Was Marshawn Kneeland a Starter? His Role at Western Michigan and the Dallas Cowboys

Marshawn Kneeland was a primary starter during his collegiate career at Western Michigan University and has since transitioned into a significant starting-caliber role for the Dallas Cowboys. While he entered the NFL as a high-end rotational player in 2024, injuries to veteran starters and his rapid development quickly propelled him into a starting position on the Cowboys' defensive line.

The Collegiate Foundation: Was Marshawn Kneeland a Starter at Western Michigan?

To understand Marshawn Kneeland’s trajectory, one must look at his tenure with the Western Michigan Broncos. Kneeland was not just a starter; he was the focal point of the Broncos' defensive front. Unlike many prospects who benefit from elite recruiting pedigree, Kneeland arrived at WMU as a relatively unheralded recruit and earned his way into the starting lineup through sheer physical development and technical refinement.

During the 2023 season, his final year in college, Kneeland started all 10 games in which he appeared. His role was that of a traditional "Big End," tasked with both setting the edge against the run and collapsing the pocket on passing downs. Over his full career at Western Michigan, he played in 37 games, tallying 23 starts. His progression from a situational substitute to a dominant starter was evidenced by his 2023 statistics, where he recorded 57 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.

The significance of his "starter" status at WMU cannot be overstated. He wasn't merely a beneficiary of a weak conference; his performance against Power 5 competition—most notably his standout tape against Mississippi State—proved that his starting role was a result of NFL-level traits. Scouts noted that his play strength and high motor allowed him to stay on the field for nearly 80% of defensive snaps, a high workload for a defensive lineman.

Transition to the NFL: The 2024 Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart

When the Dallas Cowboys selected Marshawn Kneeland in the second round (56th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, the immediate question was how he would fit into a room headlined by All-Pro Micah Parsons and veteran DeMarcus Lawrence. In the NFL, "starter" status is often more fluid than in college, particularly in modern defensive rotations.

At the beginning of the 2024 season, Kneeland was not technically a Week 1 starter. He was positioned as the primary backup to DeMarcus Lawrence at the left defensive end (LDE) spot. However, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer utilized Kneeland in a "heavy" rotational role that frequently saw him on the field during run-heavy downs and short-yardage situations.

The Turning Point: Injury and Opportunity

The trajectory of Kneeland’s starting status shifted dramatically during the early weeks of the 2024 season. In a Week 4 matchup against the New York Giants, veteran starter DeMarcus Lawrence suffered a significant foot injury (Lisfranc) that placed him on Injured Reserve. Almost simultaneously, Micah Parsons suffered a high ankle sprain.

With the two primary starters sidelined, Marshawn Kneeland was thrust into a starting role. This period served as a litmus test for the rookie. He was no longer just a "situational" player; he was the designated starter at defensive end, responsible for holding the point of attack against some of the league's most potent rushing offenses.

Technical Analysis: Why Kneeland Earned Starter Snaps

Kneeland’s ability to function as a starter at the professional level stems from his specific physical profile. Often referred to as a "power-over-speed" rusher, his metrics at the NFL Combine showcased why he was capable of handling the rigors of a starting workload.

1. Play Strength: Standing 6'3" and weighing 267 pounds with 34-inch arms, Kneeland possessed the "anchor" necessary to prevent offensive tackles from moving him off the line.
2. The "Heavy Hands": A term frequently used by Cowboys scouts, Kneeland’s ability to strike a blocker's chest and control their movement allowed him to excel in the "run-and-hit" phases of the game.
3. Versatility: Unlike "speed rushers" who are often liabilities in the run game, Kneeland’s collegiate experience as a four-year starter made him a three-down player. Coaches trust starters who do not need to be subbed out when the offensive personnel changes.

Challenges to Continuity: The 2024 Meniscus Injury

Just as Kneeland was solidifying his status as a reliable NFL starter, he faced a significant setback. During a Week 5 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kneeland suffered a torn meniscus. While the injury did not end his season, it required surgery and a multi-week stint on Injured Reserve.

This interruption is a crucial part of the "was he a starter" narrative. In the NFL, availability is often as important as ability. Kneeland’s injury forced the Cowboys to look further down the depth chart to players like Tyrus Wheat and Chauncey Golston. However, upon his return later in the 2024 season and moving into 2025, Kneeland reclaimed his spot in the primary rotation, proving that the coaching staff viewed his "starting" potential as a long-term fixture of the defense.

Marshawn Kneeland in 2025 and 2026

As we look at the landscape in 2026, Kneeland’s role has matured significantly. Following the natural aging progression of veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence, Kneeland transitioned into a full-time starting role. His sophomore leap in 2025 was defined by his improved hand technique and better conditioning, which allowed him to maintain his explosive "get-off" even late into the fourth quarter.

By 2026, the question of whether he "was" a starter has been answered by his consistent presence in the opening lineup. He has become the "bridge" player for the Cowboys' defense—providing the veteran-like edge setting of Lawrence with the youthful athleticism required to complement a roaming playmaker like Micah Parsons.

Why Teams Value "Starter-Quality" Rotational Players

It is important to distinguish between a "depth chart starter" and a "starter-quality player." In the modern NFL, most successful defensive lines utilize a rotation of 4–6 players. Kneeland fits the mold of a player who, even if he doesn't take the first snap of the game, plays "starter snaps" (typically 50-60% of the game). His ability to play both the "Strong Side" (SDE) and "Weak Side" (WDE) roles makes him indispensable to the Cowboys' defensive front.

Critical Scouting Reports and Performance Reviews

NFL analysts, including those from Pro Football Focus (PFF) and NFL.com's Draft Tracker, consistently pointed to Kneeland’s "starter floor." A "starter floor" means that even if a player never becomes a 15-sack-per-year superstar, their fundamental skills (tackling, gap discipline, and strength) are high enough that they will always be a reliable starter in the league.

During his rookie campaign, Kneeland's PFF run-defense grade was among the highest for rookie edge defenders. This statistical backing reinforces the eye test: he was a player who could be trusted against the league's most physical rushing attacks, such as those of the San Francisco 49ers or the Detroit Lions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Marshawn Kneeland a starter in high school?

Yes, Kneeland was a multi-sport standout at Godwin Heights High School in Michigan. He was a dominant starter on both the football field and the basketball court, which contributed to his elite "functional athleticism" and footwork as a defensive end.

How many games did Marshawn Kneeland start in his rookie NFL season?

Due to injuries to DeMarcus Lawrence, Kneeland moved into the starting lineup in Week 5 of the 2024 season. However, his own meniscus injury shortly thereafter limited his consecutive starts. In total, he was treated as a "de facto" starter for the majority of the games he was healthy for during his rookie year.

Did Marshawn Kneeland start at any position other than Defensive End?

At Western Michigan, Kneeland occasionally kicked inside to a 3-technique (defensive tackle) role on obvious passing downs to exploit slower offensive guards. In the NFL, the Cowboys have primarily used him as a traditional 5-technique or 7-technique defensive end, though he has the size to slide inside in specific "NASCAR" pass-rush packages.

Why did the Cowboys draft Kneeland if they already had starters?

The NFL is a league of attrition. The Cowboys drafted Kneeland specifically because they needed a "starter-in-waiting." With DeMarcus Lawrence entering the final stages of his career and the need to keep Micah Parsons fresh by moving him around the formation, Kneeland provided the necessary depth to maintain a high-level defensive front regardless of injuries.

What is the difference between a "Starter" and a "Rotational Player" for a Defensive End?

A starter typically participates in the first series of the game and plays the highest volume of snaps. A rotational player enters the game to give the starter a breather. By 2025 and 2026, Kneeland effectively blurred these lines, often playing more snaps than the designated "starters" because of his proficiency in both run defense and pass rushing.

Conclusion and Final Assessment

Marshawn Kneeland’s journey from a dedicated starter at Western Michigan to a key fixture in the Dallas Cowboys' defense highlights his reliability and physical toughness. While his rookie year involved navigating the transition from a rotational piece to an injury-replacement starter—and dealing with his own medical setbacks—he has firmly established himself as a starter-level talent in the NFL.

For fans and analysts tracking his career in 2026, it is clear that Kneeland was never just a "depth piece." His collegiate production and his immediate impact in relief of veteran stars proved that he possessed the mental and physical tools to lead a defensive line. Whether he is listed as the #1 LDE or the #2 SDE on the official depth chart, his impact on the field is that of a definitive starter.

Next Action: To further understand Kneeland’s impact, fans should monitor his "pressure rate" and "run stop percentage" metrics, which often provide a more accurate picture of a defensive end's value than sack totals alone. Monitoring the Cowboys' official Team Depth Chart will provide the most current status of his role heading into the next league year.