Predicting which Cowboys draft pick will have the biggest impact in 2024

When the Dallas Cowboys traded with the Detroit Lions in the first round of the NFL Draft and gained an extra day-two pick, they knew they had to make it count. By the time the draft was over, the player taken with the acquired No. 73 overall pick -- Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe -- stands out above them all.

Somewhat surprisingly, Beebe was Pro Football Focus' 93rd overall prospect. That was much lower than the consensus rankings, where he was the No. 58 overall player. Highly respected draft expert Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Beebe has his No. 38-ranked prospect.

Coming into the draft, the Cowboys set out to try and upgrade an offensive line that lost key pieces in left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz. The selection of Beebe will help Dallas overcome those losses, especially along the interior.

Beebe concluded his senior season with a First-Team All Big-12 nod. It was his third First-Team nod overall for the Wildcats. Beebe was also a unanimous All-American during his last season in Manhattan.

Cooper Beebe could have a huge impact on the Cowboys in 2024

Beebe was a great choice for the Cowboys after they missed out on Duke's Graham Barton on night one. Beebe has more positional versatility than Barton, as Beebe too had stints at both tackle and guard positions in college. He's expected to transition to center in the NFL. Based on raw traits, he could be Dallas' most powerful and physical center in team history.

Beebe's great size and his powerful frame make it easy for him to bully opposing lineman. He has strong arms and legs to control pass-rushers and truly is a brick wall. Beebe proved that during college, where he was PFF's highest-graded interior lineman on true pass sets, plays with no play action, and on three-step dropbacks.

Where Beebe also stands out is his athleticism and ability to excel blocking in both the passing and running game. He gets out to the second level so quick, creating holes for backs to follow behind. Beebe's ability to carve wide running lanes gives Dallas' mediocre running-back room a chance to be productive in 2024.

Overall, the Cowboys' other draft choices will come into their own over time, but Beebe's case is intriguing because he has the skillset to benefit the team from day one. Dallas might even be able to put him into the starting lineup sooner than first-round pick Tyler Guyton. Beebe's floor and potential are that high.

The Cowboys still have a lot to figure out by the time Week 1 rolls around. The uncertainty looming over the franchise only further solidifies the choice to draft Beebe. Dallas needs a player like Beebe and looking back at 2024's class, this guy might be one of their best draft choices in recent years.

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