Cowboys star draws one surprising ranking in anonymous poll

Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys' Micah Parsons receives one surprising ranking in anonymous poll

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jul 10, 2024 2:12 PM ET

On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released his top 10 NFL edge-rushers for 2024 after surveying a combination of league executives, coaches and scouts.

Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons came in at No. 3 behind T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. However, one voter ranked Parsons at No. 7, his lowest rating and a head-scratcher.

Aside from raising doubts about his ability to consistently play outside linebacker, most of the respondents praised the 25-year-old star.

"If you put him at outside linebacker all game, in the same traditional spot, I'm not sure he'd have the same production," a veteran NFL defensive coach told Fowler. "He needs to be moved around, in my opinion. But he's so good in that role that he completely wrecks a game."

Parsons didn't address the low rating on his X account, but he did take issue with some coaches questioning his production.

Most doubled team player but I have best pash rush percentage and most pressures! Saying production low something not adding up!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) July 10, 2024

Regardless, one low ranking seems insignificant. Parsons – a two-time first-team All-Pro – is highly regarded throughout league circles. In his top 25 players under 25 years old, former general manager and 33rd Team contributor Jeff Diamond rated him at No. 2 behind Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Fowler notes that Parsons and Hall of Famer Reggie White are the only players in league history with at least 13 sacks in each of their first three seasons.

This offseason, the Cowboys hired new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer after Dan Quinn accepted the Washington Commanders head-coaching job. Despite the change, Parsons should keep thriving.

As of Wednesday, Parsons and Watt were tied for the best 2024 Defensive Player of the Year odds (+550), per DraftKings Sportsbook.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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