Cowboys 2024 Draft Grades

The Dallas Cowboys have completed their 2024 NFL Draft. Selecting a total of eight picks, the Cowboys have added depth and talent across various positions, from offensive linemen to defensive ends and linebackers. Let’s dive into the details of the Cowboys’ 2024 draft picks and my grade for each selection.

Round by Round Grade

Round 1, Trade:

The Cowboys and the Lions excited the crowd when they swapped picks. The Cowboys then picked 29th and acquired the Lions’ 3rd round pick as well. Losing their 4th round pick by trading for Trey Lance last season, this move added a higher pick for the Cowboys. Grade: A

Round 1, Pick 29 (from DET):

Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
With the loss of Tyron Smith to free agency, the Cowboys needed a new anchor on the offensive line, and Guyton may be the guy. His only criticism seems to be that he is still “raw” and needs to improve some on the technical side. The Cowboys have a strong record of developing offensive linemen which looks promising for Guyton. Grade: B+

Round 2, Pick 56:

Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan. Kneeland’s explosive energy and attacking attitude will be valuable assets in the Cowboys’ defense under Mike Zimmer. His knock is the competition played in College. Grade: B–

Round 3, Pick 73 (from DET):

Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State. The Cowboys continued to build their offensive line with the selection of guard Cooper Beebe from Kansas State. His strength, size, and technique are all NFL-ready. My favorite pick of the draft. We may be looking at Zach Martin’s successor. Grade: A

Round 3, Pick 87:

Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame. Liufau’s high energy and ability to make plays in coverage and as a tackler will be a great addition to the Cowboys’ defense. His size and aggressive play make him prepared to transition to the NFL. Grade: B

Round 5, Pick 174:

Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest. The Cowboys addressed their need for depth in the secondary by selecting cornerback Caelen Carson from Wake Forest in the fifth round. I’m not ready to say Carson is Gilmore’s replacement but he will add depth to the CB room in Diggs’ return. Grade: B

Round 6, Pick 216:

Ryan Flournoy, WR, Southeast Missouri State. Flournoy’s impressive athleticism and numbers in college make him a nice prospect for the Cowboys’ offense. The challenge will be stepping up from a smaller school to the NFL. I like the player but don’t like the pick. I would rather see them take a RB here instead. Grade C+

Round 7, Pick 233 (from LV):

Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
The Cowboys continued to build their offensive line depth by selecting offensive tackle Nathan Thomas from Louisiana in the seventh round. Thomas’s size and strength make him an exciting pick for the Cowboys. Grade: A

Round 7, Pick 244:

Justin Rogers, DT, Auburn. In the final round, the Cowboys added defensive tackle Justin Rogers from Auburn. He has the size and ability to make the jump to the NFL. He’s as good as you can expect in the 7th round. Grade: B

Opinion

It seems the Cowboys now have all the pieces to the puzzle except one, Running Back. After projections had Dallas selecting a RB as early as the second round, all 7 rounds passed without drafting one. This was surprising but with Free Agency still active the RB room may not be complete yet. The Cowboys have made some strong selections in the 2024 NFL Draft to address their needs and add depth to their roster.

The Offensive Line selections in particular were very encouraging. I would give them a “A” easily if they would have taken a high end running back. They improved their roster in several areas and didn’t take any risky picks. It was a conservative approach with a beneficial trade mixed in.

Overall Grade: B+

Reggie Sanderson – Cowboys Writer

Co-host of the “Sons of the Star” podcast

Follow him on X @ Cowboy_Regg