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Todd Archer, ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas — The 2024 NFL Draft (ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) begins Thursday night in Detroit and concludes Saturday.
ESPN provides pick-by-pick analysis for each Dallas Cowboys selection as it is made.
Let's take a look at each of Dallas' upcoming selections.
Round 1, 29th overall (via Detroit): Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma.
My view: You never want to be forced into a specific position in the draft, but the Cowboys almost had to Get an offensive lineman in the first round. Although the trade back with Detroit cost the Cowboys the chance to acquire ready-to-play center Graham Burton, Guyton has a premium position at tackle. He started just 15 games at Oklahoma, 13 of them at right tackle, but will need some time to adjust to the pro game and will likely have to play a new position. It would be difficult for any rookie to replace a legend like Tyron Smith at left tackle, but his patience may be the biggest key when evaluating Guyton as a rookie.
Is this pick for depth or to fill a hole?: This will fill a void as the Cowboys' in-house candidates Asim Richards, Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball are similarly inexperienced. Guyton didn't expect it to take him long to get used to his left tackle. “I’ve done both,” he said. “I feel like I'm good at both and I'm going to jump right in at left tackle and do the best I can… There's not a lot of difference for me. I feel like it's just the flip play and the flip technique. I “No, I don't think it's going to be a lot of work, but I'm actually really looking forward to it.”
What we're hearing about Guyton: Although he never visited The Star before the draft, the Cowboys met with him at the combine and his pro day. Guyton said he spoke to offensive line coach Mike Solari numerous times and he felt a connection. “We have a history of having players who perform at a high level at their positions, and some of the traits that showed us that we certainly had that,” Vice President of Player Personnel Will McCray said. “There is,” he said. “You talk about athleticism, but left tackles are usually more athletic. And this guy is athletic, has basketball experience, and has an inherent defense. I mean, his game 's method will add something to us as well.'
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Marshawn Kneeland's NFL Draft Profile
Check out some of the top highlights from Western Michigan DE Marshawn Kneeland.
Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Kneeland, Delaware State, Western Michigan.
My view: Some believe they need a running back or linebacker, but they also need a defensive end, especially given the free agency of Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. and the departure of DeMarcus Lawrence in the final year of his contract. Kneeland had 13 sacks and 28 tackles for loss in his career, but never had more than 4.5 in a season.
When is he expected to get regular playing time?: That has to happen as a rookie. His size makes him a good fit for new coordinator Mike Zimmer's preferred style defensively, but he has work to do as a pass rusher. However, the Cowboys will have to replace Armstrong's 446 snaps and Fowler's 270 snaps. 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams will get the opportunity he wanted and will see more action with Lawrence and Micah Parsons. Subsequent picks have been poor, especially as last year's fourth-round pick Junior Fehoko failed to perform as a rookie.
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Cooper Beebe NFL Draft Profile
Check out some of Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe's best plays.
Round 3, No. 73 (via Detroit): Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State.
My view: Beebe is considered the future starter at guard as Zach Martin could be entering his final year with the Cowboys. While professing his faith in Brock Hoffman, some believe he can play center, which is a need for the Cowboys. But at Kansas State, he played every spot except center, although he was available in practice. He is eligible to be named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year his second time.
Will he start as a rookie? If the Cowboys want to consider him as a center, they might be given a chance. On Thursday, executive vice president Stephen Jones was asked about Hoffman, the company's center who started one game last season, and said, “People who come to play against him should bring their own lunch. He's a serious player. I'll be there,'' he replied. Beebe played left and right tackle and left and right guard, allowing just five sacks on 1,488 snaps. At 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to play center field. But the fact that he hasn't done it yet might mean it's best to hold out.
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Marist Liufau NFL Draft Profile
Relive some of Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufo's best highlights.
Round 3, No. 87: Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
My view: The Cowboys signed Eric Kendricks in free agency, but linebacker remained a major need despite the return of last year's third-round pick Demarvion Overshawn from a torn ACL. He started the final 25 games of his Notre Dame career, recording 44 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. He was a pre-draft visitor to the Cowboys and pioneered the team's selection of players in recent years.
Is this a pick for depth or something to fill a hole?: They're probably both new. Zimmer is relying on Kendricks, who coached him at Minnesota, to help teach the system to young linebackers like Overshawn, Damone Clark and now Liufau. He can contribute in important coverage against the tight ends the Cowboys will face, but he also has a chance to be a core special teamer. This year's kickoff rule changes will require the Cowboys to have players who can cover a wide range of areas. At least, that's the first thing he can do.
What's next: The Cowboys currently don't have a fourth-round pick due to last year's Trey Lance trade, so they will likely have to wait a while before making one. Saturday's first pick was the fifth round, 174th overall. They also have a sixth-round pick (216) and two seventh-round picks (233, 244). Will he target a running back in the fourth round?
remaining picks
Round 5: No.174
Round 6: No.216
Round 7: No.233 (via Las Vegas)
Round 7: No.244
