Micah Parsons talks up second-year Cowboys DE

Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons encouraged second-year defensive end Sam Williams to deliver on a lofty goal this season.

"He's telling me I want 10 sacks. I'm saying 'go get 10 sacks,'" Parsons recently said on KRLD-FM in Dallas, via the Dallas Morning News. "I'm not stopping you from getting 10 sacks. Spread the love across the field. Make us the most ferocious defense as possible.'"

Williams — the 56th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft — had a decent rookie season, finishing with 22 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble in 15 games. Per Pro Football Focus, his pass-rushing grade of 70.9 ranked second among rookie edge-rushers.

However, Dallas wants the 24-year-old to reach the next level. Fellow DE DeMarcus Lawrence, 31, isn't getting any younger, and DE Dorance Armstrong Jr., who recorded the team's second-most sacks (8.5) in 2022, is already battling a hamstring injury that's limited him during training camp.

Parsons needs more pass-rush help. Through the first 11 games of the 2022 season, the Pro Bowler logged 12 sacks. During the season's final six games, he only registered 1.5 sacks. During this stretch, the Cowboys allowed 24.8 points per game.

Parsons indicated Williams' work ethic improved this offseason, which could help him break out.

"I've seen the guy just really come out here and want to grow, and development into our prototype player," Parsons said. "In terms of mentality and what he's trying to bring to the game, I think he's ready for this moment."

If Williams becomes a star player for Dallas, it will bolster the team's fearsome defense. Last season, the unit ranked fourth in points allowed and third in sacks (54).