Marshawn Kneeland is rocketing up some draft boards in recent weeks.
The former Western Michigan star and all-MAC selection has the traits to be a top-tier pass rusher at the pro level. He proved it in a game against Eastern Michigan earlier this season.
EMU was backed up at its own 1-yard line at the end of the third quarter, and WMU led 23-13. But Kneeland wanted to help his team score even more.
Immediately after the snap, Kneeland exploded out of his stance after lining up at defensive end and began pushing an EMU blocker back. He then shoved his opponent aside and had the quarterback wrapped up within four seconds after the start of the play.
The safety helped WMU go on to win. It also was an example of Kneeland’s strength and athleticism.
“One thing that stands out that I like to talk about is my motor,” Kneeland said at the NFL Combine. “I’m always chasing after the ball and have high-effort plays all the time.”
Where Did Marshawn Kneeland Get Drafted?
Kneeland was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was selected with the 56th overall pick.
What Was Marshawn Kneeland’s 40 Time?
Kneeland ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in 4.75 seconds, which was 19th at his position.
However, he was first in the three-cone (7.02 seconds) and the 20-yard shuttle (4.18 seconds). At 6-foot-3, 267 pounds, he also eighth in the vertical jump (35.5 inches) and tied for eighth with 21 bench press reps. He tied for 14th with a broad jump of 9 feet, 11 inches as well.
“What I’m looking to prove here is just show my abilities, my speed, and athleticism,” he said before his combine workouts. “I wanna show that I can do a lot.”
Marshawn Kneeland’s Stats And Highlights
Kneeland took a major step forward as a pass rusher in 2023. He was tied for ninth in Pro Football Focus’ overall rankings of FBS EDGE players.
He recorded 37 pressures, 28 hurries, and 4.5 sacks to go with 57 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. That helped earn him second-team All-MAC accolades.
In 2022, Kneeland played in nine games and racked up 37 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks. The season before, he totaled 32 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks. He made three starts and five appearances in WMU’s six-game season in 2020, recording 23 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Kneeland could’ve gone on to Power Five schools, but he’s happy with his decision to stay until he became a pro.
“It was a great opportunity that I could’ve taken to leave,” he said, “but I’m thankful and blessed that I did stay and I was able to make the most of it.”
Marshawn Kneeland’s NFL Comparison And Draft Profile
My NFL comparisons for Kneeland are Haason Reddick and Aidan Hutchinson. I believe Kneeland has a versatility like Reddick’s, and Kneeland noted that he strives to have the same level of constant effort as Hutchinson.
Kneeland’s motor certainly does stand out on tape. That goes for running and passing plays. Kneeland was tied for 10th in PFF’s run defense grades among EDGE players in 2023.
Kneeland also has excellent size and athleticism. WMU’s coaches believed in that athleticism so much they sometimes gave him the ball on offense in goal-line packages.
He could fit in multiple defensive schemes. In fact, he lined up all over the field for WMU. He would begin plays in the interior and on the edge of the line, sometimes in a three-point stance and sometimes standing up. He also occasionally dropped back in coverage, which he has the quickness to do in the NFL.
But Kneeland shines as a pass rusher.
His strength benefited him, as he relied on his bull rush move quite a bit. However, he’s capable of using other pass rush techniques as well.
He has a quick first step and maintains good leverage. That helped him sometimes shed multiple blocks on a single play.
His explosiveness was evident at the Senior Bowl, where he was recorded as one of the fastest defensive linemen there.
“That’s where my speed comes into play,” Kneeland said. “Being fast and liking to hit is not a good day for an offensive lineman.”
