While the Cowboys weren't exactly quiet during free agency this spring, there is still plenty of work to do for this team that finished 7-10 in 2024.
Not only did they add some key players in free agency and via trades, but they also re-signed some of the core depth as well.
Still, there are other guys on this team that must take that next step in order for the Cowboys to be successful in 2025.
Today, we'll continue the Next Man Up series with defensive end Marshawn Kneeland.
- Name: Marshawn Kneeland
- Position: Defensive End
- Experience: 2nd Year
- Games Played/Starts: 11 / 1
- Years Left on Contract: 3
- How Acquired: 2nd round, 2024 Draft, 56th overall (West. Michigan)
The Past: Somewhat of a surprise draft pick last year, Kneeland was added to the equation for depth purposes on the defensive line, especially against the run. What the Cowboys never could've imagined is losing four defensive ends to injury in the first five games of the season. The fourth of which was to Kneeland, whose knee injury against the Steelers landed him on IR and forced him to miss six games. When he was on the field, Kneeland was solid, but didn't exactly make a huge impact. He didn't record a sack, but had two tackles for loss. His 13 quarterback pressures was tied for sixth on the team.
The Present: Now is the time for Kneeland, who was often compared to DeMarcus Lawrence when he was drafted for his ability to stop the run, hold the edge and disrupt the backfield. Well, with D-Law signing with the Seahawks in free agency, the door is wide open for Kneeland, who should have plenty of opportunities for playing time, if not to grab one of the starting defensive end spots. The jury is still out exactly how new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will run his scheme, especially with how he utilizes Micah Parsons. Factor in the return of Sam Williams, the additions of players such as Payton Turner and Solomon Thomas and should be an interesting rotation with Kneeland right in the middle of it.
The Future: Second-round picks will always get the chance to prove themselves. No matter the players signed around Kneeland, he will get every opportunity to play and if he can stop the run as advertised, and provide occasional pass rush off the edge, there will be always be a spot for that player. Kneeland has three years remaining on his contract and should be a fixture for Eberflus' defensive scheme for the duration of his contract. Players usually take a big leap from Year 1 to Year 2, at any position, and will be important for Kneeland to do just that heading into his second season. If he can stay healthy, Kneeland should be able to provide a steady complement to Parsons on the other side of the line.
