Marshawn Kneeland
DL, Western Michigan · 2024 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #56 (DAL)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: availability. Details below.
The 2024 class is only 2 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Availability
Played 18 of ~34 possible regular-season games from 2024 through 2025 (~53%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #39 (#6 at his position), close to where he went (#56).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Western Michigan: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.75 40-yard dash at 267 lbs: faster than 76% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DL (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 18 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 2 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 2.0 |
| Defense | 15 tackles, 1 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2024 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2024 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 267 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.75 s |
| Bench press | 21 reps |
| Vertical | 35.5" |
| Broad jump | 119" |
| 3-cone | 7.02 s |
| Shuttle | 4.18 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #39 overall (#6 DL) |
Picked around him 2024 redraft
| 53 | Ben Sinnott | redraft #157 |
| 54 | Michael Hall | redraft #129 |
| 55 | Patrick Paul | redraft #37 |
| 57 | Chris Braswell | redraft #159 |
| 58 | Javon Bullard | redraft #65 |
| 59 | Blake Fisher | redraft #73 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.