When the Dallas Cowboys selected linebacker Micah Parsons with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they knew they were getting a player that could be the cornerstone of their defense for years to come.

They probably didn't realize, however, that Parsons would become a superstar in his first season in the NFL.

The former Penn State standout had an amazing rookie season, totaling 84 tackles (20 for loss) and 13 sacks (just 1.5 sacks behind the all-time rookie record set by Jevon Kearse in 1999).

Parsons, who was voted to the Pro Bowl this season, is poised to become one of the most dominant players in the NFL. He's only 22 (he turns 23 in May), so the sky truly is the limit for the talented defender.

One of the reasons Parsons is elite is because of his relentless work ethic and desire to get better.

It would be easy for Parsons to sit back this offseason and relax before getting back after it this summer.

Instead, Parsons is already setting goals and getting to work.

Parsons doesn't think he's arrived — he knows he has a lot of room to improve.

"Bro, I can get better everywhere," said Parsons this week (via ESPN). "I can become a better pass rusher. I can become a better linebacker. Like, anything. I just feel like I'm just out there raw and I was just learning and I grew and I kept getting better and better throughout the year. No one's ever perfect. There's always room to grow in many ways to get better."

Parsons told ESPN he's already been working on his fitness via working out "on the bike, doing some abs, elliptical". He plans to ramp things up after the Super Bowl.

That's an elite mindset. Parsons has the rare combination of elite athletic skills and relentless determination that we see in Hall of Fame players.

Now, I'm not trying to jump the gun and call Parsons a future Hall of Famer — there are a lot of factors that go into that (such as staying healthy).

But I definitely think he has the traits necessary to make it to Canton one day.

Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports