The Dallas Cowboys selected Western Michigan edge Marshawn Kneeland with pick No. 56 in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
A former two-star recruit who moved across the state of Michigan midway through his prep career, Kneeland was a JV receiver/safety before moving up to defensive line as a varsity player. He stayed there and found success a skinny, long, fast pass rusher. Kneeland, 22, gained roughly 40 pounds throughout his high school career and only grew from there — he’s now 6-foot-3, 267 pounds with an 83 3/8-inch wingspan.
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After playing sparingly during his first two seasons at Western Michigan (including the pandemic-shortened 2020 year), Kneeland had a breakout showing in 2021 with 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss. He finished his career with 13 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections. He was a team captain and second-team All-MAC performer in 2023.
Kneeland has outstanding agility for his size. His consistency isn’t always there, but his length (34 1/2 arms) and motor make him a high-upside prospect.
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‘The Beast’ breakdown
Kneeland ranked No. 32 on Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Kneeland is still taking classes in the art of the pass rush, but he is charged up into contact and displays twitch throughout his frame, which allows him to defeat blockers in different ways. He projects as a starting base end whose best football is yet to come.”
Why he’s a second-round pick
Kneeland got better every year at Western Michigan and had some seriously impressive flashes. During a two-week span against Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan last season, Kneeland generated a combined 14 pressures and four sacks. The next two games, though? Two pressures and zero sacks. If an NFL coaching staff can get him to be more consistent, he could be an outstanding and versatile three-down edge presence.
If you want to know why Marshawn Kneeland is a favorite among midwest scouts, throw on the EMU tape. Long arms (33 3/4") and bully hands.
11 tkls, 4.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, FF, (responsible for 2 safeties). https://t.co/Y2SslBBa6Z pic.twitter.com/SXM36D2BOM
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 30, 2023
Nick Baumgardner’s grade
In what was a pretty thin year for edges, Marshawn Kneeland flashed as much or more than any of them. It was not consistent and his production numbers do not match his ability, but when he was on — he was really on as a dominant force in the MAC. There was buzz Kneeland might’ve slipped into the first round this year. One of the better run defender-pass rush combinations in the class and great value for the Cowboys in an area of need. Grade: A
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How he fits
The Cowboys are an ideal situation for Kneeland. In the short term, the Western Michigan product will have an opportunity to carve out a role in the defensive line rotation, especially with the offseason departures of Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. However, if Kneeland needs more time to make the adjustment to the NFL, which is fair to expect, he’ll have that as a rookie thanks to the depth the Cowboys have in front of him in guys like Sam Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence. In the long term, Kneeland could find his place opposite Micah Parsons if the Cowboys choose to say goodbye to Lawrence after his contract expires following this season. — Saad Yousuf
Rookie impact
Kneeland is an intriguing talent, one Dane Brugler graded as the fifth edge in this draft, but there is work to be done in molding his talents into production. Injuries have played a role in limiting him in each of the last two seasons but Kneeland also needs to put together some of his raw tools to be consistently efficient. Kneeland will have the opportunity to be part of the Cowboys’ rotation from the outset and should benefit from the talent around him in gaining favorable matchups. — Saad Yousuf
Depth chart fit
At best, Kneeland falls in behind Parsons, Lawrence and Williams but a lot will depend on what kind of training camp Kneeland has in competing with the rest of the players at the position. Whether it’s a regular rotation or more of a situational role, Kneeland will have the chance to make an immediate impact but a big part of this selection is how he fits into the plans beyond 2024, too. — Saad Yousuf
They also could have picked …
Other top players at the time were Michigan LB Junior Colson, North Carolina State LB Payton Wilson and Florida State RB Trey Benson. Linebacker and running back are bigger needs but they must feel good about the possibility of addressing those areas with their two third-round picks. There was not an obvious pick when Dallas went on the clock. — Jon Machota
Fast evaluation
Although defensive end might not seem like a major need, the loss of Armstrong combined with Lawrence being in the final year of his contract makes the position a sneaky need. The edge-rushing depth chart this coming season could very well end up being Parsons, Lawrence, Williams and Kneeland. There were bigger areas of need but Kneeland was likely too high on their board to pass up. — Jon Machota
(Photo: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)