The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 NFL draft with the goal of getting bigger and more physical on both sides of the ball.
Considering their first pick stands at 6-8 and 322 pounds, it’s safe to say they did a lot toward achieving that goal.
Dallas came away with eight picks from this year’s draft, picking up an extra selection when they traded back prior to selecting Tyler Guyton in the first round. The Cowboys also added another pass-rusher, a potential starting center and a run-stopping linebacker as well. Notably absent from the list: running back.
What do the national experts think of the Cowboys selections? Find out below.
To see grades from our own Dallas Morning News experts, click here.
Related:Meet the 2024 Cowboys draft class: Tyler Guyton headlines group of eight players
Mel Kiper, ESPN
Grade: B-
“Not bad. The Cowboys were able to trade down five spots in Round 1, pick up an extra third-rounder and still get their guy. Tyler Guyton is going to get a chance to be their starter at left tackle, and from what I see on tape, I think he can make the move over from the right side. He has special ability as a pass-protector and can get to the second level in a hurry in the run game.
“Defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (56) and guard Cooper Beebe (73) have the talent to step in and play significant snaps as rookies. Kneeland is excellent against the run and has developed pass-rush moves. Marist Liufau (87) was a reach on my board, but I know Dallas wants to be better against the run, and he’ll help there. Caelen Carson (174) is an underrated cornerback who was a starter for four seasons at Wake Forest.
“What keeps Dallas from a higher grade? Not taking a running back in place of Liufau, particularly with several really good ones available.”
Chad Reuter, NFL.com
Grade: A-
“Gaining a third-round pick in a move down the board and still landing a starting tackle made for a successful Thursday night for Dallas. Kneeland and Beebe should prove to be excellent values, while Liufau will be a solid addition to the middle of the Cowboys’ defense. The Notre Dame ‘backer was picked a bit early for my taste, though.
“In Round 5, Dallas added Carson, a versatile corner/safety who was considered a Day 2 prospect near the start of last season. Flournoy has the tools to make the squad his rookie year. The Cowboys did not take a running back with any of their eight picks, leaving a sizable hole on their roster they’ll still need to fill this offseason. Dallas had four picks within the top 90 selections, but were without a fourth-rounder, having sent theirs to San Francisco last August for Trey Lance. That investment could work out quite well if the former No. 3 overall pick is able to find his game at the pro level.”
Chris Trapasso, CBS.com
Grade: C+
“I, personally, am not sure what the Cowboys are doing. Ok, well I do know they stood by their word and attempted to rebuild the offensive line. I commend that. I loved Beebe in Round 2 and particularly Thomas in Round 7.
“Guyton is very much a project who doesn’t quite play to his workout. Kneeland is another project-y type who never came close to dominating in the MAC. Liufau plays with his hair on fire. I like that. Minimal coverage chops beyond following crossers, and he misses tackles at too high a rate for my liking.
“Flournoy can be the gem of this class. Size, burst, long speed, and power through contact. It’s all there with him, and the receiver group did need a little jolt.”
Rob Maaddi, Associated Press
Grade: B
“Traded down and still filled a major hole with OT Tyler Guyton. Addressed more needs on Day 2 with DL Marshawn Kneeland and OL Cooper Beebe. Added depth and value on Day 3 with CB Caelen Carson and WR Ryan Flournoy.”
Bleacher Report
Grade: B-
“Give the Dallas Cowboys credit for trading back in the first round, getting an extra Day 2 pick in the process and still filling a vital need. Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton may need some time to develop, but he has the potential to become Tyron Smith’s long-term replacement at left tackle.
“Notre Dame linebacker Marist Liufau probably isn’t refined enough to fill a prominent role right away, but he’ll provide early depth to a linebacker corps that had its fair share of issues last season. Like some of Dallas’ early 2023 draft selections—notably Mazi Smith and Luke Schoonmaker—the Liufau pick seems to be a bet on upside, as does the fifth-round pick of Caelen Carson.
“After watching Dallas draft primarily for the future in 2023 and get little out of its rookie class, this was a refreshing change of pace. The Cowboys took serious swings at their offensive line, which quickly became the team’s biggest question mark after early free agency.
“It would have been wise to do a little more to address a mediocre run defense, and the Cowboys still lack a starting-caliber running back and reliable receiver depth. Viewing this in terms of being an “all-in” draft for the 2024 season, though, Dallas could have done much worse.”