If there was one common complaint from Cowboys Nation during 2020, it was about this team’s starting linebackers.
Once a fan favorite comeback story, Jaylon Smith has become the main character of Cowboys football woes. He’s often out of position, takes bad angles, and seems to lack hustle at times in the eyes of the fanbase.
Then there’s former first round pick Leighton Vander Esch, who simply cannot stay healthy, and his future in football due to his shoulder/neck injuries should rightfully be questioned at least a bit.
This all leaves the Cowboys with a lot of money tied up at linebacker, but really nothing to show for it on the field. Linebacker has become a need for Dallas seemingly overnight, and one first round prospect is putting himself back in the conversation for the Cowboys in the first round.
Penn State’s Micah Parsons, that is.
Parsons had a monster Pro Day (who hasn’t?), and made sure to hype himself up afterwards. Parsons said that he knows he’s the “most versatile” player in the class, with the ability to play each linebacker spot and rush the passer.
"That's wide receiver fast!"
Here's a quick look at @MicahhParsons11's very impressive @PennStateFball Pro Day performance. 👀 pic.twitter.com/bbXkrDh9mb
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 25, 2021
Micah Parsons has the chance to be a stud in the NFL.
At his height, weight, and speed he is perfect in today’s league where he will be asked to carry tight ends in coverage as well as defend the run in traditional defensive looks. Parsons’ size, explosiveness, and pass rush ability as a blitzer all make him an intriguing draft prospect this year.
But is he worth the tenth overall pick?
This is nothing against Micah Parsons individually, but the Cowboys would be crazy to take a linebacker in the first round. Especially with such dire needs at more premium positions.
With Jaylon Smith already paid and Vander Esch on a first round rookie contract, why sink more resources into this position? If they are going to take a defender in round one, let it be one of these top cornerback prospects.
Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn would both have more meaningful and immediate impact to the Cowboys defense in year one than any off ball linebacker would.
