Which Cowboys rookie lineman do you think will have the better season in 2024?
Out with the old, in with the new. Despite having yearly aspirations of contending for a Super Bowl, the Dallas Cowboys are a team in transition. Instead of replenishing their roster with high-priced free agents, the Cowboys opted to restock the roster for the future with an exceptional draft. It’s bittersweet. The Cowboys said their goodbyes to Pro Bowl talent but replaced them with draftees that will make an immediate impact. First, the Cowboys saw center Tyler Biadasz leave for the Washington Commanders to join Dan Quinn in the nation’s capital.
Then, future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith signed with the New York Jets, although there was a belief he would stay in Dallas. The Cowboys have some big shoes to fill. Fortunately for the Cowboys, they drafted offensive tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round and Cooper Beebe in the third round to replace Smith and Biadasz. Both rookies are exciting prospects brimming with potential. Their arrival brings a sense of hope and optimism for the future of the Cowboys’ roster. Obviously, we want both to be terrific out of the gate, but which rookie will separate themselves from the other? Which rookie will have the best season?
Cooper Beebe
Beebe is a big, stocky prospect. At 6’3, 335 lbs., he is approximately 20 pounds heavier than Tyler Biadasz. Beebe joins the Cowboys as a decorated rookie, having won multiple All-American awards and winning the Big 12 Offensive Linemen of the Year award the past two seasons. In contrast to Biadasz, Beebe has a reputation for being a punishing blocker with strength the drive back defensive tackles. His individual assets, such as his size and accolades, instill confidence in his potential. The downside for Beebe is that he needs to gain experience playing center having never played it competitively at a high level.
So far this offseason, Beebe has only played center and is set to make the transition full-time. Fortunately for Beebe, he would play center in between two All-Pros, Zack Martin and Tyler Smith. Furthermore, quarterback Dak Prescott is very comfortable making the offensive line calls and changing protections, helping Beebe as he learns. Yet, Beebe’s rookie season could be hindered by two key factors. Brock Hoffman played very well down the stretch last season, and the starting job for center has yet to be decided. Beebe was taken in the third round, so the impetus to get him on the field right away is less pressing, considering his draft status.
Tyler Guyton
Tyler Guyton is a mammoth offensive tackle. At 6’8” and 322 lbs., Guyton is a terrific athlete for his size with great mobility for a left tackle. Guyton’s calling card will be pass protection. His huge frame affords him the ability to stifle smaller rushers and easily mirror them. Similar to Beebe, Guyton will also be transitioning positions, from right tackle to left tackle, although he has some college experience playing on the left side. Also, like Beebe, Guyton has been working with Duke Manyweather to ease the process of changing positions. Working in Guyton’s favor to gain much needed experience is that he is a first-round pick and he’ll be given every opportunity to see the field for the Cowboys to get the most bang for their buck.
That could be a gift or curse. Playing on the outside, and depending on the alignment of the opposing defensive line, Guyton could be isolated with minimal help. Furthermore, Guyton will need to improve as a run-blocker. His narrow frame leaves an opportunity for power rushers to get the best of him. His strength is the biggest factor that will improve in the coming years, but this season, his run-blocking is the one area that draws the most concern and the one that his rookie counterpart should excel at. These challenges, while they may hinder his performance, are part of his growth and development as a rookie.
The Verdict
As for who will have the best season, it’s hard to argue that it won’t be Beebe. Yes, he has to learn a new position, but playing alongside Martin and Smith will create a sense of comfort for the rookie. Prescott is one of the best communicators at the line of scrimmage and will take Beebe under his wing and pass knowledge onto him.
That’s not to say that Guyton will not have a promising rookie season. Guyton is coming to Dallas to replace a Hall of Fame talent playing a difficult position to adjust to. Remember, Tyron Smith didn’t play left tackle his rookie season. Guyton has a lot more on his plate to begin his career, so naturally, he’ll experience more lumps to start his career. That said, the Dallas Cowboys have two great building blocks for their future that should improve in their areas of weakness.
