The two-time first-team All-Pro Micah Parsons is taking all the necessary steps to make the transition from linebacker to defensive end full-time next season.
Parsons has been working out in Austin and plans to return to the Cowboys' organized team practices on May 22nd.
He tweeted that he currently weighs 252 but wants to get to 255 and will stay within that limit during his playing career.
https://twitter.com/MicahhParsons11/status/1653840126139613189
He is most effective when he puts his hand in the dirt and rushes the passer; I am all for it.
The team drafted linebacker DeMarvion Overshown last week. They still have Leighton Vader Esch, and we may see a bigger role from Jabril Cox. Also remember, Damone Clark looked very solid when he saw action in 2022.
So, the Cowboys will have the depth when Parsons moves to edge full-time. I will stay to worry if the team gets hit by the injury bug. Until then, I couldn't love the move more.
Parsons adding that muscle for his position change in 2023 would mean nothing but great things for the Cowboys, as noted.
According to Pro Football Focus, Parsons spent 81.1% of his time on the defensive line last year. When he won Rookie of the Year in 2021, he spent over 50% at the linebacker spot.
Dallas drafted Mazi Smith with their first-round pick this year to help bolster the run defense. If you have yet to see how much strength this kid has, check out the video right below this. He is a freak athlete.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1652684228881162245
It makes sense why Parsons would want to add that extra muscle moving to defensive end full-time.
Parsons is GREAT at rushing the passer, we know that. Bulking up a bit would help him defend the run better. It also wouldn't hurt to try and match the size of the opposing offensive linemen.
With Parsons adding some weight via muscle, the one thing I do worry about will be his ability to make plays in the open field.
I don't think 10 pounds will make a huge difference. Time will tell.
We saw him in week seven last year against the Lions make a game-changing play by preventing a touchdown at the one-yard line.
The Lions had the ball on the cusp of the goal line.
Jared Goff threw a screen pass to his tight end Brock White, who caught it at the 21-yard line and was about to score.
Parsons was at the 26-yard line when he started pursuing Wright and eventually managed to make the tackle right before he crossed the goal line to score.
https://twitter.com/JoriEpstein/status/1584307645623595009
DeMarcus Lawrence forced a fumble in the next play, and the Cowboys recovered.
Either way, this is 100% the right idea for him and this defense. He may have a chance to break a record or two.
I said this last year also, but Jerry Jones keeping Dan Quinn has been the best thing he's done in a long time.
Adding Stephon Gilmore and drafting a few studs in the draft could take this defense over the top.
Let's not forget the team also brought back Johnathan Hankins. The run defense might be much improved next year. If they fix that, this defense could be THE best in football.
