Cowboys sign 2nd-round selection Marshawn Kneeland; entire draft class under contract
The NFL world is about to go quiet over the next month or so as teams and players get their last weeks off before training camps begin. However, before doing so the Dallas Cowboys made sure to take care of some NFL draft business.
Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland inks rookie deal
Tuesday was a busy day for the Cowboys, and while it has been reported they were bringing in UFL veterans for tryouts, it was also announced that the team and rookie Marshawn Kneeland agreed on his rookie deal.
The former Western Michigan star was the last of the eight players selected in the class to sign his deal, and now with him putting pen to paper, the entire group is locked in and ready to go for training camp.
The entire rookie class will be leaned on heavily as the Cowboys turn their attention to younger players and homegrown talent for 2024. With the departure of Dante Fowler and Dorance Armstrong to Washington, Kneeland will be called upon early and often to provide a spark in the pass rush to complement Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Sam Williams.
Kneeland is not only known for his ability to rush the passer but also for his willingness to be physical in the run game. In addition, his high motor and effort pop off the tape, making him an excellent fit for what new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is looking to bring to this defense.
The next step will be to see if Kneeland can translate those skills to the NFL, and if so, the Cowboys will be the beneficiary of another young defensive lineman they stole in the draft.
For now, though, the first part is done. His deal is signed and he is officially a Cowboy joining the rest of his draft class.