Cowboys Draft Defensive End Marshawn Kneeland in Second Round

FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys’ second-round pick turned into a callup for Western Michigan defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.

Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Kneeland, Defensive Wing, Western Michigan

Three things you should know:

• Second Team All-MAC (2023)
• From tight end he became a linebacker and then a defensive end
• First-team all-state selection as a high school senior

With a streak that nearly wiped out some of the biggest names the Cowboys had their eyes on, they opted to bolster a less-heralded need on the roster by drafting a defensive end: Kneeland enters the mix as someone who can offset the loss of Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler to the Washington Commanders in free agency; even more so, considering the impact he will have on special teams as well.

His play was strong enough to earn second-team All-MAC talent honors last season at Western Michigan, finishing that campaign with career-highs in tackles (57), sacks (4.5), tackles for loss (7.5), (2) forced fumbles and quarterback hurries (8).

The 6-foot-3, 267-pound quarterback rusher has a frame that is NFL-ready. He can attack, accelerate and effectively establish the edge in run defense, all attributes the Cowboys can certainly benefit from.

He’s not the most athletic in his class and will look to learn from Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence to hone his craft, but he makes up for it with a remarkable work ethic and determination to win on every play, often creating plays in the opposing backfield.

2024-04-27 01:20:46
#pick #Defensive #Marshawn #Kneeland