The Dallas Cowboys have long been criticized for their sluggish approach to bolstering skill positions through the draft, free agency, or contract extensions. Yet, when it comes to their offensive line, the team has shown a knack for unearthing gems that anchor their front. While their strategy of selecting offensive linemen in the first round in three of the last four years has sparked debate, their true masterstroke may have come in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft with the selection of center Cooper Beebe—a player now hailed as the franchise’s most promising building block.
A Rookie Rock in the Middle
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton spotlighted Beebe as the Cowboys’ cornerstone for the future after the second-year center started all 16 games in his 2024 rookie season. “Over the past several years, the Dallas Cowboys have seen multiple starters at center, a once-stable position when Travis Frederick lined up in that spot,” Moton wrote on July 5, 2025. “Following a few years with Joe Looney and Tyler Biadasz, Cooper Beebe has shown signs he can be the long-term starter in the middle of the offensive line.”
At 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds, Beebe brings a commanding presence to the Cowboys’ line. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 20th out of 64 eligible NFL centers in 2024, earning a 65.4 overall grade. As one of only three rookie centers—alongside Pittsburgh’s Zach Frazier and Tampa Bay’s Graham Barton—showing staying power, Beebe’s debut season signals a bright future. His consistency and grit have already drawn comparisons to the Cowboys’ legendary linemen of the past.
A Big 12 Legend Transitions to the NFL
Before donning the Cowboys’ star, Beebe carved out a storied college career at Kansas State, cementing his legacy as one of the Big 12’s greatest offensive linemen. Playing guard, he earned three All-Big 12 selections, two All-American honors, and back-to-back Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year awards in 2022 and 2023. His dominance was undeniable, blending raw power with technical precision.
At the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Beebe turned heads with a 5.03-second 40-yard dash—an astonishing feat for a man of his size. NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein praised him in his pre-draft evaluation: “Wide-bodied guard who has been a model of consistency over the last four years, dialing in a very firm brand of football. … Beebe’s experience, girth, and drive-blocking talent should make him a long-time starter who can step in right away.”
The Cowboys snagged Beebe in the third round (No. 73 overall) of the 2024 NFL draft, signing him to a four-year, $5.93 million contract. In the same draft, they selected offensive tackle Tyler Guyton in the first round (No. 29 overall), continuing their trend of prioritizing the trenches.
A Questionable Draft Strategy?
While the Cowboys’ love for offensive linemen is clear, their approach raises eyebrows. Selecting linemen in the first round in three of the last four years—Tyler Smith (2022), Tyler Guyton (2024), and Tyler Booker (2025)—suggests a lopsided focus that neglects other critical positions. Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler, was a home run, and Booker’s selection at No. 12 overall in 2025 addressed a need following the retirement of guard Zack Martin. But the 2024 pick of Guyton, who struggled as a rookie, has drawn scrutiny, especially when players like Super Bowl hero Cooper DeJean, wide receiver Ladd McConkey (1,149 receiving yards), and defensive lineman Braden Fiske (8.5 sacks) were selected shortly after and thrived immediately.
This pattern has left some questioning whether the Cowboys’ scouting department is playing it too safe or simply lacks creativity. A more balanced draft approach could have paired Beebe’s brilliance with dynamic skill players to elevate the offense.
The Future Is Bright with Beebe
Despite the debate over their draft strategy, the Cowboys may have struck gold with Cooper Beebe. His seamless transition from college guard to NFL center, combined with his durability and upside, positions him as the linchpin of Dallas’ offensive line for years to come. As the team navigates the challenges of roster building, Beebe stands out as a beacon of hope—a third-round steal who could redefine the Cowboys’ front and pave the way for a dominant offense.