Tyler Guyton, Cooper Beebe working together to adjust to NFL
If Cowboys first-rounder Tyler Guyton wants to kick off his career as well as some of his predecessors at left tackle, the rookie has a lot of work ahead of him this summer. Adjusting to the pace of play and the dominant forces opposing him on the defensive line will be key, and he’s working with third-round pick Cooper Beebe to acclimate as best as he can.
“Most definitely (we’re leaning on each other), it’s new for both of us,” Guyton told reporters last week. “We came from the same conference. I already knew who he was and we were pretty cool before this but now that we’re together, we’re pretty tight now. Going over plays together, doing whatever we can.”
Dallas has had plenty of success with offensive linemen, especially those taken in the first round in recent years, but perhaps none more revered than left tackle Tyron Smith. Smith’s shoes are the ones Guyton will attempt to fill, potentially even this year.
“I was a big Tyron Smith fan my whole life because he plays for my team,” Guyton said. “He plays for my favorite team and once I started playing the offensive line position, knowing that he’s one of the best to ever do it, was kind of amazing for me.”
Guyton isn’t alone in his quest to take over a starting role in Year 1. Cooper Beebe has just as much of a chance to secure the starting center role as the former Sooner has at left tackle. The big difference is that Beebe hasn’t actually played center in a game. The spot opened up after the departure of Tyler Biadasz in free agency.
Beebe progressing in transition to center
According to head coach Mike McCarthy, the team is already preparing the former Wildcat for his move from guard to center as they head into OTAs this week.
“All these young men have made a great first impression,” McCarthy said after rookie minicamp. “Cooper’s looked very good over the ball. His communication has been excellent. He’s got that sh*t-eating grin that you like to see. It’s definitely not too big for him at all.”
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. Beebe has proven his ability to adapt and thrive through transition, but the key to getting him ready to start at center is going to be getting as many live reps in as possible before the real stakes kick in.
“It’s skill development,” McCarthy said. “The shotgun snap, it’s a fine motor skill. It’s something that requires a lot of reps. The biggest thing is getting accustomed to the footwork you’re asked to use. We’ve been going through the same thing with TJ (Bass). He’s looked good so far, I’ve been impressed.”