After experiencing one of the most underwhelming “all-in” free agencies in recent memory, the Cowboys need to earn straight A's in the NFL Draft to have any hope of making the playoffs. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons are all due for contract extensions in the next year or two, and this could be the last chance the Cowboys get with their current mainstays. So did they make the most of their selection, or will they be right out of the postseason again next year?
Dallas Cowboys 2024 NFL Draft Score: Is this all-in?
1st Round (29th overall) – Tyler Guyton, OT
The Cowboys originally had the No. 24 pick in the NFL Draft, but they wisely traded down to acquire additional picks and ultimately sign the player they would likely draft in the first round. Became. Graham Burton has been a fan favorite, but Tyler Guyton has the potential and traits to be one of the best players in the game and has an even bigger chance. However, the key word here is “raw potential.” The Cowboys have a strong track record of developing offensive linemen, so Guyton will likely reach that ceiling by his second or third year. But Dallas may not have Prescott, Lamb or Parsons at that point. Given the team's situation, they should have invested in someone who could provide immediate help.
Cowboys draft grade: B
Tyler Guyton NFL Draft Profile
Round 2 (56th overall) – Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE
You can never have too many great pass rushers. The Cowboys acquired another pass rusher with the selection of Marshawn Kneeland. Nyland won with speed rather than strength, and his lack of strength was probably the reason for his retreat late in the second round. This wasn't an issue in college, but it probably will be in the NFL. But with Nyland routinely getting past offensive tackles and taking down quarterbacks, he can easily endure even subpar defenses. Although he doesn't have as much to achieve against his senior competitors, his Senior Bowl proved that his great performance is not just a product of weak competition.
Cowboys draft grade: A-
Marshawn Kneeland NFL Draft Profile
Round 3 (73rd overall) – Cooper Beebe, G
The Cowboys continue to build their trenches and draft an opening day starter in the third round. Cooper Beebe is a big, strong player who can hold his own in pass protection and dominate opponents in the run game. There are real concerns about his short arms and ability to engage long defenders, but he should be a decent starter for years to come.
Cowboys draft grade: B+
Cooper Beebe NFL Draft Profile
3rd round (87th overall) – Marist Liufo, LB
Cowboys fans hope that the network of professional salaried scouts who have dedicated their lives to the game of football know more about scouting players than I do. Marist Liufo has a fun highlight reel and charges to the line fearlessly, but his lack of size makes him subpar as a tackler. Additionally, this aggressiveness can lead to rushing blindly into the wrong gaps, leaving gaps in the defense. He's not particularly good in coverage either, but he does have physical attributes that could be improved in that regard.
Cowboys draft grade: D
Marist Liufour NFL Draft Profile
Round 5 (174th overall) – Caelen Carson, CB
If Marist Liufau was a reach, Kaelen Carson was a steal. Wake, a versatile cornerback from Dallas, his Forest product, is a natural fit behind Trevon Diggs and Dallon Brand. He remains untested, but has the potential to develop into an all-down starter over time.
Cowboys draft grade: A
Round 6 (216th overall) – Ryan Flournoy, WR
Ryan Flournoy won't be the top option in the Cowboys' passing attack, but he has the physical tools to play in the NFL. His athletic test numbers are impressive, but he needs to learn how to win as a route runner and not just be bigger than everyone.
Cowboys draft grade: B
Round 7 (213rd overall) – Nathan Thomas, OT
If the season started today, Nathan Thomas has the physicality and aggressive demeanor to make solid swing tackles on running plays. He lacks the nuance in pass protection, but with the right coaching he can tap into that ability. At least he can move to guard in spots where subpar footwork isn't such a big deal.
Cowboys draft grade: B+
Round 7 (244th overall) – Justin Rodgers, DT
As you'd expect for a late-seventh-round prospect, Justin Rodgers isn't anything to write home about. The Auburn product is a decent enough rotation lineman who won't dominate opposing guards but can help hold space and close run lanes. He's not going to set the world on fire, but he could make the roster and stick around for a while.
Cowboys draft grade: B
Main photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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