Cowboys Plan for Micah Parsons Boosts Rookie of the Year Odds
By Peter Dewey
Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Micah Parsons is getting to experience a lot in his first NFL minicamp.
Parsons, a linebacker by trade, has been moved around as a defensive end and pass rusher by Dallas to maximize his value to the team.
“Just creating havoc, creating disruption,” Parsons said on playing as a designated pass rusher. “Being able to create that excitement, momentum change, a chance to get the ball out and get it back to our explosive offense. That’s kind of what I like about pass rushing.”
If Parsons does get more looks as a pass rusher, it bodes well for his odds to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Right now, Parsons is the favorite for the award on WynnBET at +500 odds. However, when looking at the last eight winners of the award, it is clear pass rushers have an advantage.
Five of the last eight DROY’s have been edge rushers or defensive lineman, while two cornerbacks (Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Peters) and one linebacker (Darius Leonard) have won the award.
“Honestly, the last two weeks have been a big transition phase for me,” Parsons said. “Obviously learning more checks, being more vocal, playing a new position, actually playing multiple positions. It has been pretty hectic for me, but I think each and every day I’m picking up something and just going out there making early mistakes. That way I’m creating a base and a ground, getting ready for camp.”
If Parsons can make the transition as more of a pass rusher, it will not only help Dallas’ defense, but it will allow him to have a great impact on the field. With Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch already established at the linebacker position, it is clear the Cowboys want to get Parsons on the field in any way that they can.
Jaelen Phillips (+650), Jamin Davis (+900) and Kwity Paye (+900) are the three players closest to Parsons in Defensive Rookie of the Year odds.
Paye and Phillips are both pass rushers, so it could benefit Parsons if he’s able to get after the quarterback more than dropping into coverage this coming season.