Cowboy Roundup: What’s next for Micah in this unconventional NFL mock draft?

Micah Parsons, the versatile and explosive linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, has quickly become one of the most dynamic and feared players in the NFL since his entry into the league. Drafted in 2021 as the 12th overall pick, Parsons has exceeded expectations with his exceptional talent, work ethic, and leadership. As we look toward the future and analyze an unconventional NFL mock draft, the question arises: what’s next for Micah Parsons? How will his future impact the Cowboys’ draft strategy, and what does the next generation of talent look like for the team as they look to build a championship-caliber roster?

In this Cowboy Roundup, we’ll explore how Parsons has changed the trajectory of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense and how his presence could influence the team’s draft decisions moving forward. Additionally, we’ll dive into some intriguing predictions for the Cowboys in the upcoming drafts, examining key positions, potential trades, and what kind of players would best complement a player like Parsons.

Micah Parsons: The Game Changer for the Cowboys Defense

Micah Parsons has already made his mark as a game-changing player. His blend of size, speed, and football IQ makes him a force on the field. Parsons’ natural instinct for finding the ball, combined with his ability to disrupt both the pass and the run, has transformed the Cowboys’ defense. With 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors under his belt and multiple Pro Bowl selections, Parsons has solidified himself as one of the top linebackers in the league.

However, it’s not just his individual accolades that have made Parsons such a game changer. His presence on the field has allowed the Cowboys to operate a more flexible defensive scheme. Parsons’ ability to rush the passer, cover ground in coverage, and blitz has created a dynamic defensive front that can adapt to nearly any situation. As the leader of the Cowboys’ defense, Parsons gives Dallas a blueprint to create a diverse and unpredictable defensive attack that can keep opposing offenses off balance.

The Future of Micah Parsons with the Cowboys

Looking to the future, Micah Parsons’ role with the Cowboys is expected to continue evolving. Head coach Mike McCarthy, along with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, will likely continue to build around Parsons, expanding his role even further. The team has already started investing in adding pieces that can complement Parsons’ skill set, and with another season in the books, the Cowboys will likely look to continue strengthening their defense to elevate their Super Bowl chances.

One key consideration for the Cowboys is how to balance building a championship-level offense while maintaining a top-tier defense. Parsons’ playmaking ability gives the defense a significant advantage, and in turn, it opens up avenues for the offense to perform at a high level. With the emergence of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and running back Tony Pollard, the Cowboys have the offensive weapons in place. But to win in today’s NFL, it takes more than just a potent offense—it takes a defense that can make key stops when it matters most. Parsons is that kind of player.

Looking at how the team can enhance their roster, the Cowboys will need to focus on continuing to surround Parsons with talent. That means addressing positions that can maximize Parsons’ impact and fill the gaps in the Cowboys’ defense, such as the secondary, defensive line, and additional linebacker spots.

What Does an Unconventional NFL Mock Draft Look Like for the Cowboys?

Now, turning to the unconventional NFL mock draft for the Cowboys, we must consider the future and how the team can further complement their current roster, especially with Micah Parsons leading the defense. There are a few clear positions of need, as well as a few interesting players who could potentially fall into Dallas’ lap. This unconventional mock draft will explore several unique draft selections that could shake up the Cowboys’ future.

1. First Round – Secondary Help: Cornerback or Safety

While the Cowboys’ defense has been much improved in recent years, there are still areas where they can improve. One area that is often scrutinized is the secondary. Dallas needs another elite cornerback to pair with Trevon Diggs or a safety to provide coverage support. Players like Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State), Kelee Ringo (Georgia), and Brian Branch (Alabama) could be high-value targets for the Cowboys in the first round.

Joey Porter Jr. is an intriguing option. His physical play and ability to press receivers make him a natural fit for the Cowboys’ defense. With Parsons wreaking havoc on the front end, having a cornerback who can lock down wide receivers would help further elevate the defense. Porter’s length and ability to create turnovers would add a new dimension to the Cowboys’ defensive backfield, allowing Parsons to focus even more on his blitzing and coverage duties without worrying about the pass protection behind him.

Alternatively, Brian Branch could give the Cowboys a ball hawking safety who excels at reading the quarterback and making plays in coverage. With Parsons’ ability to rush the quarterback and force quick decisions, having a safety like Branch could lead to more turnovers and create chaos for opposing offenses.

2. Second Round – Defensive Line or Edge Rusher

The defensive line is another area where the Cowboys can improve. While the Cowboys have good pieces up front, they need someone who can consistently get to the quarterback and generate pressure. If a player like Myles Murphy (Clemson) or Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) happens to fall to them, they could be strong candidates to pair with Parsons.

Myles Murphy is a versatile edge rusher with excellent size and athleticism. His ability to disrupt the quarterback and stop the run would provide more options for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, allowing him to move Parsons around even more frequently. With the Cowboys’ defensive line already featuring players like DeMarcus Lawrence and Dorance Armstrong, adding someone like Murphy could make the defense even more formidable.

On the other hand, Will Anderson Jr. is another top-tier pass rusher who could complement Parsons’ abilities. Known for his explosive first step and relentless motor, Anderson is one of the best edge rushers in the draft and would bring additional pressure to the pocket, allowing Parsons to focus on his hybrid role of linebacker, pass rusher, and coverage player.

3. Third Round – Wide Receiver or Offensive Line

While the Cowboys have a potent offense with Prescott, Lamb, and Pollard, it’s important to keep adding depth and talent to the roster, especially at positions where they might need reinforcements. One area where the Cowboys could improve is at the wide receiver position, where they need a reliable second option to complement CeeDee Lamb. Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee) and Zay Flowers (Boston College) could be intriguing picks in the third round.

Jalin Hyatt is a big-play receiver who can stretch the field and open up more opportunities for Lamb and the rest of the offense. Adding another deep threat would make the Cowboys’ passing game even more dangerous, keeping defenses honest and freeing up space for Lamb to operate. Additionally, with Prescott’s penchant for big throws, having a speedy receiver like Hyatt could lead to more explosive plays.

Alternatively, adding an offensive lineman like Joe Tippmann (Wisconsin) or Cody Mauch (North Dakota State) could strengthen the offensive line and give Prescott better protection. While the Cowboys’ offensive line is solid, they could look to the future and find a versatile lineman who can either start immediately or provide depth for the long haul.

4. Late-Round Selections – Depth and Special Teams

As the draft moves into the later rounds, the Cowboys can look for players who can provide depth and contribute on special teams. Players like Tyler Scott (Cincinnati) or Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA) could be intriguing targets in the later rounds, with the potential to provide solid contributions in niche roles.

A player like Tyler Scott would add depth at wide receiver, capable of contributing on special teams as well. His speed and ability to make plays on the ball would give the Cowboys a versatile weapon who could fill multiple roles.

On the defensive side, players like Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a dynamic safety, could be added for depth. These picks wouldn’t necessarily be stars from day one, but they could develop into solid contributors, especially on special teams or in rotational roles.