DETROIT (SILVER STAR NATION) — The 2024 NFL Draft continued on Friday, April 26, 2024, with Round 2 getting underway at 6 p.m.
With the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Marshawn Kneeland, a defensive end from Western Michigan.
A natural athlete who competed in track and field in high school, Kneeland began his football career as a tight end and a wide receiver before converting to an edge rusher.
Kneeland played 38 games as a defensive end at Western Michigan, amassing 149 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 passes defended.
NFL Combine results for Marshawn Kneeland
- Height — 6'3"
- Weight — 267 pounds
- Wingspan — 83.375 inches
- 40-Yard Dash — 4.75 seconds
- 20-Yard Dash — 2.77 seconds
- 10-Yard Dash — 1.65 seconds
- Vertical Jump — 35.5 inches
- Broad Jump — 9 feet 11 inches
- Three-Cone Drill — 7.02 seconds
- Bench Press — 21 reps
Another player with raw talent that needs development
Kneeland is a natural athlete with an explosive playstyle who doesn't give up on a play. He has drawn comparisons to current Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence.
Kneeland's combination of size and speed makes him an intriguing pick, and many draft experts said he had the best tape of any edge rusher in the draft. Many considered him a top 5 defensive end due to his raw talent.
The biggest issue with Kneeland is his need to develop his pass-rushing technique. His raw natural abilities are not yet refined, which led to missed tackles and low production during his collegiate career.
Luckily, Kneeland has a reputation for being a coachable player who is eager to learn. He was also nominated as a team captain in his senior season by his fellow players, making him an ideal player and teammate.
To put it plainly, Kneeland's best football is ahead of him, and if given the time to develop, he could be a cornerstone of the Cowboys pass rush in the coming years.
Looking ahead to Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft
The Dallas Cowboys aren't done selecting on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. Thanks to their trade with the Lions in the first round, the Dallas Cowboys will make two picks in Round 3
- Round 3 — Pick 9 (73 Overall)
- Round 3 — Pick 23 (87 Overall)
Follow Silver Star Nation's coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft
Silver Star Nation will be providing in-depth coverage of all seven of the Dallas Cowboys' picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
KFDX Sports Director Tobin McDuff and Sports Anchor M.J. Baird will be at The Star in Frisco, providing live coverage and reactions as each pick is made. Digital Reporter Josh Hoggard will publish an in-depth analysis of each new player added to the Cowboys roster.
Stick with the Silver Star Nation for updates from the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.