The Cowboys have added to the middle of their defense. After trading back to No. 12, Dallas has selected Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons.
[RELATED: Eagles Acquire No. 10 From Cowboys]
We heard during the pre-draft process that the Cowboys were zeroing in on cornerbacks, with the organization deciding between Jaycee Horn (South Carolina) and Patrick Surtain II (Alabama). Well, both of those players were off the board by No. 10, so Dallas decided to trade back, pick up an extra late-round pick, and still add a major piece to their defense.
Despite working as an off-ball ‘backer, Parsons registered 14 tackles for loss and five sacks as a sophomore in 2019, resulting in him being named a consensus All-Americans. The 6-foot-3, 244-pound defender also forced four fumbles in his second college campaign. The linebacker sat out the 2020 season, but that didn’t cause Parsons to plummet down the draft board; the player was always projected to be a surefire first-round pick, and that ultimately proved to be the case.
Speed and versatility should provide the rookie with plenty of playing time in 2021. Parsons has been lauded for his ability to cover running backs and tight ends, and his ability to impact the passing game makes him a unique player at his position.
Parsons will join a depth chart that’s highlighted by Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith, a pair of players who have shown potential but struggled in 2020. While Parsons may not possess the ability to cover receivers (a skill set the Cowboys have reportedly been seeking) he’ll still provide a formidable run-stuffing, tight-end-stopping and pass-rushing option.
They wanted Horn or Surtain but Parsons a great guy to replace Sean Lee.
One Penn State stud linebacker taking the reigns from another.
The ironic thing to me about this pick is that I wanted Denver to take Parsons and Dallas to take Surtain. Neither is bad for the team that got the players in the end, though.
Good pick
Great pick considering both corners went earlier than expected. Got the best defensive player in the draft and a 3rd.
They’ll get a decent corner in the 2nd. Farley may even fall to them.
This dude is a mental case, but Jerry has plenty of experience with that. I once lived next door to a Washington Wizards mental case – and they had some loser interns waiting on him hand and foot so he didn’t get into trouble – all day, every day.
Agent 0?
Not a bad pic. Was hoping the Patriots would move up to 12 with the Cowboys but it works.
Not a “bad”pick??? What!!! what kind of pick is it then?? this kid is awesome, best defensive player in the draft and i don’t think its even close.
Are we sure his name isn’t Michael? The amped up lady said Michael, Suzy Kolber called him “Mike”…more to come
just call him “Stud”
Gay
Typical Cowgirls fans. Always loving Jerry’s pick and saying this player is the one to lead them to the Super Bowl for years to come! Yet again they didn’t address any needs the team has, just added to a strength. Once again a player with character concerns, who’ll probably end up being a solid starter on a 9-8, 8-9 team for years to come.
Cause that is what the Cowboys do, they tease in the off-season but become average during the season.
Let the trolling begin!
Actually you are the only one on the thread talking about the Cowboys and the Super Bowl
But whatever fits your agenda
So let me get this straight, you select Jaylon with a high 2nd (34 overall) in 2016 and he basically didn’t play for his first season and a half. You select LVE with your 1st (19 overall) in 2018 and he had some injury concerns. Now you pick Parsons 12 overall 2021? So you’ve spent very high draft choices on 3 LBs in 3 of your last 5 drafts (one of those years they didn’t even have a 1st because of the Amari trade). None of them IMO are as good as Kuechly, Urlacher, or Patrick Willis. And Parsons is probably not quite as good as other recently drafted LBs Devin White or Roquan Smith. SMH what a waste.
They should’ve traded down with Chicago for a future 1st plus other draft assets. Then at 20 they still could have gotten a comparable LB (Jamin Davis) or a bigger need CB. Parsons may end up being a great LB and as a Cowboys fan I hope he does. But after the tape I’ve watched, the off field issues that are out there, and the fact he hasn’t played LB long (he was dline in HS, so he had to learn everything about being a LB in only 2 years he played in college) it seems too much of a risk at 12. On top of that you gift PHI a WR that they have been needing as well.
If you watched any of the games last year, and you know that the LB position was a mess. Some of that could’ve been the new scheme, but they were thin at LB in any case. They took the best defensive player on the board, even though they would’ve preferred one of the top two CBS.
As for the supposed gifting of a wide receiver, if Philly didn’t get him, the Giants were set to take him. Either way we were facing him twice a year. They ended up with a third round pick for just moving back two spots while taking the same guy.
I will admit it was a mess, and some of that stems from injuries. However, when you continue to let decent players go on defense it becomes a revolving door. Which means you have guys trying to learn a completely new system year after year, and means your back ups aren’t as reliable. They’ve let some decent to good LBs walk the last few years that could’ve stepped in when we had injuries or been starters if Jerry would’ve paid to keep defensive continuity (ie: Wilber, Wilson, Hitchens, among numerous vets he could’ve signed). I am more upset about them throwing high draft picks every other year at the same position. As well as not trading with CHI to bring back a first, and numerous good LBs on the board that went between rounds 2-5.
Dallas did a decent job. Only time will tell how this crop of players effect the roster.
Is it me? Each draft Dallas leaks who they like or advertise players they are fond of. This year everyone from NY to LA knew they were looking at the 2 CBs. So they get grabbed up 8 and 9 certainly not by chance? In the second they are also fond of a S. Raiders as well as Ms Andersons kindergarten class through Pleasant Oaks Nursing Home knew and they traded up one spot in front of Dallas to grab him? This is a yearly deal. PHI moved ahead to take a TE a few years back after Dallas announced to the world they liked the guy to replace Witten. When will this front office learn just because you have a microphone you don’t have to announce your thoughts to EVERYONE?