The Dallas Cowboys found a new star in Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys’ second-round draft pick. After getting dinged a little at the outset of the season, Kneeland came through for his team when it mattered most. As key defensive players—mostly DeMarcus Lawrence—are ruled out, the rookie from Western Michigan is now a big member of the Cowboys’ defense. His impressive performance so far did not go unnoticed by fans and analysts. He is coming out of a relatively minor program but is not a fluke; instead, it shows that talent scouting by the Cowboys has honed enormous talents from lesser-known programs.
A Sleeper Talent Unveiled
Kneeland happened to be one of those sleeper talents in the draft. Hailing from Western Michigan, he just wasn’t on everyone’s watchlist. But the Cowboys have drafted success from smaller schools before. Talk about DaRon Bland and Tyler Smith, for starters. Kneeland’s stats say what type of player he is. He is in the top three among rookie defensive ends across several parameters—in terms of pressures, tackles, and quarterback hits, to name a few.
Kneeland has played 107 snaps and established that he has what it takes at this level. He is being talked about in as a real game-changer, and now with the injuries on the roster, fans are also saying he is a difference-making player.
Filling the Void
Without DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys needed to find a young man to step up into that role, and Kneeland was just the guy for it. There is limited depth at the edge, so most of the pressure is put on him and other young guys. Instead of being fearful of it, Kneeland seemed to revel in the challenge. He has shown his presence along with Carl Lawson and Tyrus Wheat. The defensive line is where the plays are made to pressure the quarterback and prevent opposing offenses from scoring. His skills allow him to disrupt plays to continue creating an opportunity for his teammates, which the Cowboys are really in need of.
The numbers tell an impressive story for Kneeland. This is the area in which PFF says he ranks third for rookie defensive ends in pressures and tackles and first in quarterback hits. Such statistics indicate not only his effectiveness but also the scope for improvement. His timely adaptation to the speed of the NFL simply reflects that he is not just a flash in the pan; he will have an impact for years.
Conclusion
Marshawn Kneeland is one brilliant pick for the Dallas Cowboys. While being drafted in the second round, he is going up the ranks and is now a key defender in the team. As the season continues, he will be critical in filling gaps on an injury-prone team. The Cowboys have a gem of a player, and he has made an immediate impact in the league. Kneeland’s journey is in its infancy, and the NFL world cannot wait to see how his career will unfold.
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