When the Dallas Cowboys selected Western Michigan defensive end Marshawn Kneeland with the 56th overall pick, I won’t lie, it left me shaking my head.
Yet, some think he could be a potential steal for Dallas.
At first many like myself didn’t know who he was because of the fact he played a smaller collegiate program.
With the loss of Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong, I knew this team would select a defensive end at some point.
I just thought it would be someone I had on my draft guide. I missed him. He is a run-stopper on the edge.
What Does The Tape Say?
Let’s start with what we know. He didn’t play at a big school, so the competition level was weaker than what some of the other players on the board had to deal with.
Kneeland had a career-high 57 tackles this past season at WMU along with 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. In four seasons, he had 28.0 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. He also blocked a kick as a redshirt sophomore.
As I looked around at some other numbers on him, something stood out that I didn’t like.
Kneeland had a career 11.9 percent missed tackle rate, according to Pro-Football Focus.
Chris Braswell another pass rusher from Alabama was still on the board to take, he went one pick after the Cowboys selected Kneeland.
Braswell was on my big board of players I wanted the Cowboys to take if given the chance.
Let’s remember though, DeMarcus Lawrence played at Boise State, as did Leighton Vander Esch. So the Cowboys have had success taking players like this, which is a good thing.
Expect The Unknown
Myself included in this when I say, let’s just trust what the front office sees in this player. I didn’t like the pick, and I still won’t until proven wrong.
I also did not like the Tyler Smith selection a few years ago due to how many penalties he committed in college, and guess what? He has turned into a STUD. Coaching matters.
This selection in Kneeland seems like a Mike Zimmer pick. He is the type of player Zimmer wants in the locker room. He wants to be coached.
It can’t be any worse than what Mazi Smith brought his rookie year. The first round pick was nowhere to be found in 2023, so I am hopefully Kneeland shows up and looks good for us.
He will probably find his way into some playing time as Sam Williams is the only legit depth they have on the defensive line.
Let’s see how this year pans out. Let’s hope we see some good moments to go along with the growing pains. One thing we know for sure is that he is going to give you his all 100% of the time.
“The number one thing about him is the high effort and motor that he plays with,” Cowboys VP of Player Personnel Will McClay said the day Dallas drafted him.
His motor is great.
“Excited, definitely excited,” Kneeland said. “Surprised because obviously it’s always a surprise. You’re like ‘whoa, I just got picked.’ [I’m] Just excited. Just happy to be here.”
The Cowboys could be in for a long season if they don’t hit on most of these draft picks. I like Cooper Beebe the best, followed by linebacker Marist Liufau they took in the third round, then Kneeland.
Tyler Guyton was their first round pick, so I am expecting him to be decent from the jump.
We will see if they try and sign any other free agents, but the only guy I would want right now is Zay Jones.