The Dallas Cowboys selected Western Michigan edge Marshawn Kneeland with pick No. 56 in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
A former two-star recruit who moved across the state of Michigan midway through his prep career, Kneeland was a JV receiver/safety before moving up to defensive line as a varsity player. He stayed there and found success a skinny, long, fast pass rusher. Kneeland, 22, gained roughly 40 pounds throughout his high school career and only grew from there — he’s now 6-foot-3, 267 pounds with an 83 3/8-inch wingspan.
After playing sparingly during his first two seasons at Western Michigan (including the pandemic-shortened 2020 year), Kneeland had a breakout showing in 2021 with 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss. He finished his career with 13 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections. He was a team captain and second-team All-MAC performer in 2023.
Kneeland has outstanding agility for his size. His consistency isn’t always there, but his length (34 1/2 arms) and motor make him a high-upside prospect.
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‘The Beast’ breakdown
Kneeland ranked No. 32 on Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:
“Kneeland is still taking classes in the art of the pass rush, but he is charged up into contact and displays twitch throughout his frame, which allows him to defeat blockers in different ways. He projects as a starting base end whose best football is yet to come.”
Why he’s a second-round pick
Kneeland got better every year at Western Michigan and had some seriously impressive flashes. During a two-week span against Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan last season, Kneeland generated a combined 14 pressures and four sacks. The next two games, though? Two pressures and zero sacks. If an NFL coaching staff can get him to be more consistent, he could be an outstanding and versatile three-down edge presence.
If you want to know why Marshawn Kneeland is a favorite among midwest scouts, throw on the EMU tape. Long arms (33 3/4″) and bully hands.
11 tkls, 4.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, FF, (responsible for 2 safeties). https://t.co/Y2SslBBa6Z pic.twitter.com/SXM36D2BOM
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 30, 2023
Come back shortly for more analysis of the Kneeland pick.
(Photo: Michael Wade / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
