FRISCO, Texas -- The 2024 NFL draft (ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) began Thursday night in Detroit and will wrap up on Saturday.
ESPN will provide pick-by-pick analysis of each of the Dallas Cowboys' selections as they are made.
A look at each of Dallas' scheduled selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 29 overall (via Detroit): Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
My take: You never want to be forced into taking a specific position in the draft, but the Cowboys almost had to come away with an offensive lineman in the first round. By trading back with Detroit, the Cowboys cost themselves a chance to take center Graham Barton, who is more ready to play right away, but Guyton plays a premium position at tackle. He will need some time to adjust to the pro game as well as likely a new position after starting just 15 games at Oklahoma with 13 coming at right tackle. Replacing a legend like Tyron Smith at left tackle would be difficult for any rookie but patience might be the biggest key when assessing Guyton as a rookie.
Is this pick for depth or does it fill a hole?: It fills a hole because the Cowboys' in-house candidates -- Asim Richards, Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball -- are inexperienced as well. Guyton did not believe it would take him long to get accustomed to left tackle. "I've done both," he said. "I feel like either one I'm good at, and I'll jump right in at left tackle and do whatever I can ... There's no big difference for me. I feel it's only flipping plays and flipping techniques. I don't think it will be a hard job to do. I'm really excited for it actually."
What we're hearing about Guyton: He was not a visitor to The Star prior to the draft, but the Cowboys met with him at the combine and at his pro day. Guyton said he spoke with offensive line coach Mike Solari multiple times and felt a connection. "We've got a history of having guys that do things at a high level at that position and there's some traits that definitely showed us that that was there," vice president of player personnel Will McClay said. "You talk about athletic ability, and left tackles are usually more athletic, and this guy is an athletic guy -- basketball background, some defense in his nature. So that way that he plays the game will add something to us as well."
Check out some of the top highlights from Western Michigan DE Marshawn Kneeland.
Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan
My take: While others see running back and linebacker as a need, defensive end is a need too, especially when factoring in the departures in free agency of Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr., and with DeMarcus Lawrence in the final year of his contract. Kneeland had 13 sacks and 28 tackles for loss in his career, but never topped more than 4.5 in a season.
When will he be expected to get regular playing time?: It has to happen as a rookie. He fits a style that new coordinator Mike Zimmer likes in his defensive ends with his size, but he has work to do as a pass-rusher. But the Cowboys have to replace 446 snaps from Armstrong and 270 snaps from Fowler. Sam Williams, a second-round pick in 2022, will get the chance he has wanted and get more action with Lawrence and Micah Parsons. After that, the pickings are slim, especially since last year's fourth-round pick, Junior Fehoko, did not play a snap as a rookie.
Take a look at some of the best plays from Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe.
Round 3, No. 73 (via Detroit): Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
Remaining picks
Round 3: No. 87
Round 5: No. 174
Round 6: No. 216
Round 7: No. 233 (via Las Vegas)
Round 7: No. 244