The Cowboys rookie likens himself to a wild bull whom you let run rather than pace. He envisions himself a Terminator, his hit list topped by his next opponent’s quarterback. He is a a hybrid coverage linebacker/edge rusher whose impact reverberates from whichever alignment on the field. He’s “as pure as mother’s milk,” says Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones. “Nature gave him some skills and boy does he know how to use them.”
Parsons’ nascent NFL career spans just three games. And yet, he has already been credited with 1½ sacks, six quarterback hits, 13 tackles (two for loss) and two pass deflections as a linebacker, edge rusher and occasionally an interior defensive lineman mugging gaps. Parsons has created—or better yet, wrecked—plays from each alignment.
And lest Cowboys fans worry this diverse approach is hurting his effectiveness, advanced analytics site Pro Football Focus suggests not. Parsons’ 87.6 grade ranks highest among all rookies.
