Jerry Jones selects a potential stand-in defender to take Micah Parsons’ spot.

Sunday, April 27, 2024, 8:00
Laura Monteiro

With a defensive pick in the second round of the NFL Draft, the all-in Dallas Cowboys made their debut.

Dallas selected Western Michigan native Marshawn Kneeland with the 56th overall pick. He shows up to bolster the group’s pass rush.

Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, two of the team’s rotational defensive ends, were lost by free agency.

Recall that the Cowboys added an offensive tackle in the first round (with the 29th overall pick) to bolster the offensive line, particularly in light of Tyron Smith’s loss.

Image by Getty Images/Kevin Sabitus

DE’s educational background in college

Over the course of five seasons at Western Michigan, Kneeland was a starter in 38 games and recorded 149 tackles, including 28 for losses. He possessed an impressive 6’3″ size and 267 pounds of pure physical power. In addition, he scored 13 sacks.

Kneeland served as a JV (Junior Varsity) receiver and safety before switching to the defensive line as a varsity athlete.

Over his time in high school, the 22-year-old gained over 40 pounds and developed into a powerful player.