The Dallas Cowboys got a stud in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, as they selected linebacker Micah Parsons 12th overall. He is expected to give the team's stop unit a much-needed shot in the arm after a horrible showing last season, and the Cowboys already seem to have an interesting plan for the rookie, per Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.
During the organized team activities and on the first day of the mandatory minicamp Tuesday, there was Parsons flying off the edge in the official DPR spot.
DPR is designated pass rusher, a position defensive coordinator Dan Quinn wants Parsons to play and has used him at for most of the offseason in addition to playing middle linebacker.
Parsons, on the other hand, appears to be receptive to what the Cowboys are asking him to do in the early goings of the minicamp.
Article Continues Below“Just creating havoc, creating disruption,” Parsons said on playing DPR. “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.”
Should the Cowboys make this tactic a permanent part of their defensive plan at least in the upcoming 2021 NFL season, their defense should look a whole lot more versatile, though that doesn't mean they're going to improve right away. Back in the 2020 season, the Cowboys were consistently bulldozed by opposing offenses, as they finished 28th in scoring defense, 23rd in total defense, and 27th in defensive third-down completion percentage.
At least the Cowboys are showing a willingness to find solutions to their defensive malaise.