2021 NFL Bold Prediction No. 13: Micah Parsons runs away with Defensive ROY
When the Dallas Cowboys took Micah Parsons at No. 12 in the 2021 NFL Draft, there was a lot of criticism. I will even admit to offering up a low grade under the impression that a linebacker wasn’t going to be enough to fix their defense. However, after 11 games, it’s clear that Parsons is everything the Cowboys thought he could be.
He currently has 67 tackles with 15 of those going for a loss. He’s also deflected two passes and forced two fumbles. As if that wasn’t enough to be impressed by, he’s also proven he can rush the passer as well as anyone.
Parsons has moved back and forth from outside linebacker to inside linebacker and even played on the edge when needed. That’s resulted in him recording 9.0 sacks so far and 23 quarterback hits. Pro Football Reference also has him credited with an insane 31 pressures.
All of us who doubted this pick — although you could understand after Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch proved to be overvalued by the front office — will be eating crow. Especially when they announce the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and realize Micah Parsons is a unanimous selection for the honor.