Predicting the roles of every Cowboys rookie picked in the NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL Draft is in the books and grades are in.

But those grades usually take everything into account, including the long-term projection and the vision for each rookie. But for fans wanting to learn what they're likely to do in Year 1 of their careers, grades might not tell the whole story.

Let's take a look at each of the Cowboys' eight draft picks from 2024 and project what their role will be in the upcoming season. 

OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma: Instant LT1

Although Guyton is universally seen as a player that will need to develop to reach his full potential, I have a very hard time believing the Cowboys don't throw him to the wolves in Week 1 of the regular season, mostly because there's no other viable alternative unless the team is fine starting Chuma Edoga, Matt Waletzko, or Asim Richards over him.

Some have floated the idea of keeping Tyler Smith at tackle while Guyton is ready but Smith's own development shouldn't be messed with any longer. Just let him play guard and let Guyton figure it out on the fly.

EDGE Marshawn Kneeland: Backup with important snap count

Although Kneeland won't be pushing Micah Parsons or DeMarcus Lawrence down the depth chart, expect to see him a lot on the playing field right from the get go. Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. each had significant playing time in 2023 and the same should be true for Sam Williams and Kneeland now that they'll be the next men up.

Kneeland's run-stopping skills could be particularly important in early down situations as many are already comparing him to DeMarcus Lawrence thanks to his length and style.

iOL Cooper Beebe: Starting center

This is a question mark as Brock Hoffman could very well beat him for the job at least to get started. Hoffman has a big advantage in that he has played the position. But if Beebe's nasty demeanor and powerful hands translate to playing center, I'd expect the third-round pick to secure a spot on the starting lineup.

The Cowboys are thinking long-term with this class and this is what would make the most sense in 2024. The front office and Beebe have admitted they've had conversations about the rookie taking on the one OL position he didn't play in college.

LB Marist Liufau: Special teams ace / Backup LB

One of the biggest knocks to Liufau's game is that he's not NFL ready due to his vision and impatience on the playing field. But as the high-effort and rangy player that he is, he'll make an instant impact on special teams, especially so if DeMarvion Overshown earns a starting role in Year 2 of his career. 

The Athletic's Dane Brugler called him a potential "core four" special teamer in the league while he develops.

CB Caelen Carson: Backup / Special teams role

Carson was a part of Wake Forest's punt coverage unit for each of his four seasons in college and could find his way into the active roster as a result. 

In the meantime, he'll backup the Cowboys' cornerbacks with a potential advantage similar to DaRon Bland's back in his rookie year: Carson can play inside and outside. 

WR Ryan Flournoy: Healthy scratch

Flournoy is an intriguing prospect that looks the part with NFL size and speed and a knack for snatching the football right out of the air while getting yards after the catch.

However, it should be a while before he's regularly suited up. He'll be consistently fighting KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Brooks for a spot on the gameday active list, with him being at a disadvantage against both. 

OT Nathan Thomas: Healthy scratch

Thomas provides some tackle-guard flexibility, which makes him a potentially valuable asset in the future but chances are there will be other immediate backups, with the seventh-round draft pick being inactive most of the season.

DT Justin Rogers, Auburn: Backup

Rogers will possibly be Mazi Smith's backup if he beats out Carl Davis for the roster spot in training camp. Assuming the Cowboys carry only two nose tackles on the roster, he should be active on gamedays and be a part of the early-down rotation. 

The Cowboys rarely cut draft picks and given the nature of their approach in 2024, I don't foresee them calling it quits with any player they selected last week. 

If I was forced to pick one, I'd probably go with Nathan Thomas just based on the fact that he'll fight several offensive linemen that have a chance to beat him. That being said, I expect Thomas' mauling style to earn him a place on the team.