As much as I’m excited for the start of the season, I’m a little worried about the three rookies who are starting in important positions. Cooper Beebe at center, Tyler Guyton at left tackle and Caelen Carson at cornerback – which of the three are you most worried about? – Damien Morrow/Odessa, TX
Nick Eatman: All of them – in their own way, of course. And at the same time, I’m happy for all of them. But I think if we had to pick one, I’d say Cooper Beebe is probably the one I’m most worried about. And yes, I’m well aware that the player facing Guyton is reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. That’s going to be a huge challenge, just like Amari Cooper is for Carson. But Beebe is still playing a new position. Aside from a few snaps in two preseason games, this will be his first real start as center in a big game, something that never happened in college. With the crowd noise, making the calls, getting the shotgun snap right and then having to hold his own in the middle, I think that’s going to be a really big task for Beebe. I think he can do it and will be a very good player eventually. But for this first game, that’s the position I’m most worried about out of the three.
Kurt: I have to admit, Caelen Carson is definitely a concern out there on an island, but what Tyler Guyton is facing is what worries me the most. As we all know, he’s going up against reigning Defensive Player of the Year Miles Garrett, who can make even All-Pro tackles look bad. Garrett isn’t a one-man wrecking squad, though. While Pro Football Focus ranked him as their No. 1 edge rusher last season with 14 sacks, Za’Darius Smith also ranked 16th with 5.5 total sacks. In addition, Cleveland’s backup defensive ends Alex Wright and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo combined for another 9.5 sacks. And that’s not even counting the big bodies they have inside the defensive line. Ahead of the 2024 season, PFF ranked the Browns’ defensive line fifth in the league, stating, “And their potential is even higher if some of the young rotation players make an impact.” All of this awaits rookie Guyton in his first NFL appearance. If he can’t withstand this onslaught or the Cowboys can’t find a way to help him, it’s going to be a long afternoon for Dak Prescott and Co. No pressure.
