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.
Murphy and Sweat recorded 12 pressures, per PFF, but none of them came against Beebe in 50 pass blocking snaps. The new Cowboy earned an elite 89 grade in pass blocking for that game.
Beebe wins in this game showing his usual power but also playing long and displaying good anchor.
While the Wildcats didn't have a great rushing performance that game, there aren't many examples of Beebe getting outright beaten in run blocking.
It's not the only time Beebe has dominated top-tier competition as one of his best games came against Texas Tech back in 2022, when he matched up against Tyree Wilson (2023 seventh overall pick). Beebe allowed one pressure in 25 blocking snaps and The Athletic's Dane Brugler points to that matchup in his draft guide.
The Cowboys hope Beebe can keep pulling off these feats while also playing center. Per 105.3 The Fan, Kansas State coaches rave about his IQ and all agree he's got the smarts to man the highly-demanding position if asked to do so.
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