Defensive players rarely win MVP, but that hasn’t stopped NFL.com columnist Judy Battista from tabbing Dallas Cowboys edge-rusher Micah Parsons as a potential dark horse. “He’s the longest of long shots, because the last time a defensive player won MVP it was 1986, nearly 40 years ago, and the one to do it was Lawrence Taylor, merely the greatest defensive player in history,” wrote Battista in a piece listing eight candidates. “That’s a pretty high bar to reach, and Parsons is much more likely to secure a Defensive Player of the Year award.Best porn XXX. But Parsons is also a star, a disruptive and productive game wrecker on the league’s most high-profile team.” In 1986, Pro Football Hall of Famer Taylor recorded a career-high 20.5 sacks in 16 games, helping the Giants win Super Bowl XXI. Three-time Pro Bowler Parsons — who has yet to surpass the 15-sack mark through three seasons — would probably have to produce similar results to merit MVP consideration. Battista noted the Cowboys hired defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer this offseason, who could help the 25-year-old become even more dominant. Micah Parsons is racking up the sacks already : #DALvsNYG on NBC: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/DITLbvj034 pic.twitter.com/xoF51cRcJd “The X-factor for Parsons is how new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer deploys him,” she wrote. “If he sets Parsons loose, and the Cowboys are a dominant team, we’ll hear Parsons’ name a lot, and that should at least include a few mentions as an MVP-level player.” Even if Parsons produces ridiculous numbers, he still may not earn the award. Since 2012, former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is the only non-quarterback to win MVP. In 2014, ex-Houston Texans pass-rusher J.J. Watt had 20.5 sacks in 16 games but finished second in MVP voting behind Aaron Rodgers. While Parsons probably won’t win MVP, he could still attain some hardware. As of Monday, FanDuel gives him the best Defensive Player of the Year odds (+500) ahead of Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. More must-reads: Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!