When the Cowboys re-signed Doug Free on Saturday a starting spot on the Dallas offensive line in 2015 looked a long shot for Jermey Parnell and so he has taken the opportunity to fly the nest and join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Playing almost exclusively as a sixth lineman until Week 7 this season Parnell has had to be patient and made the most of the opportunity given to him by the Cowboys this season.
In seven starts (including the playoffs) Parnell earned a +8.7 overall grade, surrendering only 12 pressures (1 Ht, 11 Hu) and proving to be a solid and consistent injury replacement for Doug Free as a run blocker as well. In Parnell’s seven starts, the Cowboys averaged 5.2 yards per carry on 46 rushes off right tackle and right end, with Parnell helping pave the way for big games off the right side against the Giants in Week 7 and the Packers in the divisional playoff defeat.
The risk for the Jaguars is how little they have to go on for Parnell even though he is a sixth year veteran; prior to this season Parnell had played only 298 snaps with 158 snaps in two games at left tackle against the Browns and Redskins in 2012 his most extended playing time. Jacksonville will hope that Parnell can provide an upgrade on Austin Pasztor who struggled through injury this season, failing to build on a solid 2013 season in pass protection. After surrendering only seven pressures in his first six starts at right tackle in 2013 Pasztor has surrendered 46 in 14 starts since, in spite of limited playing time to go on the Jags will hope Parnell gives them a boost in both run and pass games.
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