Since the moment the Dallas Cowboys picked Cooper Beebe in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, every fan likely thought the same thing: With Zack Martin and Tyler Smith playing guard, the kid out of Kansas State is likely taking a shot at the center starting role.
Beebe, who is perceived as a plug-and-play type draft pick, has never played center but seems to check the boxes thanks to his nasty demeanor in the interior of the offensive line and high football IQ.
Although both Beebe and the Cowboys revealed shortly after the pick was made that they had talks about him potentially playing center, we had not heard something as firm as the latest comments made by the player ahead of rookie minicamp.
"They called me right after, Coach Solari, and he told me straight up, he's like, 'hey, get some snaps going, you're going to play center," Beebe told reporters. "So I've been prepping ever since then."
Although his future role still hinges on how well he performs at the job, signs are pointing toward a future in the middle of the trenches for Beebe, who hit the nail in the head when he was asked about the transition to the position.
The third-round pick seems more concerned with gaining the trust of the unit he'd lead over physical aspects of the position like snapping the football.
"I think for me, I think for starters, it's just making sure the dudes trust me, especially in the O-line," Beebe said. "It's all about trust. So just making sure that I'm in the playbook and they feel comfortable having me out there. And then like you said, just putting it together, the snapping and the technique stuff."
The center is often described as the quarterback of the O-line as he calls out protections among other things for his unit. Beebe handled part of those responsibilities at Kansas State despite playing guard and he clearly understands that will be one of the biggest factors to determine his success as a Cowboy.
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