(Editor's Note: As part of the preparation for training camp, this series will introduce 25 players who are new to the Cowboys' roster, rookies and veterans alike. We'll continue with offensive lineman Cooper Beebe.)
How He Got Here: Beebe is one of the more accomplished offensive linemen, not only in KSU history but for the Big 12, as he's one of just five players to win Offensive Lineman of the Year twice (2022 & 2023). He was a consensus All-American last year at the left tackle position. He started 48 games at KSU, ranking fifth all-time in school history. During his illustrious career for the Wildcats, Beebe played guard and tackle but only took center snaps in practice, mostly during the 2020 season as a contingency plan.
What's Next: Despite his lack of game reps in college, the Cowboys are going to try him at center, likely battling both Brock Hoffman and maybe T.J. Bass. The Cowboys have some young prospects at center that should make for a fun competition at training camp and maybe even into the season. The lack of game reps at center could be an issue, but then again, players like Zack Martin have moved from tackle to guard without any real reps and made a seamless transition. Not that Beebe deserves any comparisons to Martin right away, but many teams, including the Cowboys projected Beebe to eventually move to center. That could be happening sooner than later if he can win the job.
Did You Know: While Beebe earned a pair of All-Big 12 selections as a player, he was a four-time All-Big 12 first-team pick on the academic side.
Quotable: "He has the flexibility and versatility, but we want him to focus on the center position. Great job by our draft department. You see his initial quickness and his ability to sustain the blocks, and the type of competitor he is. He's a smart football player and … he's another guy that has versatility, but we want him to lock into the center spot." O-line coach Mike Solari on Beebe's position flex.
