Cowboys address offensive line holes in first two days of 2024 NFL Draft
With two of three days of the 2024 NFL Draft in the books, the Dallas Cowboys appear to have already solved one of their most pressing issues – the offensive line. Having selected former Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton with pick No. 29 and Kansas State star Cooper Beebe with the 73rd overall pick in the third round, Dallas now has two very viable options to place in the starting lineup.
The Cowboys lost center Tyler Biadasz and left tackle Tyron Smith to new contracts in free agency this offseason, and both Guyton and Beebe could be the solution.
“Obviously two very young, talented players,” head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Friday night. “Both have starter ability. … I think it will be the most competitive offensive line room in my time here.”
Dallas has toyed with the idea of moving former first-rounder Tyler Smith to left tackle, which he played as a rookie due to a veteran’s injury, however, if Guyton can fill the spot, then Smith can remain at left guard where he earned All-Pro recognition.
“It will be an easy transition for him as far as the responsibility of playing the backside of the quarterback,” McCarthy said. “It’s just like anything, the footwork and things that he was going to do anyways…but man what a pick for us.”
Guyton on moving to LT: ‘Switch should be pretty easy’
Guyton spoke to reporters on Friday about potentially taking over at left tackle. He had no qualms about protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside next to Tyler Smith.
“I’ve been playing left tackle since I’ve gotten into college,” Guyton said. said. “I actually feel like I’m better at left tackle and I’m more comfortable over there anyway. The switch should be pretty easy.”
Without trading down to No. 29 from No. 24 for Guyton, the Cowboys wouldn’t have had the No. 73 pick they eventually used to draft Beebe. The Kansas State alum could either win the battle to start at center or contribute some much-needed depth behind Smith or Zach Martin at guard.
After redshirting his first season at Kansas State, Beebe earned first-team All-Big 12 Conference honors in 2021. He started all 13 games at left tackle before moving to left guard in 2022.
After the move, he earned All-American second-team honors and the Big 12’s offensive lineman of the year award. As a senior, Beebe earned a nomination as a finalist for the Outland Trophy and was once again the Big 12’s offensive lineman of the year. He became Kansas State’s first consensus All-American offensive lineman in school history.