(Editor's Note: In the upcoming weeks before the start of training camp, the staff of DallasCowboys.com is looking to answer the 20 biggest questions facing the team heading into the 2024 season. Today, the staff writers continue the series with a closer look at the competition at center.)
6) Who's the starting center in Week 1?
Mickey Spagnola: This might become the most competitive starting position battle during training camp, coming down to second-year lineman Brock Hoffman and third-round draft choice Connor Beebe. If the rookie Beebe can successfully make the transition from a college guard to NFL center in this short period of time, meaning getting his snaps down and picking up the offense, then I think the rookie has a good chance of winning the job. But he'll have a fight on his hands with Brock Hoffman, who started one game at center and one game at right guard of the 17 he appeared in last year, while spending the majority of his 2022 rookie season on the practice squad. But there is nothing wrong with Hoffman winning the backup center/guard responsibility on the game day roster, and that, too, might be a battle with T.J. Bass, though really hasn't had that much practice work at center during his rookie season.
Kyle Youmans: This may not be the popular answer with all the hype surrounding Cooper Beebe as a rookie, but Brock Hoffman will start at center in Week 1. This is a great problem for the Cowboys to have. Two young players battling it out between a draft pick with high expectations, and a returning glass eater who is only 25 years old and has three years of experience. Either way, there is youth and confidence with both guys. Hoffman's experience, though limited, gives him the edge after playing 156 snaps at center last season. He did not allow a sack, and only two hurries at the position throughout those snaps. Beebe didn't take any snaps at center while at Kansas State, instead spending most of his college career at left guard. So, his transition to a new level and a new position is much tougher. Taking some extra time to take that role over.
Nick Eatman: I'll take Beebe on this one. I do think Brock Hoffman will certainly compete for it, but I think the preference is Beebe. If it's close, they will go with the rookie because he'll only get better and better. I also think if they give it to Hoffman, he might never let it go. While that sounds odd, I just feel like the overall preference is for Beebe to get the job. Assuming it's close at the end of camp, it just makes sense to go with the guy that presumably has more upside.
Nick Harris: There isn't a battle I am more excited to see at training camp than the center battle. Cooper Beebe comes in with a wealth of offensive line knowledge for his age and experience-level, and Brock Hoffman comes in with a full offseason of work in the facility with the idea that it is his job to lose. You also can't forget about T.J. Bass who has proved time and time again to not count him out of anything he has a shot at. For my money, I'm betting on Hoffman to take the next step in training camp and lock down the starting position spot. His experience last season playing center yielded positive results and his mentee relationship to Zack Martin will only grow when the two stand side-by-side in the middle of the offensive line in Oxnard.
