Frisco, Texas – Amazingly, the Dallas Cowboys found a strong candidate (Tyler Guyton) in the first round of the NFL Draft who can transition from right tackle to left tackle to replace the departed Tyron Smith (6-8, 322). ).
It's great that they found a run-minded defensive end in the second round (Marshawn Kneeland). The Cowboys defense knows it needs to be more run-aware, having been beaten down by teams that have exploited this flaw over and over again in recent years.
And he liked the second of two third-round picks at linebacker (Marist Liufau). As we all know, the lack of depth at linebacker last year derailed this team in some of the biggest games of the season. In the first-round playoff loss to Green Bay, the Packers took advantage by running the ball against smaller safeties masquerading as linebackers. .
Additionally, added depth at cornerback and wide receiver, and a fireplug-type candidate at defensive tackle bodes well for must-have draft success for these players.
But my favorite draft pick is Cooper Beebe, the 9th pick in the third round.Technically, the third guard overall in the draft is currently moving to center, and the Cowboys are using the draft pick they acquired from Detroit to move up from No. 24th He fell five spots to 29th in the first round.
I didn't know much about Beebe heading into the draft. I was watching every snap of Tigers kicker Harrison Mavis' 61-yard walk-off shot in the Wildcats' 30-27 loss to Missouri State when the 6-3, 322-pound I can't say the lineman consciously realized he was playing for Kansas State. He finally scored a goal to counter a K-State team that rushed for 152 yards.
But what got me interested in Beebe was him being the consensus All-American, 2022 and 2023 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, and 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy winner (Academic Heisman). He is one of nine FBS finalists in the NBA. He was also selected as a National Soccer Foundation Scholarship Athlete.
Just an interview or two will tell about his playing style, personality and approach to football. Let's go.
“I'm kind of a dirty guy in my thinking,” Beebe began. “I'm just trying to go out and put people in the mud and that's what I like to play. I'm trying to get guys to quit.”
Then, there was this.
“I think I'm a pretty nasty guy. I'm a guy who tries to get people as dirty as possible, but I'm also a technique-focused guy. I have that mindset. So it's kind of It's a difficult play style.”
That's what I'm talking about. Music to my ears, Big Newt?
Now, in case you're wondering, which probably isn't the case right now, “getting the bastard dirty” means kicking the defender off his feet. You can place it in the soil or, in most cases these days, spray rubberized grass pellets.
That's fine, but the story may be cheesy. So I went on a mission to find examples of “dirty bastards” happening. Oh, there were so many. Don't take my word for it. Please use Google Beebe. We have a lot.
One of my favorites on the web is when Beebe, playing left guard, drops to his right to take on a defender wearing No. 97. Fight head-on and knock the “guy” off his feet. However, just then, No. 6, who looked like a safety, came along and stepped over his fallen comrade, only to collide head-on with Beebe. Imagine the troublesome 322 engaging his feisty 185 or so. In other words, KABOOM, you should go into the dirt too.
An example of this is when Beebe allowed four sacks in 2020 as a redshirt freshman after the Cowboys selected the “Dancing Bear,” who allowed just five sacks on 1,488 pass-blocking snaps. I would like you to consider that this might have been included in your answer when asked about. Of those five, just one sack came in K-State's last 42 games.
“I think my best moment was when I 'got dirty' with the kid from Houston,” says the tough guy, who turns 23 in two weeks. “When I went out on the edge and got his leg up over his head. I think that's probably the best 'dirt' story.”
“There was one time against Kansas where I took a linebacker to the ground and went up to a safety. Those are kind of the two 'dirty' moments that I remember,” he says.
As you might think, there are several in the video. Many times, defenseless defenders are seen lying flat on their backs, usually referred to as the “uncleated” position, with both feet lifted off the ground.
Then this one-pass block in the game against Oklahoma, mirroring the defender's every move, as if he's tired of this little dance, is enough and Beebe takes the guy to the ground. Just fill it in. Even in the snowy game against Iowa State, he set up defenders in his way with runs to the left.
Now, let's get it again. This is a university. These are not the grown men Beebe will compete against in the NFL.
But hey, he did the same thing with grown men at Texas in 2022, Beebe regularly threw rocks at players like Longhorn defensive lineman Byron Murphy (16).th In this 2024 draft, pick along with Tyvondre Sweat at No. 38.th overall selection. Former Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshawn, a third-round pick of the Cowboys last year, felt like, “Oh, not that guy again'' after getting hit hard in a game against the Wildcats. I'm sure it is. This year, it's to practice against Beebee.
Sure, Beebe will have to transition from guard to center. But the truth is, while the Cats are said to be making an effort to develop more versatile offensive linemen at K-State, Beebe actually doesn't play many snaps at center after practice. or acquired. And not just the blocking part when transitioning to center, he recognizes the defense, calls blocking assignments, and oh yeah, to snap the ball when setting up to block a 300-pound defensive tackle. I have my hands full mentally. Give him a heads up. But remember, first-team Academic All-Big 12.
Of course, the Cowboys acquired the first of two third-round picks at a high position, ahead of the other three players they were eyeing when they traded down in the first round. To get Guyton and get the most picks, they need to go No. 1. Valuable additional third round draft pick.
“I think we made the most of those 24 games.”th Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, “By taking two offensive linemen, we were able to make a first-round pick. We weren't even going to hold back on our interest in offensive linemen.'' Told.
As for head coach Mike McCarthy, he would only allow that: “(Beeb) will definitely be part of the competition for center field.” That means former second-year backup center Brock Hoffman isn't the type to give in at the last minute in training camp, and McCarthy says he's a guy who brings his lunch box to work every day. It is highly praised.
That's all well and good, but what about Beebe's chances outside of this inner circle? A post-draft text from Dave Campo, the Cowboys' former head coach and defensive coordinator who is now retired and works as an analyst at a Jacksonville radio station, said:
“Cooper Beebe is the best player the Cowboys have picked! He's a beast.”
She continued, “I wanted him here at Jax when it mattered…He's a very difficult person, and that's something Jax doesn't have.”
I can't wait to keep an eye on him during training camp, or maybe I should say preseason games, as “dirty bastard” may be frowned upon during camp. It looks like Beebe can't wait to be here too, as a secret voice call to Beebe surrounded by family went something like this:
Jerry Jones: “Hello, this is Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboy.”
Beebe: “Jerry, how are you doing?”
Jerry: “Well, I'm talking to the Dallas Cowboys.”
Beebe: (laughing happily) “Let's go!” I heard a scream. “oh my god.”
And after the phone was passed to McCarthy and offensive line coach Mike Solari, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer honked his horn and said, “Hey, what we want is you.'' All I want you to do is bring the style of play that you got. Just do what you have to do, I'm so excited, brother. ”
Beebe: “Coach, I'm looking forward to it too. I can't wait.”
Neither the Cowboys, nor I, nor probably you, will be able to see the outrageous “dirt” happening.
