Cowboys see shades of Demarcus Lawrence in second rounder Marshawn Kneeland

When the Cowboys selected Marshawn Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they had a perfect comparison in mind: his new teammate Demarcus Lawrence.

Feb 3, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; American offensive lineman Javon Foster of Missouri (75) battle / Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys selected Western Michigan pass rusher Marshawn Kneeland in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, predominantly because they saw shades of one of their own: Demarcus Lawrence.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys saw too many similarities from Kneeland to a player who has been a constant contributor for their franchise over the years:

"I'm told Dallas sees shades of Cowboys staple DeMarcus Lawrence in second-round edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland, a player who can win with speed or power and can stop the run."

- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler

On paper, however, Kneeland and Lawrence are quite different in terms of size and athleticism. For starters, Kneeland is about 15 pounds heavier than Lawrence was coming out of Boise State. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Kneeland tested as a more explosive and agile player than Lawrence did as well.

Regardless, Kneeland will have a great mentor to learn from as he transitions from the MAC to the NFL.

#Cowboys Marshawn Kneeland vs. DeMarcus Lawrence RAS scores:

Will McClay wasn't kidding when he said Kneeland reminded him of Lawrence. Similar measurables, but a tad more explosive—not by much 🤟#DallasCowboys @MathBomb @BloggingTheBoys pic.twitter.com/YTaGxTvVJz

— Brandon Loree (@Brandoniswrite) April 29, 2024

Kneeland, a three-year starter at Western Michigan, racked up 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in 2023. Over his career, Kneeland lived in the backfield as he accumilated a total of 12.5 sacks and 28 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.