Frisco, Texas – and just like that, the NFL Draft was complete.
The Cowboys entered the weekend with seven picks, but ended up with eight, including four more in the third day that ended Saturday night.
Five of the team's eight selections were linemen, three on offense and two on defense.
They got bigger linemen as well as linebackers.
Overall, it looks like the Cowboys looked to improve on some obvious problem areas in 2023: stopping the run and running the ball.
But if there's a surprise, the Cowboys at least got a draft pick to help with run blocking, but they didn't get a running back.
Let's take a look at the eight draft picks and how they fit into the Cowboys' 2024 plans.
- **Tyler Guyton (1)cent round, 29th Overall, OT, Oklahoma State) ** – This pick may have been a surprise to some, but they drop five spots from No. 24 but still get a left tackle who should be able to start right away. It seems like a great move, considering they acquired a third-round pick. Guyton looked impressive in Friday's press conference, and it looks like he's ready to get to work and prove he can be a mainstay for years to come.
- **Marshawn Kneeland (2)n.d. round, 56th Overall, Delaware State, Western Michigan)** – This looks like a Mike Zimmer pick all the way. Kneeland is a gritty, run-stopping player who likes to mix it up on the line. He has 28 career tackles for loss and should add instant toughness to a D-line that lost four players to free agency, including ends Dorrance Armstrong and Dante Fowler.
- **Cooper Beebe (3)rd round, 73rd Overall, G/C, Kansas State)** – There are questions about where he will play, but there are no questions about his toughness and blocking ability. Beebe looks like a tough, intense player who thrives on keeping defenders on the ground. He will probably play center for now, but he will eventually move to guard.
- **Marist Liufo (3)rd round, 87th Overall, LB, Notre Dame) ** – Another Zimmer-type player, Liufau is a stubborn linebacker who excels in the run and pass. The Cowboys are short at linebacker, and he could come in and compete for a starting spot this year.
- **Kaelen Carson (5)th round, 174th Overall Pick, CB, Wake Forest)** – The Cowboys acquired Carson, who has elite ball skills, after going all four and most of the fifth without a pick. He will compete for playing time as a cornerback, but he also played four years on special teams in college.
- **Ryan Flournoy (6)th round, 216th Overall Pick, WR, SE Missouri State)** – Exciting player athletically. There are going to be questions because he's a competitor, but he proved he can play in the Senior Bowl. With good hands and playmaking ability, Flournoy should be able to compete for the backup receiver spot right away.
- **Nathan Thomas (7th round, 233rd (Overall Pick, OL, Louisiana State)** – A big player who played tackle in college but could also play inside guard. In terms of his talent, he's a mid-round pick, but he's likely to be sidelined due to medical concerns related to his injury. If the Cowboys can get that under control, he could be an attractive player with his size and versatility.
- **Justin Rogers (7th round, 244th Overall, DT, Auburn)** – The final pick in the draft could address another need at DT. The Cowboys lost Jonathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore to free agency. There's no guarantee he'll win in seven rounds, but Rodgers will certainly take up some space with his size. He played in the SEC and held his own. He's a run stopper and can clog up the middle. That's something the Cowboys can use right away.
