2024 NFL draft grades: Our experts grade Cowboys’ pick of Marshawn Kneeland, Day 2 haul

The Dallas Cowboys had another busy day during Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2024 NFL draft.

After trading back to draft Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton in the first round, the Cowboys added three players on Friday. Dallas selected Western Michigan defensive end Marshawn Kneeland at No. 56 overall, Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe at No. 73 and Notre Dame LB Marist Liufau at No. 87.

SportsDay columnists and beat writers grade the Dallas Cowboys Day 2 draft haul:

Tim Cowlishaw

When you look at Dallas’ Day One trade with Detroit, the Cowboys got two offensive linemen for the price of one. That has to be a win. But even in the era of devalued running backs, the notion that the Cowboys’ starting back next fall will be perhaps a fifth-round pick or Royce Freeman or Rico Dowdle or even (gulp) Zeke Elliott is an odd capitulation for this team to make. B-minus

Michael Gehlken

Physical, physical, physical. Marshawn Kneeland has a lot of DeMarcus Lawrence to his game, and anyone who watched the second half of that Jan. 14 Packers game knows the Cowboys need more of that. Cooper Beebe becomes the favorite in the starting center competition. At worst, Marist Liufau projects as an immediate menace on special teams. The running back position remains a mystery, but that should gain some clarity Saturday. A

David Moore

Picking up Cooper Beebe at No. 73 — with a pick the Cowboys didn’t even have when the draft began — is big. Chances are he will be the team’s starting center on opening day. The addition of Marshawn Kneeland and Marist Liufau on defense adds size. B

Kevin Sherrington

Four picks in three rounds and not one is a running back? Even if there hasn’t been a run on the position, the Cowboys surely can’t expect to get the guy they want in the compensatory phase of the fifth. This feels like a missed opportunity. Like Cooper Beebe to play center, but no RB? Really? C-plus (for the night), B for the first two days

Calvin Watkins

The Cowboys got a possible replacement for DeMarcus Lawrence in Marshawn Kneeland but more importantly, the center position was addressed when Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe was taken in the third round. The Cowboys filled a need with Beebe who will compete with Brock Hoffman for the starting job. The Cowboys have pumped up their depth from the 2023 season as something that’s a strength for the upcoming season. Marist Liufau is a special teams player who can make his mark in Year 1. B

More Day 2 draft coverage

— 2024 NFL draft grades: Our experts grade Cowboys’ pick of Marshawn Kneeland, Day 2 haul

— Dallas Cowboys have filled gaps in NFL draft, but climb from self-created hole continues

— National reaction: NFL draft expert a ‘big fan’ of Dallas Cowboys’ haul so far

— Dallas Cowboys forego RB on Day 2 of NFL draft as Jerry Jones talks up Ezekiel Elliott

— DeMarcus Lawrence’s successor? Cowboys draft Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland

— New starting center? Dallas Cowboys draft Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe in third round

— 5 things to know about Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland, including tribute to his mother

— Dallas Cowboys select Notre Dame’s Marist Liufau at No. 87 overall in 2024 NFL draft

— Dallas Cowboys stay put on Day 2 of NFL draft, use picks to accomplish another needed goal

Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.