Dallas Cowboys Draft: Highest and lowest picks in 2024 rookie draft class

The Dallas Cowboys completed their 2024 draft class on Sunday, welcoming a talented group of rookies to the organization. The Cowboys addressed most of the holes on the team, but two picks stand out as the best and worst in the class.

Best Pick: G. Cooper Beebe, 73rd overall pick

The Cowboys hit a home run when they drafted Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe in the third round. Beebe is 6'2 and weighs 322 pounds and used his ferocity and technique as a blocker to succeed in college. He earned numerous accolades, including being named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2023, earning first-team All-American honors and first-team All-Big 12 honors.

Beebe allowed just two sacks on 1,259 pass-blocking snaps during his college career, while also being a reliable run blocker. Most notably, he allowed zero pressures against the Texas defensive line in 2023. In the matchup, DT Byron Murphy (first round pick) and DT Tevondre Sweat (second round pick) worked alongside Beebe and combined to achieve zero pressure. When they were not lined up against Beebe, they generated 12 pressures.

Beebe shined as a guard throughout his time at Kansas State, but he should compete to be the team's starting center in 2024. The need for a center has increased significantly after the team lost Tyler Biadasz in free agency. Beebe should do a good job filling this need in 2024 while also having the versatility to move to guard if needed. The Cowboys found a great addition to their interior offensive line with the first of two third-round picks.

Worst pick: DE Marshawn Kneeland, 56th overall pick

First and foremost, Kneeland is a very talented edge rusher. A few analysts considered him a first-round talent as he proved to be one of the most athletic players at his position in the draft. Calling him the Cowboys' worst player is not criticizing him as an individual player. That means the Cowboys had better options for a football team still on the board.

Florida State running back Trey Benson was still available when the Cowboys were in the second round. Benson proved to be one of the top running backs in this class with his elite production and impressive combine performance at FSU in 2023. Not only did they give up Benson, but they also gave up Michigan LB Junior Colson, who had the potential to be an instant hit at the linebacker position. Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton and Michigan running back Blake Collum could have quickly become impact players for the Cowboys if they followed that path. Instead, the team opted to use edge rushers, who likely won't be on the field as many of these players in the 2024 season.

It's always good to have as many defensive linemen on your team as possible, but teams shouldn't have prioritized defensive linemen with more pressing needs early in this year's draft. With this selection, the Cowboys inherit several offensive playmakers that could make QB Dak Prescott's job much easier next season.