The Cowboys are coming into a season where for the first time in ages, defense sits at the forefront as the team's top unit. Every unit needs a leader, and the playmaking ability of linebacker Micah Parsons makes him just that for the Cowboys' defense.

Parsons showed he could not only navigate sideline to sideline on the second level, but he was a terror rushing the quarterback from the edge. Pro Football Focus feels his second season will be more of the same, as Parsons was named the Cowboys' biggest strength in 2022.

PFF's Ben Linsey on the value of Parsons:

"Micah Parsons came into the league as a rookie last season and made a legitimate case for not just the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year but also Defensive Player of the Year. He was PFF's highest-graded off-ball linebacker and one of the most effective pass-rushers in the NFL when defensive coordinator Dan Quinn opted to use him as an edge rusher. The Randy Gregory loss in free agency is going to hurt Dallas up front, but few teams can send two pass-rushers as talented as Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence after opposing quarterbacks. Parsons' ability to fill multiple roles at a high level depending on where he's needed most in a given situation provides a lot of flexibility to the Cowboys on defense."

That's the biggest strength of Parsons, his versatility. He lined up at safety and cornerback in addition to linebacker and defensive end during his All-Pro rookie campaign in 2021. As Linsey mentioned, the Cowboys can send Parsons and Lawrence after the quarterback, but they can do it from multiple positions.

Lawrence slides inside at times to play defensive tackle. This means that the Cowboys could put Lawrence inside and let Parsons and either Dante Fowler, Dorance Armstrong, or Sam Williams rush from the edge. The possibilities are endless.

The ability of Parsons to be effective on the line of scrimmage and at linebacker makes it easier for the Cowboys' secondary, especially in pass situations because he limits the time quarterbacks have to throw the ball which makes receivers easier to cover. Simply put, Parsons is a jack of all trades that makes everyone around him better.

Parsons was dominant as a raw rookie that hadn't played football since 2019 (miss 2020 due to COVID precautions). As he enters year two under the guidance of the mastermind that is Quinn, look for Parsons to continue causing havoc for opposing offenses.

Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports