s NFL Draft.

The 2021 NFL Draft is just weeks away and the Detroit Lions have a big decision to make in the top 10.

ALLEN PARK -- Jared Goff’s presence and his restructured contract hasn’t eliminated the idea of sending a quarterback to the Detroit Lions at Pick 7. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah released his third mock draft of the offseason, sending Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields to the Lions without a trade back in the order. Last week’s mock draft roundup brought Penei Sewell and Rashawn Slater into focus around these parts. Fields is supremely talented, no matter the usual draft tactics in trying to question his work ethic. Like Smith, Waddle is a little all over the place regarding where he’s mocked.

He had 41 tackles last season and ranked 34th among linebackers according to ProFootballFocus -- better than all of Detroit’s linebackers except Collins. I mean, we went back and watched him in 2019 when he played at linebacker quite a bit. But he just hasn’t run well enough or tackled well enough or played well enough for Detroit. I’ve said it all along, you’d like to go into this draft and not draft off need. But seventh overall could be a little rich for Parsons, and he might make more sense in a trade-back situation.

ALLEN PARK -- Micah Parsons might have further cemented his status as the top defensive player in this year’s draft, reportedly running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at his pro day. The Detroit Lions own Pick 7 in this year’s draft and could use more than a few capable bodies for their linebacker room. Parsons told reporters on Thursday that he had talked to the Lions a couple of times, including “the coach” at his pro day. “I’m going to just make plays happen as I did at Penn State, show these guys why Penn State breed the way we do, we always do this, we show up in big-time games and big-time moments, so I don’t think it’s going to be anything less. Related links via PennLive: Penn State, James Franklin dispute sexual harassment, hazing allegations, ask for lawsuit dismissal | 4 Penn State football players named in ex-teammate’s harassment suit, but only one is defendant.

ALLEN PARK -- The three top wide receivers and Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons have remained favorites for the Detroit Lions at Pick 7 after a week-plus of moves in free agency. Jaylen Waddle, WR, AlabamaMocked by: Drafttek, The Athletic (beat writer mock), Fox Sports, Bucky Brooks of the NFL Network, Eric Edholm of Yahoo! With the Lions leaning toward athletic playmakers at receiver in recent weeks, one would have to imagine more mock draft attention will turn toward Waddle. “I wouldn’t have any issues with the other two either, from Alabama,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said in a recent conference call. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn StateMocked by: Jordan Reid of The Draft Network (Pick 12 after trade with 49ers), Cynthia Frelund of the NFL Network, Chad Reuter of the NFL Network, Charley Casserly of the NFL Network, Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL NetworkThe Lions haven’t done much to improve their dreadful defense, keeping Micah Parsons more than in the mix.

ALLEN PARK -- ESPN’s Mel Kiper is the latest to join the masses in sending one of the top three receivers in this year’s draft to the Detroit Lions at Pick 7. Kiper had the Lions trading back and going defense in his last mock draft, sending Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons to Detroit at Pick 12. New signings Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman,” Kiper writes. The Lions retain Quintez Cephus and Geronimo Allison, adding Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman to the room through free agency. Related: New Lions WR Tyrell Williams eager to prove himself as more than just a burner

It’s looking more likely the Detroit Lions head into next season without Kenny Golladay, creating a massive hole on an offense already preparing for life without Matthew Stafford. The NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had Detroit using Pick 7 on Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons in his most recent mock draft. Jeremiah, a former college scout for the Ravens, Browns and Eagles, said Detroit has four good options at Pick 7. While he said the team “couldn’t go wrong” with either of the three top receivers, Jeremiah called LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase the potential home-run pick for the Lions while keeping Parsons in the mix. Related: Lions in position to draft one of top 3 receivers in another loaded WR class | Is Pick 7 too early for the Detroit Lions to look defense?

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have their fair share of defensive needs but could be in the position where Pick 7 is too early for that side of the ball. Mel Kiper had the Lions trading back in his most recent mock draft, landing Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons at Pick 12. Now, while the ESPN draft analyst doesn’t see Detroit targeting a quarterback on Day 1, he also believes No. “If you traded down and you’re the Detroit Lions, and you end up around 12, you look at Micah Parsons from Penn State or Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah from Notre Dame. Related: 7 potential cap causalities for Detroit Lions | Linebacker prospects who could make sense for the Detroit Lions ($)Owusu-Koramoah has been a popular trade-down candidate for the Lions, with recent mocks sending him to Detroit in different hypothetical situations.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions are heading into another offseason faced with their fair share of questions regarding the linebacker position. The Lions ranked dead-last in terms of defensive DVOA, a stat used to track a team’s efficiency from Football Outsiders. He measures at 6-foot-1, 216 pounds, which is far from prototypical NFL linebacker size, projecting him in the linebacker/safety hybrid territory. The Penn State linebacker has been a popular pick for Detroit at Pick 7, and also recent mock trade-down scenarios. He’s the top linebacker in the draft, with impressive ability against the run and rushing the passer.

7 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft? But ESPN’s Mel Kiper has been publishing mock draft predictions for *checks notes* more than 30 years, and he’s suggesting the Lions could trade down. In Kiper’s latest mock draft, the Lions trade the No. And then the Lions take Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons. Here’s what Kiper says:With the Lions moving down in my mock trade with the 49ers, that takes them out of the quarterback race but gives them extra draft capital.

ALLEN PARK -- ESPN’s Mel Kiper is ushering in a new era where he incorporates trades into his mock drafts, with three deals getting done inside the first 10 picks in his most recent attempt. Kiper has the Detroit Lions trading Pick 7 to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Pick 12 and additional draft capital. The draft analyst then has the Lions using their first pick on Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons, who has emerged as a low-key favorite for the team in recent weeks. His first mock had the Lions taking Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields at Pick 7, but that was on the heels of Matthew Stafford requesting a trade. Parsons stands out among the top prospects in this year’s draft as the best linebacker, and arguably defender, available from the get-go.

It’s once again time to check the national temperature for the Detroit Lions and their options at Pick 7 in April’s draft. Micah Parsons has been somewhat in the mix since the get-go at Pick 7, but the Penn State linebacker’s name has been attached more frequently in recent weeks. Parsons is impressive against the run, while his scary athleticism has made him a handful to handle in pass protection. Parsons opted out of the 2020 season due to “the potential risk to the health and well-being” of his son. Detroit receives Pick 19, Pick 82 and a 2022 first-rounder in this mock scenario that sends quarterback Trey Lance to Washington.

Q: What’s the updated tally of the amount of games the Leo’s staff has played in at this point? They loved his energy, believed it would help them define a new culture in Detroit, and also believed it would help attract good assistants. That’s why I made this investment into our staff of guys that we kept or added. I don’t know what the Lions will do with either player, and Detroit would be worse off without them. Considering the Lions don’t have any linebackers who can rush well or cover well, he checks a few boxes.

With a loss on Sunday, the Detroit Lions locked up the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The 86th NFL draft is scheduled to be held April 29-May 1, 2021, in Cleveland. Detroit Lions (5-11)8. Related: 4 candidates for next Detroit Lions head coach

But eve since then, it’s been all down hill for Penn State. Penn State fans see a program going in reverse, not moving closer to college football’s elites. If he leaves after this season, it will be by choice, as there is no realistic way the Penn State athletic department can afford his $20-million plus buyout. Penn State head coach James Franklin looks on during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium on Nov. 21, 2020. Michigan 34, Penn State 17.

Minnesota is getting its star wide receiver back for an abbreviated Big Ten season. Minnesota announced Wednesday that Rashod Bateman was cleared to play this season by the NCAA and Big Ten after opting out in August. At Penn State, coach James Franklin closed the door on All-America linebacker Micah Parsons returning to the Nittany Lions. Both Bateman and Parsons opted out of the 2020 season before the Big Ten postponed amid concerns about the pandemic. Purdue All-America receiver Rondale Moore, who opted out early like Parsons and Bateman, was cleared to play for the Boilermakers last week.

Parsons and Oregon tackle Penei Sewell are among 11 players selected who are not slated to play this fall. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons and Oregon tackle Penei Sewell are among 11 players selected to The Associated Press preseason All-America first team who are not slated to play this fall. Tackles x-Penei Sewell, junior, Oregon; Alex Leatherwood, senior, Alabama. Linebackers y-Micah Parsons, junior, Penn State; x-Hamilcar Rashed Jr., senior, Oregon State; Dylan Moses, senior, Alabama. Safeties x-Jevon Holland, junior, Oregon; Trevon Moehrig, junior, TCU.

Viewing the loss of the 2020 schedule in a vacuum, however, is never the perspective that Fleck and his staff and players would take. The more time we have to build this football team, the better were going to be, Fleck said. The pandemic already cost the Gophers one star player, with NFL-bound wide receiver Rashod Bateman opting out for health reasons. The original 2020 slate had plenty of advantages for the Gophers, with no Ohio State or Penn State on the schedule and no road games until October. Now were going to do it our way, Fleck said, adding: There will be another season.

Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst said before a spring football season is planned, there has to be a discussion about fall 2021. He said conversations about a spring football season have been minimal, but there has been a theme. If the NFL does nothing to accommodate spring college football some of the sure-things are almost certain to leave. There is so much to sort out, including the NCAA signing off on a spring football season. At this point in time, we'll see.__Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott met with representatives from the #WeAreUnited college player group, with much of the discussion focused on the conferences health and safety protocols. The players have demanded the Pac-12 address a list of concerns about COVID-19 protocols, racial injustice in college sports and economic rights for college athletes. Players around the country are already opting out of the coming season, with some saying goodbye to college football for good. Maryland coach Mike Locksley announced six players, including starting quarterback Josh Jackson and two starting offensive linemen, were opting out. ___Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.westwoodonepodcasts.com/pods/ap-top-25-college-football-podcast/___More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25