Western Michigan EDGE Marshawn Kneeland is among the most ascending defensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Kneeland began the pre-draft process by traveling down to the Senior Bowl, where he more than held his own versus Power Five competition. That was instrumental to Kneeland proving that he's a top 50 talent in the class.
Kneeland produced a career-high 4.5 sacks this season for the Broncos, bringing his career total to 13 quarterback takedowns. Kneeland routinely made a living in opposing backfields, totaling 28 tackles for loss. Kneeland is an extremely reliable defensive end whose motor is always revving. Kneeland projects as an instant impact player.
We’ve identified three ideal team fits for Kneeland in the 2024 NFL Draft.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The 49ers rotate defensive linemen as frequently as any team in the league. New defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen will hope to possess similar luxuries. Thus far, the 49ers parted ways with Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Chase Young, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Clelin Ferrell in free agency. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have added Yetur Gross-Matos and Leonard Floyd, but I foresee Kneeland playing a different role from those two.
Armstead was a difficult departure due to his desired inside-outside versatility. The 270-pound Kneeland prefers to play defensive end, but he's comfortable with dropping in coverage and kicking inside on occasion on obvious pass-rushing downs as well. Kneeland fits the mold of defensive linemen the 49ers have pursued in the past. If No. 31 qualifies as a little rich for Kneeland, the 49ers also own two additional top 100 picks (63 and 94).
ARIZONA CARDINALS
I'm not sure where Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort will target an EDGE defender. It's a necessity. Ossenfort possesses six top-100 selections and a glaring need for pass rushers who are capable of annoying opposing quarterbacks.
The Cardinals recorded a 30th-ranked 33.0 sacks last season. Dennis Gardeck led the team in that category with six quarterback takedowns. Draft picks like Zaven Collins and B.J. Ojulari have yet to reach their full potential. Ossenfort also signed former first-round pick L.J. Collier to a one-year extension this offseason.
The performance ceiling must continue being elevated. Additional young talent is needed. Kneeland should appear on Arizona's shortlist.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans need a starting-caliber pass rusher opposite Harold Landry III. Arden Key is viewed as a situational rusher, meaning an early-down defender is required. That hole was created when Denico Autry signed with their division rival Houston Texans in unrestricted free agency. The Titans are now too dependent on Landry and Jeffery Simmons.
Many felt Titans general manager Ran Carthon would target a wide receiver or cornerback at No. 38, but the shocking additions of Calvin Ridley and L'Jarius Sneed have altered that expectation. A defensive lineman is now a bigger need. Kneeland possesses similarities to Autry from a versatility and motor perspective. He'd pair nicely with Landry on first and second down before being replaced by Key on third-and-obvious passing downs.
