Cowboys rookie LB Micah Parsons played at all three linebacker positions at OTAs, and added defensive end to the repertoire in Tuesday’s minicamp practice. When you’re the first round pick on a defense that ranked 28th in points and rush yards allowed in 2020, expecting to contribute early comes with being the 12th overall draft pick.
Parsons did record five sacks for Penn State in 2019, and has shown the ability to be a power rusher off the edge. The Cowboys have been looking for a pass rush presence opposite DeMarcus Lawrence – hoping Randy Gregory can fill this role from RDE this season.
Using a mix of three and four man fronts, while having multiple linebackers that can get after the QB, Dallas can find a way for Parsons to be on the field with Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith if lined up at DE.
Parsons isn’t the only front seven player the Cowboys added in the draft, making it all the more impressive he caught the eye of the team’s best defender in DeMarcus Lawrence. While Lawrence will also be working with rookies Chauncey Golston and Osa Odighizuwa, Parsons will continue into training camp getting reps at multiple positions.
New additions at linebacker in fellow-rookie Jabril Cox and free agent Keanu Neal give the Cowboys two players that can match up in man coverage against TEs and RBs. This makes Parsons’ pass rush ability even more important, allowing him to stand out from a crowded depth chart at LB.
New DC Dan Quinn has kept his plans for how the Cowboys will line up on defense close to the chest, but seeing #11 Micah Parsons all over the field certainly looks like part of the plan. If his best position ends up being DE, developing more as a pass rusher when working with Lawrence, the Cowboys will likely look to Vander Esch for snaps at middle linebacker.
Whether or not Parsons will also have time for more heated chess matches against Cowboys WR Amari Cooper before training camp remains to be seen, though his ability to fit in with numerous veteran players on the roster has been applauded by Dallas coaches this offseason.
Micah Parsons’ would-be sack at Tuesday’s practice came against tackle Ty Nsekhe, who played last season in reserve for the Bills before signing with the Cowboys in March.
