Day two of the 2024 NFL Draft and the Dallas Cowboys have three picks before the night ends.
Round 2 : Pick 56
Round 3 : Pick 73
Round 3 : Pick 87
The Cowboys selected DE Marshawn Kneeland out of Western Michigan for their second round pick 56. We knew that the Cowboys had two areas of importance on both the offensive line and the defensive line. The offensive line issue was answered on day one with the selection of OT Tyler Guyton. He will replace Tyron Smith, the Cowboys lost Smith in free agency to the Jets. Dallas lost Dorance Armstrong in free agency as well to Washington so the Kneeland pick makes sense, he will help with the loss of Armstrong.
Kneeland came out of Western Michigan University in his 2023 season he played in nine games and had a career-high 57 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and eight quarterback hurries. Kneeland was named second-team All-MAC.
Also, Dallas needs help with the run and they have lacked in that department for a couple years…Marshawn Kneeland had a 99 percentile run stop % since 2022.
The Cowboys selected G Cooper Beebe out of Kansas State with their 73rd overall pick in the third round on day two of the draft. Dallas continues to prioritize their offensive line by grabbing another guard early.
Beebe was a First-Team All-American in 2023. He played in 51 games for Kansas State and started in 48 of them. His 48 starts ranked 5th highest amongst all wildcats since 1990. He was named 2022 and 2023 Big12 Offensive Lineman of the year, one of five players to earn the honor since the award started in 2006. In his career Beebe only gave up five sacks amongst 1,488 career pass blocking snaps.
The Cowboys selected LB Martist Liufau out of Notre Dame with their 87th overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft. This was another area where the Cowboys needed some work, with the loss of Leighton Vander Esch to injuries it left an opening for opportunity.
Liufau finished his 2023 season as a second year starter for Notre Dame. He finished 2023 as one of the team’s top tacklers. Liufau had 44 stops while displaying his ability to drop into coverage (two pass break-ups), rush the passer (three sacks), and made tremendous plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Rounds four, five, six, and seven will continue on Saturday and the draft will conclude on Saturday night. The Cowboys have four remaining picks :
Round 5 : No. 173
Round 6 : No. 216
Round 7 : No. 233
Round 7 : No. 244
