By Blessing 
Another year has come and gone, and with it, it’s time to evaluate the Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 rookie class. This group consists of seven draft picks and four undrafted free agents who worked to make their mark.
After a disappointing 2023 draft class, the bar was set low for this year’s rookies. While the 2024 group managed to clear that hurdle, it wasn’t by much. Unfortunately, the Cowboys once again struggled to find success in their top two draft picks. Instead, it was their mid-round selections and undrafted free agents who emerged as the brighter spots in the class.
Let’s take a closer look at the individual performances and grades for the 11 rookies who represented the Cowboys in 2024.
Tyler Guyton (1st Round – LT, Oklahoma)
Tyler Guyton’s rookie season was nothing short of a roller coaster. He started strong, locking down the left tackle position in seven of the first eight games. However, the second half of the season was less stable, with only four starts over the final nine games. He missed one game due to injury and was inactive for another.
Most concerning was his status as a healthy scratch in a critical loss to the Eagles late in the season. Guyton struggled with penalties, racking up 16 flags for a total of 125 yards. While pass protection was inconsistent, his run-blocking left much to be desired.
Looking ahead, a move back to his college position of right tackle might serve him better in 2025.
2024 Grade: D
Marshawn Kneeland (2nd Round – DE, Western Michigan)
Marshawn Kneeland’s season was interrupted by injury, limiting him to 11 games. In those appearances, he managed 14 tackles, including two for a loss, three quarterback hits, and a defended pass.
Unfortunately, Kneeland failed to capitalize on opportunities created by injuries to DeMarcus Lawrence and Sam Williams. In the season finale against Washington, he missed two critical tackles that sealed a loss for Dallas.
With more time to develop, Kneeland could improve in 2025, but he’ll need significant growth to make an impact.
2024 Grade: C
Marist Liufau (3rd Round – LB, Notre Dame)
Marist Liufau split time with DeMarvion Overshown, the Cowboys’ 2023 third-round pick, before securing a starting role in the season’s final four games. During this stretch, he recorded nearly half of his 50 total tackles, proving to be a force on the field.
Liufau also forced two fumbles and recovered one, showing his knack for big plays. While his rookie season started slowly, his late-season surge offers hope for the future. It seems the Cowboys have a knack for finding linebackers in the third round.
2024 Grade: B-
Cooper Beebe (3rd Round – C, Kansas State)
Of all the rookies, Cooper Beebe shone the brightest. After transitioning from guard to center, Beebe started 16 games, missing only one due to injury. He was consistent in both pass and run blocking, earning recognition as one of the more reliable players on the offensive line.
With just three penalties all year, Beebe has the potential to anchor the center position for years to come. Once again, the Cowboys appear to have struck gold in the third round.
2024 Grade: A
Caelen Carson (5th Round – CB, Wake Forest)
Caelen Carson was poised to be the standout of the 2024 class before an injury cut his season short. In just six games, he tallied 27 tackles and defended four passes.
His contributions on special teams were also valuable, but staying healthy will be key if Carson is to develop into a long-term contributor.
2024 Grade: C
Ryan Flournoy (6th Round – WR, SE Missouri State)
Ryan Flournoy had an uneven rookie season, appearing in 11 games and recording 10 catches for 102 yards. His best performance came in a late-season win against Tampa Bay, where he hauled in all three targets for 41 yards.
While he flashed potential, Flournoy struggled with consistency, even losing a fumble. For now, his role remains uncertain heading into 2025.
2024 Grade: D
Nathan Thomas (7th Round – OT, Louisiana)
Nathan Thomas spent the entire season on injured reserve. Unfortunately, there’s little else to say about his rookie campaign.
2024 Grade: D
Justin Rogers (7th Round – DT, Auburn)
Justin Rogers didn’t make it to the regular season roster, getting cut before Week 1. He later joined Cincinnati’s practice squad before returning to Dallas in December.
2024 Grade: F
Brevyn Spann-Ford (UDFA – TE, Minnesota)
Initially expected to land on the practice squad, Brevyn Spann-Ford found his way onto the active roster after injuries to John Stephens and Jake Ferguson. Spann-Ford played in all 17 games and contributed as a blocker in the run game.
As a receiver, he caught nine passes for 88 yards, including a standout game against Houston with four catches for 42 yards. If the Cowboys lean more on the run in 2025, Spann-Ford could play a bigger role.
2024 Grade: C
Other UDFAs
Emany Johnson, Denzel Daxon, and Brock Mogensen spent 2024 on the practice squad. It’s unlikely any of them will remain with the team in 2025.
Final Thoughts and Overall Grade
The 2023 draft class was largely a letdown, with only DeMarvion Overshown making an impact. The 2024 class, while slightly better, still has plenty of room for improvement.
Interestingly, the undrafted free agents from 2023—Brandon Aubrey, Hunter Luepke, and T.J. Bass—outperformed most of that year’s draft picks. For 2024, Cooper Beebe and Marist Liufau appear to have the most promise, but it’s up to the coaching staff to unlock the potential of the entire class.
2024 Overall Grade: C
Here’s hoping the Cowboys find more success in the 2025 draft, set to take place in Green Bay.