The Dallas Cowboys defense has long been a formidable force in the NFL. They have edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence with four Pro Bowl selections. At defensive back is superstar cornerback Trevon Diggs with an All-Pro selection in 2021. To further strengthen their defense, Dallas selected Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons 12th overall.
Photo Cred: Pro Football Network
Parsons accumulated 6.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, and six forced fumbles with the Nittany Lions. His athleticism was on full display at the combine. He recorded a 34-inch vertical jump and a blazing 4.36-second 40-yard dash. These impressive statistics, combined with his generational frame of 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds, provided compelling reasons for the Cowboys to draft the former five-star recruit in the first round.
After Parsons’ rookie season in Dallas, it was clear he would be a key part of the defense. He delivered one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in NFL history. The linebacker totaled 13 sacks, three pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. Parsons earned him a Pro Bowl, First-Team All-Pro honors, and an AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
In his second season, Parsons had a defensive touchdown, 13.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three pass deflections. He was again named to the Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro. He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and eighth in MVP. NFL coaches began to fear Parsons’ ability to dismantle opposing offensive lines, and he was emerging as one of the league’s premier faces.
Photo Cred: ABC
At just 25 years old, heading into his fourth season, Parsons has only begun to tap into his potential for McCarthy and the Cowboys. His versatility allows him to impact various facets of the game, whether rushing the passer or defending against the run. Parsons is undoubtedly one of the most dominant players in the NFL. If the Cowboys win the NFC East and Parsons delivers standout performances, he could very well be considered for the MVP award as the league’s best defender.
