The Dallas Cowboys scouting department finds players who are a perfect fit for the team’s schemes. Training camp is starting, and everyone should watch Marshawn Kneeland, the 2024 second-round pick.
Will McClay and his team are skilled at discovering talent from smaller schools, as shown in the 2024 draft.
Kneeland is poised to become the next small-school standout on the Cowboys defense.
Western Michigan: Small School, No Problem
Marshawn Kneeland attended Western Michigan for five years. During this time, he played four seasons and accumulated some impressive statistics as a defensive lineman.
Playing up and down the defensive line, Kneeland made 148 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for a loss, and 13 sacks. He also deflected three passes, showing his awareness in getting his hands into passing lanes.
Marshawn Kneeland’s college statistics closely resemble those of a veteran Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman — none other than DeMarcus Lawrence. While at Boise State, Lawrence had 120 total tackles, 34 tackles for a loss, and 20 sacks.
That is not a bad player to resemble coming into the NFL.
Pro Comparison to DeMarcus Lawrence is a Good Fit
Marshawn Kneeland could not have landed on a better team. His ability to move up and down the line as a run-stopper and rush the passer will benefit the defense.
Having two players, Marshawn Kneeland and Micah Parsons, play the multi-positional “Joker” role will keep offenses guessing.
According to Doug Farrar of USA Today’s Touchdown Wire:
“The Cowboys already have one of the best in Micah Parsons, who can beat opposing blockers everywhere from head-over-nose to wide-9 end and can also beat offenses off-ball. Now, with the addition of Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland with the 56th overall pick in the second round, they have two.”
Dallas Cowboys Vice President of Personnel Will McClay, made the following statement about Marshawn Kneeland:
“The number one thing about him is the high effort and motor that he plays with,” Cowboys Vice President of Player Personnel Will McClay said of Kneeland. “Then to be talented, physically talented enough to play at this level. We noticed him early on. Maxie is the area scout who brought him to our attention early, and the more you watch him, the more you see NFL traits and the traits that we are looking for on the defensive side; playing hard all the time and having the ability to rush the passer outside and inside. We’ve talked about it before, as hard as DLaw played at Boise State, there are some similarities there. That is what we thought about him.”
Those two statements are high praise for the second-round pick.
Marshawn Kneeland could benefit from playing with DeMarcus Lawrence and learning all he can from the seasoned veteran.
Mike Zimmer’s Defense a Perfect Scheme Fit for Marshawn Kneeland
New Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer will be able to maximize the young man’s potential.
Coach Zimmer’s defensive strategy will highlight Marshawn Kneeland’s strengths. Zimmer emphasizes stopping the run, and this is where Kneeland could make an impact early.
In college, Kneeland had 27.5 tackles for a loss.
The new Cowboys’ DC also tends to be volatile with his defensive fronts.
Keep this in mind: In 2021, under Mike Zimmer, the Minnesota Vikings defense ran 158 stunts. Defensive game plans across the NFL seem to be leaning toward gap versatility. This gap versatility will lead to the Cowboys’ defense needing more “Jokers” types who can move around the defense.
Marshawn is capable and a perfect fit for this type of scheme.
Training Camp
Fans will have the opportunity to see and hear about Marshawn Kneeland as training camp progresses. His relentless work ethic will capture the attention of everyone in attendance.
The experience on the defensive line will aid Kneeland’s transition, but with key defensive linemen leaving in free agency, there’s an excellent opportunity for the young player.
A key free agent departure was Dorance Armstrong; this departure will open up more snaps in training camp for Marshawn Kneeland.
Kneeland’s experience gained in training camp due to the low numbers on the defensive line will undoubtedly be reflected in the preseason.
Marshawn Kneeland is a promising talent on the defensive line. He will carve a path to playing time in training camp and establish a name for himself in the process.
Will McClay and the scouts have unearthed yet another hidden gem from a small school, and fans will see that Marshawn Kneeland is a perfect fit.