2021 NFL Draft: Micah Parsons give Cowboys a defensive playmaker

The Dallas Cowboys were expecting one of the two top corners in the draft, Patrick Surtain or Jaycee Horn. Instead, Dallas has to settle for arguably the best defensive player in the draft. Former Penn State Micah Parsons went back and forth this draft season with Patrick Surtain as the best defensive player in the draft.

Dallas needed to address the holes on their defense, and with Sean Lee retiring, the Cowboys needed someone in the middle who can make plays in the modern NFL. Parsons is that type of linebacker.

What the Cowboys get in Micah Parsons

Parsons is 250 pounds and ran a 4.39 40-yard dash during his pro day. The Penn State standout can move sideline to sideline. Parsons has the speed to drop deep and cover as well as move downhill and blitz.

Parsons is a sure tackler who was the first underclassmen to win Big Ten defensive player of the year. In 2019, Parsons had 109 total tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and five sacks. In addition, Parsons is an athletic marvel with tremendous upside.

Parsons needs to improve shedding blocks and not getting lost in the weeds in the run game. At worst, Parsons grades out as an outside linebacker who can put his hand in the dirt on passing downs.

However, Parsons is fluid in coverage and can drop in zone coverage. He does struggle in man coverage at times and does not always have great instincts. However, Parsons is too athletic not to be a great pro, even as a pass-rush specialist.