Cowboys' Micah Parsons named top-5 defender on NFL's Top 100 list

Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons coined a catchphrase before his rookie season, “The lion is always hungry.” The NFL has noticed his hunger for excellence, as Parsons made the NFL’s annual Top 100 list in his second season, landing at No.16. 

Parsons was the highest-ranked second-year player and the fourth- youngest player overall. He turned 23 in May. His ranking was the fifth highest of any defender, following Aaron Donald (2), TJ Watt (6), Jalen Ramsey (9) and Myles Garrett (11). 

Parsons dominated in 2021, becoming the first unanimous AP defensive rookie of the year. He recorded 13 sacks, the second most by a rookie in a season. He also recorded 84 tackles, a Cowboys rookie record.

He almost won defensive player of the year, finishing second in voting behind TJ Watt. Parsons also made the Pro Bowl and was named First-Team All-Pro.

Parsons wants to break more records in 2022, specifically the season sack record.

“Yeah, 15’s like the minimum. 15’s what I wanna hit,” Parsons told Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports. “But definitely 23 is that goal, to break the record.” Former Giants star Michael Strahan and Watt of the Steelers hold the record with 22.5.

Parsons wasn’t the lone Cowboy on the top 100. Six Cowboys made the list this year, including cornerback Trevon Diggs (23) and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (95). Each made his first appearance.

Quarterback Day Prescott (44) and left tackle Tyron Smith (92) returned to the list after missing the cut in 2021. Right guard Zack Martin (68) made his sixth consecutive appearance.

The Cowboys went 12-5 last season, winning the NFC East and clinching their first playoff berth since 2018.