Ranking the Cowboys’ last 10 first-round draft picks

4. Micah Parsons, EDGE (2021)

The 2021 NFL Draft was tough for Dallas fans. They held the 10th overall pick and with a desperate need for help at cornerback, two players were being watched closely — Jaycee Horn from South Carolina and Pat Surtain II from Alabama.

Horn was taken eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers and Surtain went to the Denver Broncos at No. 9. That left Dallas without a defensive back to take and they committed the ultimate sin — they traded with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Philly moved from No. 12 to No. 10, where they took DeVonta Smith. The Alabama wideout has been a great addition for the Eagles and the only solace Dallas fans can take is knowing they moved up for Smith to keep the Giants from taking him.

They can also be happy that their pick at No. 12 worked out. Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons was the selection and fans were angry at first. The move was graded low since linebackers rarely move the needle but Parsons proved he was no ordinary linebacker.

Parsons moved up to the line of scrimmage early in the season out of necessity and was fantastic. His ability to rush the passer was evident and he continued to be used in that role. He finished his rookie season with 13 sacks and after three years has 40.5.

As one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, Parsons has proven to be a blessing in disguise for this franchise. While Surtain and Horn have been good, they haven't made the impact Parsons has.