Cowboys' Cooper Beebe pick looks even better after Mike McCarthy revelation

The Dallas Cowboys surprised many by not taking a running back on day two, but fans have every reason to be pleased with what they've done in the first three rounds. No pick has received more praise than third-round selection Cooper Beebe, however.

A mauler of a blocker, Beebe played four positions at Kansas State with most of his snaps coming at left tackle and left guard. He projects as an interior player in the NFL due to his lack of length and limited athletic ceiling, but the Cowboys got an absolute steal in the former Wildcat.

Many draft experts pegged Beebe as a second-round prospect. To snag him in the middle of round three is outstanding work by Dallas. In fact, The Athletic's Dane Brugler, arguably the most respected analyst in the industry, had Beebe as his No. 38 ranked prospect in the entire draft.

Beebe might not have a set position, but that doesn't take any shine off the pick. Or does he? Speaking to reporters after day three, Mike McCarthy hinted that the newest Cowboy will be in the mix to start at center.

Cowboys' third-round pick Cooper Beebe expected to compete for center job

If there was any more reason to feel better about the Beebe selection, there it is.

Believe it or not, Beebe didn't play a single snap at center in college. However, Beebe revealed after he was drafted that Dallas spoke to him pre-draft about playing center. The former Wildcat is willing to do whatever the Cowboys ask of him, and fans will love hearing that he's worked with offensive line guru Duke Manyweather this offseason. Manyweather called Beebe a "natural" fit at center.

Beebe being in the mix for the center job is music to the ears of Cowboys fans. He represents a significant upgrade over former starter Tyler Biadasz, especially as a run-blocker. Beebe finds no trouble getting uphill to create running lines and he's a soul-eater as a downfield blocker.

While Beebe will make a monster impact in the run game, he's also elite in pass protection. He posted a 90.2 pass-blocking grade last season and was PFF's highest-graded pass-blocker among interior lineman on true pass sets, plays with no play action, and on three-step drops.

Beebe does it all, but the fact he'll compete for the starting center job makes the pick a grand slam. Even if center isn't his long-term position, Beebe will pay massive dividends after the Cowboys were easily moved off the ball whenever they tried to pound the rock in 2023.

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