Draft expert thinks unheralded Western Michigan DE is a steal for Cowboys

Dallas fans may have scratched their heads when the Cowboys selected Western Michigan defensive end Marshawn Kneeland with the 56th overall pick, but some think he's a potential steal.

In a column assessing each team's draft class, The Athletic's Dane Brugler tabbed Kneeland as his favorite pick for the Cowboys. (He ranked the 22-year-old as his 32nd-best prospect.)

"Kneeland is an impressive athlete at 270 pounds and rushes with balance and heavy hands," wrote Brugler. "Pass-rusher was an underrated need for the Cowboys entering the draft, and they landed an ascending player with his best football ahead of him."

Four-time Pro Bowl DE DeMarcus Lawrence is entering the final year of a three-year, $40M contract. DE Dorance Armstrong — who was second on the team in sacks last season (7.5 in 17 games) — signed a two-year, $12M deal with the Washington Commanders in free agency.

Kneeland should give the Cowboys the depth they need. In 2023, Pro Football Focus gave him an outstanding 89.7 grade, and he logged six sacks and 28 hurries in 10 games.

Western Michigan is a Group of Five school in the Mid-American Conference. The conference has produced NFL stars, however, including Los Angeles Chargers eight-time Pro Bowl edge-rusher Khalil Mack (Buffalo).

Perhaps Kneeland's career could follow a similar path. Per The 33rd Team's X account, Greg Cosell sees shades of Mack in Kneeland.