Can Micah Parsons save the Cowboys defense?

How it got here: Parsons was the consolation prize for the Cowboys’ disappointing and frustrating 2020 season. Dallas selected him out of Penn State with the No. 12 overall pick to improve defense. Parsons was widely considered the best linebacker in the draft class, and his explosiveness and athleticism make his range consist of virtually the entire field. He missed out on the 2020 college football season, but won the 2019 Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP (played at AT&T Stadium) where he recorded 14 tackles, two sacks and forced two fumbles.

Whats Next: Parsons joins two veteran linebackers – Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch – but you can still include him as a strong candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. It’s not clear exactly how they’ll use him, but the Cowboys are sure to figure out how to keep him on the field consistently. They wouldn’t have drafted him in the first round if they didn’t believe he could play a traditional linebacker role covering the entire field, spying on the quarterback, covering tight ends and shutting down the running game, similar to what has been asked of him. to Smith to do in recent years. But if they don’t want to put that level of responsibility on him immediately, he’ll still provide instant value as a designated quarterback rushing.

You did not know: In high school, Parsons’ athleticism translated into offense as well as defense. He was a runner at Harrisburg High School in Pennsylvania. In his senior season, he carried the ball for 1,239 yards and 27 touchdowns. That was coupled with 9.5 sacks and an interception playing on the defensive end.

Player Quote: “I’m not as vocal as most guys think. But when you’re around all these talented players, you’ll say, ‘wow, that’s the guy.’ But I always remember, and I mean like, I’m that guy too. I’m here for a reason. I always keep it in the back of my head. They are good, but I’m good too. I have to prove it every day. ” -Micah Parsons