After one of the most underwhelming “all-in” free agencies in recent memory, the Cowboys need to get straight A’s in their NFL Draft grades to have any hope of a deep playoff run. With Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons all due for extensions in the next year or two, this could be the last chance the Cowboys get with their current core. So, did they make the most of their selections, or will they have another quick postseason exit next year?
Dallas Cowboys 2024 NFL Draft Grades: Is This All-In?
First Round (29th Overall) – Tyler Guyton, OT
The Cowboys originally held the 24th pick in the NFL Draft, but wisely traded down, picked up an extra selection, and ended up with the guy they probably would’ve drafted anyway. While Graham Barton was a popular fan pick, Tyler Guyton has considerably more upside with the raw potential and traits to become one of the best in the game. However, “raw potential” is the key phrase here. The Cowboys have a strong record of developing offensive linemen, so Guyton will probably reach his ceiling by Year 2 or 3. However, by that point, Dallas might not have Prescott, Lamb, and/or Parsons. Considering the team’s circumstances, they should’ve invested in somebody who could provide immediate help.
Cowboys Draft Grade: B
Tyler Guyton NFL Draft Profile
Second Round (56th Overall) – Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE
There is no such thing as too many great pass rushers, and the Cowboys landed another one with the Marshawn Kneeland selection. Kneeland wins with speed rather than strength, and that lack of muscle is probably what caused him to fall into the back half of the second round. This wasn’t an issue in college, but it probably will be in the NFL. However, you can easily live with subpar run defense when Kneeland routinely blows past offensive tackles to take down the quarterback. While he won’t be as productive against advanced competition, his Senior Bowl proved that his impressive numbers weren’t just the product of weak competition.
Cowboys Draft Grade: A-
Marshawn Kneeland NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (73rd Overall) – Cooper Beebe, G
The Cowboys continue to build in the trenches and land a Day 1 starter in the third round of the draft. Cooper Beebe is a big, strong player who can hold up in pass protection and dominate opponents in the run game. While there are genuine concerns about his short arms and ability to engage with longer defenders, he should be an adequate starter for years to come.
Cowboys Draft Grade: B+
Cooper Beebe NFL Draft Profile
Third Round (87th Overall) – Marist Liufau, LB
Cowboys fans better hope that the network of professional, salaried scouts who devoted their lives to the game of football know more about scouting players than I do. Marist Liufau has a fun highlight reel and fearlessly charges into the line, but his lack of size makes him a subpar tackler. Additionally, this aggression can lead to him blindly charging into the wrong gap and leaving an opening on the defense. He’s also nothing special in coverage, although he has the physical traits to improve in that regard.
Cowboys Draft Grade: D
Marist Liufau NFL Draft Profile
Fifth Round (174th Overall) – Caelen Carson, CB
If Marist Liufau was a reach, then Caelen Carson was a steal. A versatile cornerback who should thrive in Dallas, the Wake Forest product is a natural fit behind Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. He’s still a little untested but has the potential to develop into an every-down starter before long.
Cowboys Draft Grade: A
Sixth Round (216th Overall) – Ryan Flournoy, WR
Ryan Flournoy isn’t going to be the top option in the Cowboys passing attack, but he has the physical tools to play in the NFL. His athletic testing numbers are impressive but he’ll need to learn to win as a route runner, and not just by being bigger than everyone.
Cowboys Draft Grade: B
Seventh Round (213th Overall) – Nathan Thomas, OT
If the season started today, Nathan Thomas has the physicality and aggressive demeanor to be a solid swing tackle on running plays. While he lacks the nuance to handle pass protection, the right coaching could bring out that ability. If nothing else, he can move to guard where his subpar footwork won’t be as big of a deal.
Cowboys Draft Grade: B+
Seventh Round (244th Overall) – Justin Rogers, DT
As you’d expect for a late seventh-round prospect, Justin Rogers isn’t anything to write home about. The Auburn product is a decent enough rotational lineman who won’t dominate opposing guards, but he will be able to hold his space and help close run lanes. He’s not going to set the world on fire, but he could make the roster and stick around for a while.
Cowboys Draft Grade: B
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
