Marshawn Kneeland: The Cowboys’ Hidden Gem
The Dallas Cowboys, coming off a disappointing 7-10 season, are gearing up for a crucial 2025 offseason as they aim to address roster gaps that have been glaringly exposed. Among the areas that demand immediate attention is the team’s defensive front, which faced depth issues due to injuries to key players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence during the 2024 season.
A Rising Star Emerges
In the midst of these concerns, second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland shines as a potential bright spot for the Cowboys. Hailing from Western Michigan and chosen as the 56th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland has caught the attention of Pro Football Focus’s Bradley Locker, who named him one of the top breakout candidates for the 2025 season across all NFL teams.
Bradley noted that the Cowboys’ defensive struggles in 2024 were partly due to lackluster performances from the interior defensive line. With uncertainties surrounding players like Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith, Dallas may look to rely more on Kneeland in the upcoming season. Despite his modest showing in limited playtime, Kneeland displayed impressive run-defense grades during his college years, hinting at his potential impact in the Cowboys’ defensive schemes for 2025.
Overcoming Rookie Setbacks
Kneeland’s rookie campaign faced a setback when a partially torn meniscus sidelined him for six weeks after the Week 5 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the interruption, the 6-foot-3, 268-pound defensive end managed to feature in 11 games, with one start, tallying 14 tackles, 3 quarterback hits, and 2 pass deflections by the end of the season.
As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2025 season, Kneeland’s development looms large as a key narrative. His ability to stay healthy and make meaningful contributions on the field could play a pivotal role in Dallas’s defensive resurgence plans, offering hope for a stronger defensive front in the upcoming season.
