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Cowboys Roundup: Dallas’s Best NFL Draft Picks, Marshawn Kneeland’s Breakthrough Season, and the Path Forward
The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, find themselves in a transitional moment. With questions surrounding quarterback Dak Prescott’s future, a reshuffling coaching staff, and a passionate fanbase demanding postseason success, the Cowboys entered the 2025 NFL Draft with both urgency and optimism. Amid this backdrop, the Cowboys executed one of their strongest drafts in recent memory and saw the emergence of a young defensive standout—Marshawn Kneeland—who may become the foundation of a new era in Big D.
This Cowboys Roundup dives deep into the team’s best draft picks, Kneeland’s sensational rise in Year 2, and where the franchise is headed as the 2025 season looms.
2025 NFL Draft: A Class With Purpose
After a disappointing early playoff exit and an offseason marked by contract drama, the Cowboys knew they needed a successful draft to reinvigorate the roster. Owner Jerry Jones, Vice President Stephen Jones, and head coach Mike McCarthy (now with an expanded role in personnel) set out to address three core areas: the offensive line, wide receiver depth, and defensive continuity.
And they delivered.
Top Draft Picks:
1. Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma – Round 1, Pick 24
Dallas stayed put at No. 24 and selected Tyler Guyton, a 6’7”, 328-pound offensive tackle from Oklahoma. The Cowboys see him as the heir apparent to long-time stalwart Tyron Smith, who departed for the New York Jets in free agency.
Guyton’s blend of athleticism and power makes him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ zone-blocking scheme. In training camp, he’s already been working with the first-team unit and has impressed coaches with his footwork and pass-protection awareness. The expectation is for him to start at right tackle initially, with the possibility of moving to the blind side in the future.
Why it matters: With Prescott under pressure more than ever and Tony Pollard leaving in free agency, solidifying the offensive line was paramount. Guyton may not be a flashy pick, but he’s the kind of building block this offense desperately needed.
2. Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State – Round 2, Pick 56
Beebe was a consensus All-American who brings versatility to the interior offensive line. He can play both guard spots and center in a pinch, giving Dallas much-needed depth after losing center Tyler Biadasz to free agency.
What Beebe lacks in elite athleticism he makes up for in toughness and technique. He’s drawn comparisons to former Cowboy Travis Frederick, both in body type and football IQ.
Why it matters: Dallas was manhandled in the trenches during its playoff loss. Beebe’s nasty streak and work ethic fit the team’s renewed focus on physicality.
3. Javon Baker, WR, UCF – Round 3, Pick 87
With Michael Gallup gone and Brandin Cooks aging, the Cowboys needed a third receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert. Enter Javon Baker, the explosive UCF product with a knack for acrobatic catches and downfield separation.
Baker averaged nearly 22 yards per catch in college and gives Dallas another deep threat to stretch defenses. He’s already drawing rave reviews for his chemistry with Prescott during minicamps.
Why it matters: The Cowboys’ offense struggled with explosive plays late in 2024. Baker could be a game-changer out of the slot or outside, depending on matchups.
4. Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State – Round 4, Pick 129
Hicks is a rangy, instinctive safety with strong tackling skills and the versatility to play in the box or deep coverage. Dan Quinn may have left for Washington, but new DC Mike Zimmer loves hybrid players in his scheme, and Hicks fits that mold perfectly.
Why it matters: Dallas needed depth behind Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson. Hicks provides that and could push for playing time early.
Grade for the Draft Class: A-
The Cowboys addressed every major need without overreaching. Guyton and Beebe offer plug-and-play potential, while Baker and Hicks bring upside and flexibility. The class didn’t include any true superstars on Day 1, but it was smart, strategic, and full of future starters.
Marshawn Kneeland: The Breakout Star of 2024
While the 2025 draft energized Cowboys Nation, the 2024 season saw the emergence of a quiet force who may soon become the face of the Dallas defense—Marshawn Kneeland.
Drafted in the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan, Kneeland arrived in Dallas as a relatively unknown edge rusher. But by midseason, he was impossible to ignore.
2024 Season Stats:
- 52 total tackles
- 7.5 sacks
- 12 TFL (tackles for loss)
- 2 forced fumbles
- 15 QB hits
Not bad for a rookie who began the season behind Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence on the depth chart.
A Relentless Motor and Technique Beyond His Years
What set Kneeland apart was his consistency. While most rookie edge rushers flash and fade, Kneeland delivered week in and week out. His best game came in Week 11 against Carolina, when he notched 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble that helped seal a much-needed road win.
Teammates praise his work ethic and film study habits. Defensive line coach Aden Durde has publicly stated that Kneeland is “already one of the most prepared players I’ve ever coached.”
Complementing Micah Parsons
Micah Parsons is the straw that stirs the Cowboys’ defensive drink, but even he can’t do it all. What Kneeland’s emergence offers is balance. Offenses can no longer double-team Parsons on every snap, because Kneeland proved capable of winning one-on-one matchups consistently.
Their partnership is also stylistically effective. Parsons brings explosiveness and speed. Kneeland brings leverage, hand fighting, and power. Together, they could become the NFL’s next great pass-rushing duo.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season and Beyond
Quarterback Uncertainty
Despite all the positives, the biggest question mark hovering over Dallas remains at quarterback.
Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his contract, and the Cowboys have yet to extend him. While Prescott led the NFL in touchdown passes in 2023 and posted a solid 2024 campaign, the lack of playoff success continues to haunt his legacy.
Reports indicate that negotiations have stalled, and rumors are swirling that Dallas may explore the QB market next offseason if things don’t change.
Why it matters: A franchise without a quarterback is a franchise adrift. If the Cowboys choose to move on from Prescott, they may use their 2026 first-round pick on a QB or enter the trade market.
The Mike Zimmer Effect
One of the most under-discussed storylines of the offseason is the hiring of Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator.
Zimmer, the former Vikings head coach and longtime Cowboys assistant under Bill Parcells, returns to Dallas with a reputation for tough, disciplined, and complex defenses. Early signs suggest a shift from Dan Quinn’s Cover 3-heavy approach to more varied blitz packages and disguised coverages.
Players like Kneeland, Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Jayron Kearse should thrive under Zimmer’s system, which prioritizes aggressiveness and football IQ.
Why it matters: The Cowboys’ defense faltered late last season. Zimmer’s experience could elevate the unit from good to elite.
The NFC East Landscape
While Dallas had a strong offseason, so did their division rivals.
- Philadelphia reloaded with star power on both sides of the ball, including a rejuvenated secondary.
- New York is betting big on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who could either be a savior or a bust.
- Washington hired Dan Quinn and drafted LSU’s Jayden Daniels to lead a new era.
Dallas can’t afford to slip up in a division that might be the NFL’s most competitive in 2025.
Key 2025 Schedule Highlights
- Week 3 vs. Eagles (Sunday Night Football) – Early litmus test.
- Week 6 at Packers – A rematch of last season’s playoff loss.
- Week 10 vs. Commanders – Mike Zimmer vs. Dan Quinn chess match.
- Week 14 vs. Lions – Potential NFC seeding implications.
Players to Watch in 2025
- Micah Parsons: A Defensive Player of the Year candidate every season he’s healthy.
- CeeDee Lamb: One of the best WRs in the game, now entering his prime.
- Tyler Guyton: The rookie lineman tasked with protecting Dak’s blindside.
- Javon Baker: Will his explosive college tape translate to the pros?
- Marshawn Kneeland: Can he build on his breakout rookie campaign?
Final Thoughts: Cowboys Building for Now—and Later
The Dallas Cowboys have built a team with a fascinating blend of stars and young talent. The 2025 NFL Draft added essential pieces to keep the franchise competitive, while the emergence of players like Marshawn Kneeland has given fans a glimpse of a new defensive identity.
But make no mistake: the future of this team hinges on what happens at quarterback. Whether it’s Dak Prescott leading the charge or someone new in 2026, the Cowboys are retooling for one more push toward the Super Bowl.
With the right moves and continued development, Dallas may yet reclaim its place atop the NFL mountain. And if Marshawn Kneeland’s rise is any indication, the next Cowboys dynasty might already be in motion.