DETROIT (SILVER STAR NATION) — The Dallas Cowboys added a linebacker with their second pick of Round 3 and final Day 2 selection of the 2024 NFL Draft.
With the 87th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Marist Liufau, a linebacker from Notre Dame.
The pick marks the fourth selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft:
- Round 1 — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
- Round 2 — Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
- Round 3 — Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
NFL scouting combine and Pro-Day results for Liufau
- Height — 6'2"
- Weight — 234 pounds
- Wingspan — 79.375 inches
- 40-Yard Dash — 4.64 seconds
- 20-Yard Dash — 2.72 seconds
- 10-Yard Dash — 1.64 seconds
- Vertical Jump — 30 inches
- Broad Jump — 9 feet
- Three-Cone Drill — 7.16 seconds
- Bench Press — 16 reps
Liufau brings 'violence', 'relentless' play style
Liufau is a violent player who understands the game of football. He's been described as a "blood-thirsty tackler", "relentless", and "aggressive", and he's not afraid to throw his body around to leave his mark on a ball carrier.
Liufau grew up in Hawaii and is the cousin of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. At Notre Dame, he finished his career with 118 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception.
Where Liufau excels is in pass coverage. He didn't allow a passing touchdown in 100 consecutive snaps in coverage. His play recognition has been noted by teammates and opponents alike, claiming he often calls out the offense's play before the ball is even snapped.
Liufau needs to work on his instincts at the linebacker position. Given his aggressive play style, he will sometimes miss tackles or draw a penalty. If he is able to improve his instincts, he could end up being a steal for Dallas.
Looking ahead for the Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft
Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft will get underway at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with the final four rounds all set to take place the same day. The Cowboys don't have a pick in Round 4, but they still have four more selections to make on Friday:
- Round 5 — Pick 39 (174 Overall, Compensatory pick)
- Round 6 — Pick 40 (216 Overall, Compensatory pick)
- Round 7 — Pick 13 (233 Overall, via trade with Las Vegas)
- Round 7 — Pick 24 (244 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.