When the Dallas Cowboys selected Linebacker Micah Parsons with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft, the excitement for what he could bring to a defense that was one of the leagues worst in 2020 began immediately.
One of the Cowboy's most revered legends on the defensive side of the ball, DeMarcus Ware, has noticed just what a special talent Parsons is. The future Hall of Famer sat down with RJ Ochoa of Blogging The Boys recently to discuss various topics regarding the Cowboys.
First on the list was Parsons, and when Ware was asked about what he feels he brings to the table, the NFL's ninth all-time sack leader had this to say.
“We call the guys that are like him are utilitarians, Ware said. “Guys that can rush the passer, that can drop back in coverage, be that thumper against the run, especially in the NFC East. So it's just cool now to have that new guy with Sean Lee being retired, having you know DeMarcus Lawrence, he's stepping up even more being a leader on that defensive line.
“They are running a true 4-3 with Dan Quinn. Then you got Randy Gregory over there who had a full offseason, now what is this guy capable of? Because he's been reckless. And then you got Parsons coming in. With Leighton Vander Esch just to name a few. With Jaylon, I mean that linebacker core is a beast. So I just can't wait to see now how they can wreak havoc. First, stop the run, which we didn't do last year. And then wreak havoc on the quarterback with some amazing athletes.”
The Cowboys will certainly need Parsons and his swiss army knife-like skill set in 2021. Last season, the Cowboys were 31st against the run, 28th in points allowed and 23rd in overall defense. Granted injuries played a role in those rankings but when you yield 473 points, the most in franchise history, it's imperative that a guy like Parsons comes in and makes an impact right off the bat.
During his 12-year NFL career, Ware played against and with some premium talent at the linebacker position. He was asked who Parsons reminded him of and the seven-time All-Pro brought up some interesting names.
“I think it has to be a couple of guys,” Ware said. “I look at him as like a Brian Urlacher type guy that can rush the passer. And then a thumper like Zach Thomas and Bradie James. And then a coverage guy like Sean Lee. If you can mix all those guys, that's what you get with Parsons.”
America's Team hopes Ware is right about his assessment of Parsons. It's no secret that the Cowboys are loaded on offense and it's likely that unit will be the driving force for them in 2021. However, if they want to compete on the highest level they will have to make vast improvements defensively, and the talent of Parsons is a good place to start from.
