Draft Grades: Most observers feel Cowboys could’ve done better with 1st rounder

Report card for the Dallas Cowboys and their selection of linebacker Micah Parsons in Round 1 of NFL draft.

Not all drafts can be as fun as it was for fans of the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 when wide receiver CeeDee Lamb fell right into their laps. This year the players most mocked to head to the Metroplex were snatched in consecutive picks before the Cowboys were on the clock. One trade and 20 minutes later, they turned in the card for Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons.

The Dallas brass has spent considerable draft capital at the linebacker position. In 2016 it was Jaylon Smith at No. 34. In 2018 it was Leighton Vander Esch at pick No. 19 and now Parsons at No. 12. Here’s how they fared on some report cards.