Cowboys bolster defense, select Micah Parsons 12th overall

The Dallas Cowboys selected linebacker Micah Parsons out of Penn State 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Dallas moved down two spots after the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to its original slot at 10th overall.

Parsons opted out of the 2020 college season but was highly regarded as one of the premier defensive prospects in his class.

The selection creates questions about whether Dallas will exercise the fifth-year option on Leighton Vander Esch's rookie contract. The 2018 first-round selection has battled multiple injuries over the last two years, and new Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's unit also features Jaylon Smith at linebacker.

Draft profile

Key stats (2019): 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks

An elite prospect built to dominate today's game, Parsons is one of the most talented linebackers we've seen make the jump to the NFL in the past several years. He's an explosive athlete, as demonstrated when he put on a show at Penn State's pro day, and a sound defender capable of making a major impact both against the run and pass. Where he's unique, and unlike most off-ball linebackers, is in his ability to get after the quarterback, either on a blitz from the second level or lined up as an edge rusher. Parsons is the kind of game-wrecker any defensive coordinator would love to have.