GREEN BAY, Wis. -- In a surprising move, Micah Parsons, the Green Bay Packers' defensive end, chose not to draft himself in his fantasy football league. Despite having the first pick, Parsons opted for a different strategy, leaving fans and analysts intrigued.

The High Stakes of the Draft

Parsons revealed that the decision was influenced by the high stakes involved. "I couldn't give up that type of draft capital," Parsons explained. This statement highlights the calculated approach he took in building his fantasy team.

A Strategic Pick: Edgerrin Cooper

Instead of selecting himself, Parsons picked his new teammate, Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. This decision raised eyebrows among his league members, but Parsons had a clear rationale. "I stayed mostly offense and it came down to my defense and they saw me pick up Coop, they were like, 'What do you know?'" Parsons said.

Cooper's performance in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions justified Parsons' choice. Cooper led Green Bay with 12 tackles, earning 36 fantasy points. "I started him and he goes off and gets me 36 points. It's like, 'Ahh, so you knew something.' I was like, 'Listen, we can't do that. I just had a feeling,'" Parsons added.

Insights from Practice

Parsons' decision was also shaped by his observations during practice. "I'm watching practice and I'm seeing everything we've got dialed in and what we're putting in," he noted. This inside knowledge gave him confidence in Cooper's potential to deliver consistent performances.

Looking Ahead

Parsons' strategic approach to the fantasy draft reflects his deep understanding of the game and his teammates. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how his decisions impact his fantasy team's success.

In conclusion, Micah Parsons' choice to not draft himself in fantasy football underscores the importance of strategy and insight in building a winning team. His decision to pick Edgerrin Cooper, based on practice observations and team dynamics, highlights the depth of his football acumen.