3 Cowboys players that could single-handedly make the team better in 2024 NFL season
It's quite difficult to answer the question: Can the Dallas Cowboys be better this NFL season than they were last year?After all, they were a 12-win team in 2024. The bar is relatively high, with the biggest question being all about playoff performance, not the regular season. Can they avoid imploding in the biggest games?When […]
It's quite difficult to answer the question: Can the Dallas Cowboys be better this NFL season than they were last year?
After all, they were a 12-win team in 2024. The bar is relatively high, with the biggest question being all about playoff performance, not the regular season. Can they avoid imploding in the biggest games?
When comparing each season's rosters, though, it's clear the Cowboys have lost key pieces. Starting with the departures of left tackle Tyron Smith and cornerback Stephon Gilmore (remains available), the team lost more than it gained this particular offseason.
This begs the question: Who are the players that could single-handedly make the Cowboys better in 2024? I've got three answers for you, let's dive in.
1. OC Cooper Beebe
Here's the thing: Tyler Biadasz wasn't great for the Cowboys. That isn't to say he was terrible or anything like that. He was around league average in both run blocking and pass blocking, ranking 17th in pass blocking efficiency per PFF.
However, when you think of the Cowboys' offense biggest issue, it was always the running game. And Biadasz wasn't a people mover in the trenches. Period. Beebe has the potential to be that with his nasty style of blocking. Who knows how fast he'll adapt to playing a new position but if there's somebody that can improve the team, it's the guy who can be a tone-setter in the running game.
And sure, a third-round rookie isn't the man you want to ask to change the team, but keep in mind Beebe has been evaluated as a high-floor, low-ceiling NFL prospect all along so it isn't far-fetched to think he can make a big impact in Year 1. He'll be more Day 1 ready than Tyler Guyton.
2. LB Eric Kendricks
Let's flip the script: On defense, the run game was also the biggest issue.
Enter a traditional-looking linebacker in Eric Kendricks after a season of playing Markquese Bell alongside Damone Clark. Kendricks has been a consistent tackler at the NFL with eight consecutive seasons recording 100+ tackles. He won't be an All-Pro type starter but his mere presence on defense combined with Mike Zimmer's scheme should make the Cowboys much more solid and well-structured against the run.
Kendricks is versatile but his biggest impact will be made when the opposing team attacks via the ground.
3. DE Marshawn Kneeland
Another rookie!? I mean, it's not like the Cowboys signed a ton of outside free agents so bare with me for a second.
Kneeland doesn't have to be better than Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence to improve the Cowboys defense. He needs to be better, or provide more upside, than Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. did. Kneeland and Sam Williams will compete or DE3 in 2024 and I believe that's a battle the second-round rookie (who was the last rookie to sign) could win.
Oftentimes compared to DeMarcus Lawrence, Kneeland's play strength and violence will come in doses but hopefully it is effective.
