Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Neyland, DE, Western Michigan
- Second Team All-MAC (2023)
- Convert from tight end to linebacker, to defensive end
- A first-team all-state selection as a high school senior
It is also important to note that he received a score of 9.08 in Relative mathematical score index.
Neyland is a straight-talking athlete.
With a position run that eliminated some high-profile names that the Cowboys had their eyes on, they opted to go for a lesser-known need on the roster by grabbing a defensive end — Neyland enters the mix as someone who could stand to lose Dorrance Armstrong and Dante Fowler to Washington's leaders in free agency. ; Even more so the former, considering the impact he'll have on special teams as well.
His play was gritty enough to earn him honors as a second-team All-MAC talent last season at Western Michigan, as he finished that campaign with career-highs in tackles (57), sacks (4.5), and tackles for loss (7.5), (2 ) Forced fumbles and rushes the quarterback (8).
The 6-foot-3, 267-pound pass rusher has an NFL-ready frame and a high-flying motor to go with it. He can rush the bull, rush the rush, and establish an advantage in run defense – all traits the Cowboys could certainly benefit from.
He's not the most athletic in his class, and will look to learn from Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence to improve his handiwork, but he makes up for his coaching opportunities with a remarkable work ethic and determination to win every snap, often disrupting plays in the opposing backfield.
They attacked the site sooner than most people thought, but the Cowboys believe they have their man alongside Sam.
