Dallas City News

With time to reevaluate and reflect on the eight new players the Dallas Cowboys added via the 2024 NFL Draft, we’ve put together a little list as to what type of role each one of this year’s draft picks could play as rookies this season.

1.29 – LT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

The Cowboys traded down five spots with the Detroit Lions and also picked up an extra third-round pick (73rd overall). In doing so, they landed Tyron Smith’s immediate replacement and a player who should be their blindside protector for hopefully the next decade. He may have some growing pains early on while he continues to develop, but all the tools are there to be a longtime fixture at LT.

2.56 – DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan

The Cowboys surprisingly passed over RB Trey Benson here, instead choosing to give Mike Zimmer some more help on the defensive side of the ball. Marshawn Kneeland is a hard-nosed, greedy defensive end who will bring immediate toughness to Dallas’ defensive line. He’ll be hard-pressed to supplant DeMarcus Lawrence or Micah Parsons as a starter, but he should receive significant playing time as a rotational player as a rookie.

3.73 – OC Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

Cooper Beebe may have been the best pick of the Cowboys entire 2024 draft class. His toughness and mauler mentality should immediately pay dividends to Dallas’ offensive line from Day 1. He may have never officially started at OC during his time at Kansas State, but that’s likely the position he will step into early on as Tyler Biadasz’ replacement. Down the line he could be Zack Martin’s heir apparent considering No. 70 is entering a contract year.

3.87 – LB Marist Liufau, Notre Dame

Like Marshawn Kneeland, Marist Liufau is another Mike Zimmer-type of player he needed for his defensive scheme. Many believed the Cowboys may have over-drafted here due to the “need” of the position, and the fact they didn’t pick again until the 174th overall pick in the fifth-round, but the former Notre Dame LB will compete for playing time as a rookie nonetheless.

5.174 – CB Caelen Carson, Wake Forest

We may have had to sit through all of the fourth-round and most of the fifth before the Cowboys selected Caelen Carson, but it may have been well worth it. The former Wake Forest cornerback has the position flex to play on the outside or in the slot, which could prove invaluable considering the unknown surrounding Trevon Diggs’ return from his season-ending injury. He will likely start off as their CB4 and also be a core special teamer.

6.216 – WR Ryan Flournoy, SE Missouri State

Despite the depth at the position, Ryan Flournoy should be able to compete for a backup wide receiver role early on as a rookie. He is an intriguing player with an impressive size/speed combo. Being a smaller school prospect he will have to prove he can make the jump to the next level, but his ease of catching the ball with his hands and athletic ability gives him a chance to earn a roster spot and compete for playing time or special teams as a rookie.

7.233 – iOL Nathan Thomas, Louisiana-Lafayette

Nathan Thomas was a mid-round prospect who slipped to the Dallas Cowboys due to some injury concerns. He played left tackle during his time at Louisiana-Lafayette, but projects best inside at guard with the Cowboys. If he can put it all together and overcome his injuries, he has the size and talent to develop into a starting caliber player. He’s got a real shot to become late-round hidden gem for the Cowboys. He’ll likely be a backup and learn in his rookie year,

7.244 – DT Justin Rogers, Auburn

With their final pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cowboys helped fill a void created by the departures of Jonathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore via free agency. Justin Rogers isn’t guaranteed to make the final 53-man roster, but considering the lack of depth at the position, he’s got a good shot. He is a traditional big-bodied run-stopper who will hopefully compete for a rotational role at nose tackle as a rookie in Dallas.