​Myles Garrett might be considered the premier edge rusher in the NFL, yet Micah Parsons of the Green Bay Packers is widely regarded as the next-best option in what many are calling a “golden age” for edge rushers in pro football. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler surveyed more than 70 votes from scouts, executives, and coaches across the league, and although Garrett captured every first-place ballot, Parsons finished in second place. Parsons also posted 12.5 sacks in his first season with the Packers in 2025 and never dropped below fifth on any ballot. The voting underscores that the NFL still views Parsons as among the elite, even after an ACL injury he sustained in December of the previous year.
A coordinator told Fowler that there are two players who rarely get blocked: Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons. The message is clear—teams must adjust with movement and quick plays, yet even then it may not be enough to neutralize them. ESPN’s metrics show Parsons ranking second in pass-rush win rate, despite facing double teams at the highest rate in the league last season. At the time of his injury, Parsons led the NFL in total pressures and in quarterback pressure percentage, according to Next Gen Stats. He has also led the NFL in total pressures since 2021. A defensive coach praised Parsons for his “elite burst and closing speed,” noting that he offers the most versatile rush capability within the edge-rusher group.
The Packers acquired Parsons in a blockbuster trade that sent two first-round picks and Kenny Clark from the Dallas Cowboys to Green Bay last August. He delivered a first-team All-Pro season even though he was out for the final four games of the year. Prior to both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Parsons consistently ranked as the third-best edge rusher in ESPN’s vote-based rankings. Now 27, Parsons has recorded at least 12 sacks in five straight seasons to begin his NFL career, tallying 65 career sacks in just 77 games.
While Parsons finished second in the overall voting, other players also received votes for a potential second-place finish, including Will Anderson of the Houston Texans, Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions, and Danielle Hunter of the Texans. The NFL remains loaded with elite edge rushers. Before the 2025 season, Rashan Gary was among the players receiving top-10 votes; however, the former Packers edge rusher, who was traded to Dallas, did not receive any votes entering the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire with a focus on ranking Micah Parsons as the game’s second-best edge rusher entering the 2026 season for better SEO.