DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys selected Marshawn Kneeland with their No. 56 overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.
Kneeland was the sixth edge rusher taken in the 2024 draft.
Kneeland joins Tyler Guyton in the Cowboys 2024 draft class. Follow a round-by-round recap of the Cowboys draft picks here.
Who is Marshawn Kneeland?
Kneeland committed to Western Michigan from Godwin Heights High School in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he was a first team all-state selection as a senior.
Kneeland was second-team All-MAC and led his team with 4.5 sacks. In his senior season for the Broncos, Kneeland played 10 games and started nine, totaling 57 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss.
Marshawn Kneeland NFL Draft Profile
"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," NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. "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."
- Runs well and possesses agility to fluidly change directions.
- Plays with very heavy hands and makes his first hit count.
- Motor stays engaged and he’s down to chase plays all over the field.
- Sifts through moving bodies and latches into running back with good wrap.
- Generates consistent pocket push with his bull rush.
- Capable of playing with a hand down or standing.
- Needs to diversify his rush attack and add a little more finesse.
- Can improve at stacking moves and setting up rush counters.
- Struggles to consistently hold the point when playing with his hand down.
- Room for improvement with hands in stacking and controlling tight ends.
- Gets pads turned and can be washed away against zone blocks.
More Dallas Cowboys draft coverage
Here is a rundown of Dallas' picks. Every round of the 2024 NFL Draft will be aired on WFAA. You can find more information on when to watch here.
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