Ranking the Dallas Cowboys' Best Draft Picks of the Last Decade

2. Micah Parsons, EDGE (2021)

When this selection was first announced, it wasn’t popular at all. The Dallas Cowboys were reportedly interested in Jaycee Horn from South Carolina and Pat Surtain II from Alabama. When the two premier cornerbacks came off the board at No. 8 and No. 9, Dallas decided to trade back.

They went from pick No. 10 to No. 12 and landed a third-round selection in the process. The Philadelphia Eagles used that pick on DeVonta Smith. It was frustrating to see Dallas help out their rival but the only solace was that the New York Giants were reportedly looking at Smith, and they had the 11th pick.

Making matters worse, the Cowboys chose Micah Parsons, a linebacker from Penn State. After failing to improve their defense with a couple of other early linebacker selections, the fan base was disgruntled at this decision.

It didn’t take long to realize Parsons was different. He excelled as a pass rusher under Dan Quinn and has 40.5 sacks in his first three seasons. Parsons is one of several young players due for an extension soon and he’s going to break the bank when that time comes.

Rumors have circulated that the Cowboys could try and trade Parsons rather than pay him. If that were the case, 31 teams would be interested since he’s a major difference-maker on defense.