Dallas Cowboys All-Pro gives rave review of rookie standout

Dallas Cowbos defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence gave a rave review of second-round pick Marshawn Kneeland, who the All-Pro believes could be better than him.

Jun 5, 2024; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence Elliott (90) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. / Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

As the Dallas Cowboys look to kick off Week 2 of training camp on Friday, veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is looking back at the opening week in Frisco and sharing some of his observations.

Lawrence has had high praise for new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, and he's also impressed by one of the team's rookies.

Tank spoke to the media and discussed rookie Marshawn Kneeland, the Cowboys' second-round pick out of Western Michigan, saying he was impressed with the youngster's potential.

MORE: DeMarcus Lawrence praises new Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer

Lawrence, a four-time Pro Bowler and former second-team All-Pro, went as far as to say he believes Kneeland could have a better career than him.

“He has a lot of ambition, grit with his game,” Lawrence saidin an interview from Oxnard. “His fundamentals are pretty clean, especially for a rookie. It’s a high ceiling for him. I’m going to keep working with him as much as I can. I definitely think he’s going to evolve into something even better than me.”

Kneeland just turned 23 years old and was drafted by the Cowboys because of his sky-high potential.

A player of Lawrence's caliber identifying the potential Kneeland has after one week of training camp is a positive sign dor his development down the road.

If Kneeland can continue to impress the veterans and coaching staff, he could find himself in an impact role in his rookie season -- especially following the loss of Sam Williams.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Camp Report: Biggest surprises & disappointments from Week 1 of training camp

Game On: 5 position battles to watch in Week 2 of Cowboys training camp

Football Fun: Best Cowboys-themed fantasy football team names for 2024

Olympic Games: Picking the 7 best Cowboys players to compete in Olympics

Offensive Talent: Ranking the Top 10 offensive skill players in the NFC East

Cowgirls: Meet Kelcey Wetterberg: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader