Written By Adam Aniba
The offensive line class this draft is viewed to be the deepest and most talented in years. Although the tackles have received most of the attention, one particular converted tackle shined in '23.
Kansas State guard Cooper Beebe was absolutely dominate last season while at guard, after starting at LT for the Wildcats in '22. Beebe is the top guard on The Burgundy and Gold Report Big Board.
Cooper Beebe
6'3" 322 lbs | IOL | KSU
Draft Proj Late 2nd Round
Background
Cooper Beebe grew up in Kansas City, KS and played football for Piper High School. In addition to playing football, Beebe played basketball for Piper and stared in the shot put event, placing 3rd in the state semifinals in 2017.
Beebe played along the offensive and defensive line for Piper HS. He was named to the 1st Team All-State team by the Kansas Football Association as an offensive lineman in 2018.
On defense Beebe totaled 128 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles during his career at Piper lining up at DT. The 4-time letterman ranked 79th nationally among defensive tackles by ESPN and was the 9th rated prospect in Kansas.
The 3-star recruit received an invite to play for Team USA under 17 team and played in the International Bowl vs Japan in '17 for the World Championship.
The Piper product ultimately decided to stay in state and committed to Kansas State for the '19 season. Beebe would redshirt as a reserve offensive lineman, playing in only two games.
Fast forward to 2021 in which Beebe started 13 games at left tackle, after lining up at right tackle and guard the previous season (8 games).
Beebe didn't allow a sack all season (367 blocking snaps) helping K-State to a tie for 2nd in the Big 12 for in rushing touchdowns (29) while averaging 4.83 per rushing attempt. Bebe also saw snaps at right guard.
Beebe was named to the All-Big 12 Team 1st-Team by the coaches and AP. He was youngest offensive lineman to be named to the 1st team by the AP and coaches.
In 2022 the Wildcats lineman started 14 games at left guard with a few snaps at left tackle. Beebe didn't give up a sack all season and the Wildcats finished the season ranked 15th in the nation n rushing yards per game (208.3 yards).
Beebe was named 1st Team All-American by ESPN, Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the year (by coaches), All Big 12 1st-Team (Coaches & AP) and Big 12 !st Team Academic honors with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
In 2023 Beebe was once again named a 1st Team All-American, after starting 13 games with 945 total snaps (832 coming at guard).
Beebe might not be the quickest interior offensive lineman, but his power and football IQ are evident.
2023 Accolades
• 2023 Consensus All-American
• 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy Finalist
• 2023 Outland Trophy finalist
• 2023 Lombardi Award semifinalist
• 2023 Outland Trophy Player of the Week (TCU)
• 2023 1st Team All-American
PROS
An absolute mauler in the run game, who finishes blocks better than any IOL in the nation
High football IQ extremely smart
Although known for his power, technically sound in run & pass pro
Versatility as a guard and tackle
Displays the ability to wipe out faster/athletic pass rushers
CONS
Despite extensive reps at tackle, overall arm length (31 1/2" arm length) likely negates ability to play outside on the next level
Overall blocking technique will require refinement as too often lunges when blocking
Lack of overall athleticism could lead to early struggles with stunts on the next level
Plays too upright, needs to lower pad level
Overall foot quickness is only average for the position
Outlook
Beebe provides extensive experience playing in 51 career games (48 starts) starting at both tackle and guard.
The Wildcats lineman was named Big 12 Offensive lineman of the year in consecutive seasons, which was only the second time in school history since Dalton Risner ('16 & '18).
The former 3-star recruit allowed only 5 sacks among his 1,488 career pass blocking snaps per Pro Football Focus with 4 of those coming in his redshirt freshman season of 2020 as he only allowed one sack in his final 42 games.
Beebe has the potential to be a day 1 starter at guard and presents solid value if still available in mid-late round 2.
*GAMES WATCHED*
9/16/23 vs Missouri, 10/21 vs TCU, 11/4 vs Texas, 11/18 vs Kansas & 11/25 vs Iowa St.
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