DALLAS — Second-year defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and the ongoing search for stability in the secondary continues to be one of the biggest questions going into OTA’s.
Marshawn Kneeland: From Rookie Setback to Breakout Candidate
Drafted 56th overall in 2024 out of Western Michigan, Marshawn Kneeland was seen as a long-term investment for the Cowboys’ defensive line.
His rookie season, however, was marred by a partially torn meniscus that sidelined him for six weeks after a Week 5 win against Pittsburgh.
Despite limited snaps — 11 games with one start — Kneeland managed 14 tackles, three quarterback hits, and two pass deflections, showing flashes of the run-stopping prowess that made him a standout in college.
Pro Football Focus’s Bradley Locker named Kneeland one of the NFL’s top breakout candidates for 2025, citing his strong run-defense grades and the opportunity created by roster turnover and injuries along the Dallas front.
With DeMarcus Lawrence now in Seattle and Chauncey Gholston in New York, the Cowboys have opened the door for Kneeland to seize a larger role.
The addition of veteran Dante Fowler and rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku will provide competition, but Kneeland’s blend of size, strength, and football IQ could make him an ideal complement to Micah Parsons in Matt Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme.
Kneeland’s challenge is clear. He must elevate his pass rush to earn more than the 250 snaps he saw as a rookie.
As one Cowboys writer put it, “Kneeland was a standout in the 2024 NFL Draft class … now, it’s time for Kneeland to turn the tide.”
The coaching staff is counting on his development to help anchor a defensive line that struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season.
Secondary Concerns: Will Help Arrive?
While the defensive front is being rebuilt, the Cowboys’ secondary faces critical questions.
All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs continues to recover from a knee injury and may not be ready for Week 1.
Rookie Shavon Revel Jr. is also rehabbing a torn ACL, and veteran slot defender Jourdan Lewis departed in free agency.
The Cowboys did trade for former Buffalo Bill Kaiir Elam, but his role remains uncertain.
With so much uncertainty, Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton and other analysts have suggested Dallas pursue veteran Kendall Fuller, a versatile corner who could provide immediate stability.
Fuller, who has experience both outside and in the slot, would bring much-needed leadership and flexibility to a group currently relying on DaRon Bland and a mix of unproven depth.
Executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged the challenge, saying there’s a “good chance” Diggs will miss the start of the season.
A New Era Under Brian Schottenheimer
The Cowboys’ OTAs have been marked by a palpable energy, with players and coaches alike praising Schottenheimer’s “pace, passion, and culture-building.”
The team is working to integrate nine draft picks, several undrafted free agents, and new acquisitions like George Pickens, who is expected to add a vertical threat to the offense alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Defensively, Schottenheimer and Eberflus are focused on improving run defense and tackling discipline, especially after a 2024 season that saw Dallas near the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed.
The addition of rookie defensive tackles Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote, along with the continued development of Mazi Smith and Osa Odighizuwa, should help shore up the interior.
But the edge, where Kneeland resides, remains a focal point for improvement.
Looking Ahead
The Cowboys have $31 million in cap space and must decide whether to invest in proven secondary help or trust their young talent to step up.
As OTAs continue and mandatory minicamp approaches, the staff is closely evaluating every position battle.
For Marshawn Kneeland, the 2025 season represents both a personal and organizational crossroads. If he can fulfill his potential, he may be the key to a defensive resurgence.
As for the secondary, the front office must weigh the risks of inexperience against the urgency to win now in a competitive NFC landscape.