Cowboys 2024 rookie report card: Progress report for each pick at the bye week
By Reid Hanson
Round 2, Pick 56: DE Marshawn Kneeland
Draft day expectations: Most will agree, Marshawn Kneeland was drafted to be the heir to DeMarcus Lawrence as the base DE in Dallas. Kneeland was seen as an extremely powerful prospect who possessed untapped pass rush skills.
Much like Lawrence, he looked like someone who could be an elite run stopper and a solid pass rusher. Kneeland was a high value pick with a clear path to starting and a low risk of bust.
Bye week review: Kneeland was supposed to be nothing more than a rotational player, working behind the likes of Sam Williams, Micah Parsons and Lawrence in 2024, but injuries to all three thrust him into the limelight whether he was ready or not.
For the most part, Kneeland looked solid in his 111 defensive snaps. He didn’t offer up much statistically but he looked the part and clearly had all the physical traits of a starting NFL DE. A meniscus injury has landed the rookie temporarily on IR, slowing his development and postponing his assessment.
Adjusted expectations: Like Guyton, expectations for Kneeland are essentially the same. Assuming he can get back into the fold and restart his development, Kneeland should be able to get back on pace. He looks every bit the base DE he was billed to be and should still be seen as the starter next season when Lawrence likely leaves.