Cowboys Micah Parsons will run away with Defensive Rookie of the Year

The Cowboys may have found a generational talent in defender, Micah Parsons. He’s why he’s the safest bet to win an individual award for his performance this season. 

In most seasons, the battle for individual awards comes down to a two or three-man race by the end of the year. This is certainly not the case when it comes to Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2021 season.

Some of these gifted players like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Kwity Paye, and Jaelan Phillips have all had remarkable rookie seasons. However, none of them can hold a candle to Cowboys star defender, Micah Parsons. What we have seen from the hybrid linebacker/edge defender in his rookie season has been nothing short of spectacular.

With the help of some quality, young players on Dallas’ revamped defense, Parsons has not only proved his value among rookies in the NFL but all defenders in general. In fact, he swiftly emerged as a strong candidate to win the Defensive Player of the Year award this season, thanks to the impact he has had on this team already.

When it comes to versatile, young defenders in the NFL right now, there may not be one more valuable than what Parsons brings to the table. He’s an electrifying athlete who can cover a lot of ground in an instant and can be lethal when used as a pass rusher.

Why Parsons winning DROY is the safest bet in the NFL

While it’s not official yet, you can bet that it will be soon. Betting on anyone else to win Defensive Rookie of the Year this season is the equivalent of running your money through a shredder — it’s simply not happening.

Through the first 15 games of his rookie season, Micah Parsons has accumulated 79 tackles, 13.0 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, and 29 quarterback hits to go with 3 forced fumbles and a whopping 45 pressures, according to Pro Football Reference. Though he’s just 22 years old, he’s already producing at an All-Pro level, and he’s got the film to back it up.

Pro Football Focus currently has him graded as the number one off-ball linebacker in the league, and he would be graded among the top edge defenders as well. This is part of what makes Parsons so special, as the young defender could groom into a star at either position.

However, the Dallas Cowboys will probably continue to use him as a versatile defensive weapon who can move around the formation, drop into coverage, and rush the passer from nearly any position.

There have been heavy favorites for Defensive Rookie of the Year in the past, but this one takes the cake. Micah Parsons is a legitimate superstar and he has already run away with this award in 2021.