Dallas Cowboys, Marshawn Kneeland considered among draft's best scheme fits

Replenishing the ranks on the Cowboys defense line was a high priority for Dallas in the 2024 NFL Draft, so high that they addressed it with their lone second-round draft pick. Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland told reporters after he heard his name called for the Cowboys that he was surprised. He hadn’t had an extensive look from the team before the draft, and yet, with the 56th overall pick, they chose him.

Many who’ve put on Kneeland’s tape like the pick – a lot. NFL writer Doug Farrar and analyst Greg Cosell included the edge rusher among their favorite selections outside of the first round thanks to how he fits in the Dallas defensive scheme.

“He was a fun watch, and he had pretty good testing measurables at the combine, really long arms too,” Cosell said on Xs and Os. “Outstanding 20-yard shuttle, the kind you usually see with a wide receiver. This guy plays a strongman’s game. He’s got a power profile. Heavy hands in the run game. Forceful speed… I thought along with Jared Verse that he might be the most explosive speed-to-power conversion edge rusher of any guy in the draft.”

“The other thing that really stood out, given that they have Micah Parsons as well, he stood up a lot as a stand-up joker,” he continued. “Physical and athletic traits, he’s more stiff than flexible… so, I think he needs to broaden his arsenal of pass rush, but I think that just the explosiveness off the ball, the one-arm stab, it really shows up on tape.”

Kneeland compared to Khalil Mack out of college

The Cowboys can line Kneeland up with Micah Parsons, or DeMarcus Lawrence, or Sam Williams, and find success this season. He provides depth now, but he could also develop into a starter, which could be key for Dallas with Lawrence entering a contract season.

“The Cowboys’ scouting staff is one of the NFL’s best, and with the 56th overall pick in the second round, Dallas picked up the Western Michigan and Senior Bowl star, who brings Khalil Mack to mind with his power-based rush, and Za’Darius Smith to mind with his effective gap versatility,” Cosell writes.

In his own words, Kneeland described his playing style this week as: “Violent. Physical. High motor. High effort. Always find a way to get to the ball.”

Kneeland had a career-high 57 tackles this past season at WMU along with 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. In four seasons, he had 28.0 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He also blocked a kick as a redshirt sophomore.

New Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland when his second-round selection was announced (via @Jacob_Seus). pic.twitter.com/1zcB7E6waT

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 27, 2024

 Per Spotrac, Kneeland is expected to earn a four-year contract worth $6.79 million, or just shy of $1.7 million per year. He is also expected to reel in a $1.75 million signing bonus.