Highest NFL Draft Grades From The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 Class
The Dallas Cowboys utilize the NFL Draft to the fullest. Since acquiring free agents in the offseason is not where they wanted to go, the draft is where the roster building usually begins every season.
The 2024 draft class for Dallas addressed major holes in the offensive line and defense roster. This class has plenty of talent to go around; here are the best 2024 NFL Draft grades for the Dallas Cowboys (not all of the picks).
Round Three: Pick 73; Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
Draft Grade: A
Here is the Cowboys' steal of the draft: Cooper Beebe. Dallas acquired this pick when they moved back to pick 29 and drafted Guyton. Beebe was an All-American on and off the field academically. In recent years, Beebe has been one of college football’s best interior offensive linemen. So, where does he fit with Dallas? That is the golden question.
With the departure of Tyler Biadasz, he could hypothetically step into the Center role. With All-Pros Zach Martin and Tyler Smith at guard, he would be waiting a bit for a starting role. Ideally, he develops into our next All-Pro center, which we have lacked since the days of Travis Frederick. Training camp should be fun to watch as we see Beebe develop into a future role.
Round Five: Pick 174; Caelon Carson, CB, Wake Forest
Draft Grade: A-
The Cowboys had to wait a bit for this pick, but man, they were blessed with someone on the board. Caelon Carson out of Wake Forest being around in the fifth round was not supposed to happen. Carson was projected as a top-100 pick, and Dallas adds a solid corner to a room that needs some depth.
Carson excels in press-man coverage but, above all else, is a great tackler and has a nose for run defense. This type of corner fits well into newly hired defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's system. Carson will learn from the likes of Trevon Diggs and DeRon Bland, so he will fit right in as he progresses this summer.
Round One: Pick 29; Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Draft Grade: B+
I think the entire NFL universe expected Dallas to select the offensive line with their first pick of the night. If there is one thing the Cowboys do well, it is drafting All-Pro talent on the offensive line. Guyton is a pick for the future, as he will likely be our starting left tackle. While Guyton played right tackle at OU, he has the technique and ability to transition to left tackle easily.
While his hand placement and footwork are always a work in progress, he is big, fast, and physical. Protecting Dak Prescott's blind side is his new job, and he brings the right tangibles to succeed in that role. Cowboys fans should put their faith back into the breadbasket of offensive linemen developing like years prior for this future LT.
Round Two: Pick 54; Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan
Draft Grade: B
Was this pick a bit of a head-scratcher? Yes absolutely. However, Cowboys fans, dig a little deeper into this pick, and you might feel a bit better. While running back was thought to be the next pick off the board, Kneeland addresses a major hole in the defensive line. With the departure of Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Dante Fowler Jr., Kneeland steps into a prime spot.
At 6-foot-3, 268 pounds, and having 34-inch arms, he brings a big body rush attack that Micah Parsons might not have. Kneeland was top 5 in pass-rush win rate on 3rd and 4th downs since 2022, and he’s an edge setter in run defense. Kneeland is somewhere between Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, and he is an edge rusher who brings something to the table that Dallas lacks. Get excited about this pick; he will be around for a while.
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