The Dallas Cowboys

The smell of football is in the air so you know I’m here to talk about America’s Team, The Dallas Cowboys. With the draft now in the rear view mirror all eyes are on rookie mini camp and OTAs. What a great starting point here, Rookies! As impactful as veterans can be, rookies help build your roster and future but can also help you hoist that trophy come years end. So let us take a closer look at this year’s draft and see how we think things are going to go from here.

Round 1 pick 29 – Tyler Guyton OT Oklahoma (6’8 322lbs)

A former TE turned tackle, Guyton has exceptional athleticism for his size. His quick feet and mean playing style means he will get to his block quicker than expected. Guyton absolutely manhandled fellow first round pick, FSUs Jared Verse, when they met on the field. He also allowed 0 sacks on 335 pass snaps in 2023 and now gets to train against one of the best pass rushing units in the NFL. Look for him to start out of the gate. 

Best attribute: Boxer-like hands allow him to break contact quickly and dominate his block.

Needs work: Transition to LT, Dillon Gabrielle was a lefty so Guyton played RT instead.

Grade: A-

Round 2 pick 56 – Marshawn Kneeland DE Western Michigan (6’3 267lbs)

Some would consider Kneeland to be one of the best run stuffing DEs in the draft which is something Dallas lacked last year. With an impressive wingspan and a great burst off the ball Kneeland looks to take the place of Dorrance Armstrong in the DE rotation. He will also have a chance to learn from tank lawrence which can’t hurt.

Best attribute: Football IQ is off the charts

Needs work: Adjusting to blocks, tends to slow down when not passing on initial burst

Grade: B-

Round 3 pick 73 – Cooper Bebe G/C Kansas State (6’3 322lbs)

I know im not the only one who absolutely loved this pick, 2023 All American & back to back Big 12 Offensive lineman of the year (2022 and 2023) and back to back First Team All Pro (2022 and 2023) Bebe might be just what the doctor ordered at center. An absolute menace in the run game helping the wildcats to 2902 rushing yards in 2023. One of the only knocks on the kid is his arm length but the switch to center should help with that.

Best attribute: Burst + Power = IHOP just ask Juwan Gaston

Needs Work: Recovery vs the rush

Grade: A+

Round 3 pick 87 – Marist Liufau LB Notre Dame (6’2 234lbs)

A shocking pick given the team needs and players available but let’s pump the hate brakes on this kid. Now Marist hits like a mac truck and closes nicely on the ball carrier. Super athletic and can drop back in coverage. Very raw will need to be groomed but look for him to make special teams plays right off the rip.

Best attribute: Elite Change of direction, can turn on a dime

Needs work: Tackling, always going for the big hit caused missed tackles

Grade: C

Round 5 pick 174 – Caelen Carson CB Wake Forest (6ft 199lbs)

The wait was long but at the end of it Dallas snagged one of their top 100 players at 174. With decent range, he is physically aggressive and can stick to opposing WRs. Ranked the 68th CB in run defense in 2023 and 27th in man coverage in 2022 his instincts and quick trigger should help him see the field in 2024.

Best attribute: Can work inside or out

Needs work: Zone coverage processing

Grade: B-

Round 6 pick 216 – Ryan Flournoy WR Southeast Missouri State (6’1 202lbs)

Flournoy has size, speed and the football character that any head coach or GM would love. He showed out at the combine. A 4.44 40 yard dash, 39.5” vertical and an 11’ broad jump so he has some tools to work with. Had only 4 total career drops in college. He is very coachable and has a team first mentality.

Best attribute: HANDS FOR DAYS

Needs work: Eluding physical press coverage

Grade: B

Round 7 pick 233 – Nathan Thomas OT Louisiana-Lafayette (6’5 332)

Best Attribute: Very powerful and a great run blocker

Needs work: Quickness

Grade: C+

Round 7 pick 244 – Justin Rodgers DT Auburn (6’2 322)

Best attribute: Anchor does not move in the run game

Needs work: Anchor does not move in the pass game

Grade: B-

Honorable mention to UFA rookie signing – Brevyn Spann-Ford TE Minnesota (6’6 250lbs)

Easily one of the best run blocking TEs in the draft with the size and speed to become a real receiving threat.

Overall Grade: A-

Solid draft put together, lets see if we can get some deals done with Dak and Ceedee, which would free up the cap space needed to get a vet or 2 before the season starts. My expectation is the same every year. Boys to the Bowl!

-Sean Richards, Cowboys Insider and fantasy football freak.