Count me as someone who wasn't a fan of the allocation of the 12th overall pick to Micah Parsons. It had nothing to do with Parsons as a player, just the idea of spending a top pick on a linebacker. With the attrition at the position due to the physical nature of the position, linebackers, like running backs tend to wear down quicker.
That said, in the Hall of Fame Game Thursday night, Micah Parsons showed off all the skills that made him one of the top players in the 2021 NFL Draft.
His speed and pursuit were on display on several occasions. He made getting to the corner look effortless. He showed an ability to flow sideline to sideline that made Cowboys Nation stop in awe.
On an otherwise disappointing night for many in the silver and blue, Micah Parsons stood out. Though it was just a small sample size, Parsons finished with the highest grade from Pro Football Focus of anyone on the Cowboys roster in his 11 snaps.
Micah Parsons & Jabril Cox were Dallas' highest-graded players last night
Both rookies ⭐⭐ pic.twitter.com/FPlMOGwoyy
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 6, 2021
Parsons made a splash in his preseason debut, recovering a fumble by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. He showed good awareness seeing the ball hit the turf and jumping on it.
Rookie @MicahhParsons11 is a football magnet. Fumble recovery! @dallascowboys
📺: @ProFootballHOF Game on FOX pic.twitter.com/MHOQDh1MlK
— NFL (@NFL) August 6, 2021
Initially, it looks as if Parsons wanted to pick up the ball and run with it, but wisely fell to the ground when he couldn't get it cleanly. A savvy move for a rookie who's looking to make a play.
It was a promising start for Parsons who looks to be the future at the linebacker position for the Dallas Cowboys. Though it's only the preseason and it was a limited snap count, the attributes that made him the 12th overall pick were readily on display. With a little over a month until the start of the regular season, Micah Parsons looks to be on his way of being up to speed with Dan Quinn's scheme and the NFL game.
And by the looks of it, the Cowboys are going to need every bit of Micah Parson's skillset to help turn around one of the worst defenses in the NFL from 2020.
