The Dallas Cowboys selected Marshawn Nyland from Western Michigan Edge with the 56th pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
A former two-star recruit who transferred past Michigan State midway through his prep career, Kneeland was a JV receiver/safety before moving up to the defensive line as a varsity player. He stayed there and found success as a lean, long, fast pass rusher. Kneeland, 22, added about 40 pounds to his weight throughout his high school career and grew even more from there. Currently, he is 6-foot-3, 267 pounds, and has a wingspan of 83 3/8 inches.
After not playing much in his first two seasons at Western Michigan University (including a pandemic-shortened 2020), Kneeland had a breakout season in 2021 with 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss (one for a loss). He finished his career with 13 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, three force deflections, and three pass deflections. He was a team captain and second-team All-MAC performer in 2023.
Kneeland has exceptional agility for his size. His consistency isn't always there, but his length (34 1/2 arms) and athleticism give him great promise.
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Breakdown of “The Beast”
Kneeland was ranked No. 32 on Dane Brugler's Top 300 Big Board. Here's what Brugler had to say about him in our annual NFL Draft Guide.
“Nyland is still taking classes in pass-rushing techniques, but he can charge into contact, show twitching all over his frame, and beat blockers in a variety of ways. I am planning to be the starting base end, who is not here.”
Why is he a second round pick?
Kneeland improved year after year in the Western Michigan Tournament and showed some very impressive flashes. In a two-week matchup against Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan last season, Kneeland combined for 14 pressures and four sacks. But what about the next two games? 2 pressures and 0 sacks. If NFL coaching staffs can improve his consistency, he could become an outstanding, versatile three-down edge presence.
If you want to know why Marshawn Kneeland is so popular among scouts in the Midwest, just play the EMU tape. Long arms (33 3/4 inches) and strong hands.
11 tkls, 4.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, FF, (played 2 safeties). https://t.co/Y2SslBBa6Z pic.twitter.com/SXM36D2BOM
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 30, 2023
Nick Baumgardner's school year
It was a pretty down year for the Edge, but Marshawn Kneeland shined just as much, if not more, than them.It was inconsistent and his production numbers didn't match his ability, but when he was on, he was Really It operates as the dominant force in the MAC. There was talk this year that Nyland might slip into the first round. One of the best run defender and pass rush combinations in this class and great value for the Cowboys in areas of need. Class A
how he fits
The Cowboys are an ideal situation for Nyland. In the short term, Western Michigan will have an opportunity to fill a role in the defensive line rotation, especially with the offseason departures of Dorrance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. But if Nyland needs more time to adjust to the NFL, which is understandable, he could do it as a rookie since the Cowboys have players like Sam Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence. . Long term, Nyland could find a home opposite Micah Parsons if the Cowboys choose to part ways with Lawrence after his contract expires at the end of this season. — Saad Yusuf
rookie impact
Nyland is an interesting talent and one of Dane Brugler's fifth-highest rated players in this draft, but there's still work to be done to turn his talent into a product. Injuries have helped limit his performance the past two seasons, but Nyland will also need to combine some of his raw tools to play consistently and efficiently. Nyland has a chance to be part of the Cowboys' rotation from the get-go, and he should benefit from the talent around him in getting favorable matchups. — Saad Yusuf
Depth chart fit
Kneeland ranks behind Parsons, Lawrence and Williams at best, but a lot will depend on what kind of training camp Nieland has in order to compete with other players at the position. Whether in the regular rotation or in a situational role, Kneeland has a chance to make an immediate impact, but a big part of this selection will also be how he fits into plans for 2024 and beyond. It is. — Saad Yusuf
They could also have chosen…
Other top players at the time included Michigan State's LB Junior Colson, North Carolina State's LB Peyton Wilson, and Florida State's RB Trey Benson. Linebacker and running back are bigger needs, but they must feel good about potentially addressing those areas with two third-round picks. When Dallas started the game, there was no clear pick. — John Macciota
quick assessment
Defensive end may not seem like a huge need, but the loss of Armstrong, coupled with Lawrence being in the final year of his contract, makes the position a sneaky need. Edge's rushing depth chart this season will very likely be Parsons, Lawrence, Williams, and Kneeland. There were bigger chances, but Nyland was likely too high up on their board to pass up. — John Macciota
(Photo: Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire, Getty Images)
