As much as I'm excited about the start of the season, I can't help but worry a little about the three rookies starting at important positions. With Cooper Beebe at center, Tyler Guyton at left tackle and Caelen Carson at cornerback, which of the three worries you the most? – Damien Morrow/Odessa, TX
Nick Eatman: All of them - in their own way, of course. And at the same time, I'm excited for all of them as well. But I think if we're having to pick one, I'd say Cooper Beebe is the guy I'm probably the most worried about. And yes, I'm well aware the player lining up opposite Guyton is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Myles Garrett. That will be a huge challenge, just as Amari Cooper will be for Carson. But Beebe is still playing a new position. Other than a few snaps in two preseason games, this will be his first real action at center in a meaningful game, something that never happened in college. With the noise of the crowd, having to make the calls, get the shotgun snap right and then hold his own in the middle, I think it's going to be a really big task for Beebe. Again, I think he can do it and will eventually be a very good player. But for this first game, this is the position I'd say worries me the most of those three.
Kurt: I have to admit Caelen Carson out there on an island is a definite concern, but what lies ahead for Tyler Guyton is the most worrisome for me. As we all know, he's going up against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Miles Garrett, who can make even All-Pro tackles look bad. However, Garrett is not a one-man wrecking crew. While Pro Football Focus rated him their No. 1 edge rusher last season with 14 sacks, they also had Za'Darius Smith ranked 16th after he totaled 5.5. In addition, Cleveland's defensive end backups, Alex Wright and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, combined for another 9.5 sacks. And that's not even counting the big bodies they have in the defensive line interior. Coming into this 2024 campaign, PFF has the Browns' defensive line ranked fifth in the league, stating "and their ceiling is even higher if some of the rotational young players can make an impact." All that awaits the rookie Guyton in his first NFL start. If he can't handle that onslaught, or if the Cowboys can't find ways to help him, it's going to be a long afternoon for Dak Prescott and company. No pressure.
