Cowboys rookie Cooper Beebe pitched a shutout against the NFL Draft's best defensive player

In grading the 2024 NFL Draft class of the Dallas Cowboys, I named third-round draft pick Cooper Beebe my favorite selection in terms of value.

The Kansas State guard could legitimately start at center for  the Cowboys as the rookie himself has admitted there's been conversations about a position change with the team. Admittedly, he'll face stiff competition from Brock Hoffman, who impressed in limited playing time in 2023.

Beebe makes his living in the trenches by making up what he lacks on length with powerful hands and nasty demeanor. That's been enough for him to slow down the efforts of defensive linemen while playing tackle and guard, and that includes a couple of top prospects from this year's class.

Beebe dominated 2024 NFL Draft first-round, second-round picks

One of the moments that probably sold many NFL franchises, Cowboys included, on Beebe was his 2023 game versus the Texas Longhorns.

In a 33-30 thriller that went to overtime, Beebe's team took a loss but his draft stock rose after a remarkable performance in pass protection. 

Facing the Longhorns' Byron Murphy (first round pick, first defensive player off the board) and T'Vondre Sweat (second round pick despite off-field trouble), Beebe was perfect in protecting his quarterback, allowing zero pressures in the game.