Green Bay Packers: Micah Parsons drops 4 spots in ESPN list of the top 100 NFL players

The Green Bay Packers are grappling with questions about the effectiveness of their defense as the 2026 NFL season approaches. After defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley left to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Jonathan Gannon was hired to replace him. Gannon is bringing back a 3-4 base defense, which has fans wondering how effective it will be at the start of the season.

Adding to the uncertainty, All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, who currently holds the 13th position in ESPN's list of the top 100 NFL players, is currently on the PUP (Players' Urgent Protection) list after suffering a torn ACL. Parsons, who had a strong 2025 season with 12.5 sacks in 14 games, is expected to be out for at least the first four games of 2026.

ESPN's list also highlights that Parsons is one of the league's best players, with former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley expressing confidence in his potential return even stronger and possibly breaking the sack record next year. While a return to Myles Garrett's record of 23 sacks seems unlikely, there's a possibility that Parsons could reach double digits.

Parsons could have a chance to achieve his career-high 12 sacks for the sixth time in his six-year career, should he recover fully and remain healthy for the rest of the season.