The Dallas Cowboys have a new defensive end in Marshawn Kneeland.
With the 56th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Western Michigan DE Marshawn Kneeland. This feels like a bit of a curveball as many expected the Cowboys to go back to the offensive line, or maybe a running back or linebacker. Dallas did lose a couple of key players on the defensive line in free agency, so they did need to replenish.
Kneeland is a former high school tight end and his open-field agility can be seen when he’s pursuing the football around the field. He deals consequential first blows to opponents that often create openings for him to generate movement as a run defender or pass rusher. Teams might drop him in as a 4-3 base end, but he’s actually a more consistent playmaker when he’s standing, surveying and using his athleticism rather than fist-fighting at the point of attack. He’s a forceful rusher with a relatively simple game plan, but he does have enough bend to diversify somewhat. There are some mismatched pieces in his game but he offers toughness and talent to mold.
Marshawn Kneeland epitomizes the modern archetype of an all-downs defensive lineman. His exceptional combination of strength, agility, and unparalleled work ethic positions him as the ideal candidate for organizations seeking a game-changing presence across their defensive line.
Kneeland’s prowess is particularly evident on first and second downs. Having faced a diverse array of offensive schemes in the MAC, he executed various techniques while showcasing versatility along the defensive front. Notably, his role extended to that of a free-range downhill linebacker, as demonstrated against Bowling Green. However, Kneeland’s standout quality, and a key factor in ensuring his success at the next level, is his relentless motor. He consistently tracks the ball across the field, maintaining an attacking mindset in both phases of the game. This commitment results in numerous hustle plays and pressures—qualities highly coveted by NFL teams.
Despite Kneeland’s athletic profile not aligning with the conventional image of a pure pass rusher—and his sack numbers being relatively subdued—he proved to be a pressure collector in all the games I scouted. His formidable bull rush consistently challenged opposing linemen’s strength, while adept countermoves and the ability to collapse pockets showcased his disruptive capabilities. While there may be questions about how his speed-to-power game translates against elite offensive linemen, it’s essential not to underestimate him based on competition; Kneeland’s on-field performance speaks volumes.
- Round 1, pick 24 – OT Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma)
- Round 2, pick 56 – DT Marshawn Kneeland (Western Michigan)
- Round 3, pick 73
- Round 3, pick 87
- Round 5, pick 174
- Round 6, pick 216
- Round 7, pick 233
- Round 7, pick 244
Cowboys needs:
OT: Tyron Smith is no longer the Cowboys left tackle. That is something we haven’t said in a decade. With the All-Pro moving on and no heir-apparent on the roster, unless you count sliding Tyler Smith outside, the team needs a replacement.
C: Tyler Biadasz settled in with Dan Quinn in Washington, leaving a hole in the middle of the line. Brock Hoffman would be the next man up, but bet on the Cowboys bringing in some competition.
RB: No Tony Pollard after he moved on leaves Rico Dowdle as the top guy on the depth chart. There will be a body added here, it’s just unknown how early they will strike.
LB: The Cowboys lost Leighton Vander Esch to a medical retirement. New DC Mike Zimmer likes bigger, more traditional linebackers. They got Eric Kendricks, but they need more.
DT/DE: The defensive line’s depth was thinned out in free agency as Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler and Johnathan Hankins all departed. More bodies are required.
CB/WR: These two very important positions always need churning of the depth.
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