Early Cowboys 53-man roster prediction following 2024 NFL Draft
By Randy Gurzi
Defensive Line (9)
DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE
Mazi Smith, DT
Osa Odighizuwa, DT
Micah Parsons, EDGE
Sam Williams, EDGE
Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE
Chauncey Golston, DL
Justin Rogers, DT
Viliami Fehoko, DL
Marshawn Kneeland might have been the biggest surprise pick for Dallas but he fills a need. With Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler gone, Sam Williams was their only rotational pass rusher behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. They now have two players who are focused on the edge coming off the bench and two who can play end or tackle in Chauncey Golston and Viliami Fehoko.
On the interior, they brought in Justin Rogers from Auburn who will back up Mazi Smith. They need to see more from Smith in year two and if he struggles, their options are very limited.
Linebacker (5)
Eric Kendricks
Damone Clark
DeMarvion Overshown
Markquese Bell
Marist Liufau
The only real question here seems to be Markquese Bell. He did an admirable job playing linebacker in 2023 but was outmatched in run defense during the playoffs. After signing Eric Kendricks, drafting Marist Liufau, and getting DeMarvion Overshwon back from injury, it might make more sense to move him back to safety. If so, Jason Johnson (a tackling machine at UCF) could be another UDFA to make the roster.