Expectations for Tyler Guyton, Cowboys' Top Rookies in Preseason
After an offseason largely overshadowed by contract chatter and hot-seat talk, the Dallas Cowboys are on the verge of finally focusing on real football.
Their preseason will kick off on August 11, and the hope is that once it does, all of the non-football-related distractions will disappear. However, Dallas has a lot more to accomplish during exhibition play than simply getting back to business.
After losing far more talent than they acquired in free agency, the Cowboys must get strong early contributions from their rookies to have a successful 2024 campaign.
That's not how things unfolded in 2023, where Dallas' rookie class—including its early selections—barely made an impact at all. Before this year's rookies can even get on the field for meaningful games, they'll first need to show that they belong during exhibition play.
Below, you'll find a look at the Cowboys' top three 2024 draft picks and realistic preseason expectations for each of them.
OT Tyler Guyton
1 of 3
Round 1 (No. 29 Overall)
While 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith only saw the field for 28 percent of the defensive snaps as a rookie, Tyler Guyton is expected to play a much more prominent role. In fact, he may not have a choice.
Dallas lost starting left tackle Tyron Smith in free agency, and Guyton has been tapped to replace him. The Cowboys could move Tyler Smith from guard to tackle, but that would then create a void on the interior.
The problem is that Guyton only had one season of starting experience at Oklahoma and played right tackle, not left. Unsurprisingly, he was not running with the first unit at the start of training camp.
Expect this to change at some point during Dallas' three-game exhibition stretch. Guyton may not start the opener, but he's going to need experience playing with the starters if the Cowboys hope to have him ready by Week 1.
Guyton should be in the starting lineup by the second game of the preseason, and he should get a fair amount of reps throughout all three games. He's likely to have his fair share of rookie struggles this season, and the Cowboys will want to work out as many kinks as possible during the preseason.
Edge Marshawn Kneeland
2 of 3
Round 2 (No. 56 Overall)
Former Western Michigan pass-rusher Marshawn Kneeland is far less likely to see time in the starting lineup during the preseason—unless we're counting the preseason finale in which many starters won't play.
Kneeland has potential as a big (6'3", 267 lbs), physical edge, but he's likely to eye a rotational role as a rookie. Kneeland probably doesn't have the high-level athleticism to be a full-time player, at least until he learns to win more consistently with his technique.
Early in his career, Kneeland will likely rely on the couple of polished pass-rushing moves he does have and a pro-ready level of play strength. He'll be valuable as a part-time player, but only in specific situations.
Plus, it's not as if the Cowboys have a role available at the top of the edge-rushing rotation. Dallas lost Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong in free agency, but they still have Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence leading the defense.
Expect Kneeland to see most of his preseason playing time with the second and third teams. However, he should give fans a thrilling look at his power and potential while going against other teams' backups.
IOL Cooper Beebe
3 of 3
Round 3 (No. 73 Overall)
Like Guyton, third-round draft pick Cooper Beebe is expected to play a prominent role as a rookie. Also like Guyton, the Kansas State product is adapting to a new position.
Following the offseason departure of Tyler Biadasz, the Cowboys picked Beebe to be their next starting center. However, that's the one position at which Bebbe didn't see playing time as a rookie.
The good news is that Beebe is a far more polished prospect than his first-round counterpart.
"Beebe is a highly decorated, massively built, sawed-off, smart and strong presence with proven versatility to project as a high-floor, solid starting guard in a downhill run scheme," Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote.
Beebe may have a few early flubs as he adjusts to the responsibilities of playing center. He'll also need some time to develop chemistry and timing with quarterback Dak Prescott. However, he shouldn't take long to bypass Brock Hoffman in camp.
Expect Beebe to be in the starting lineup by the preseason opener. He'll likely have a few occasional misses during exhibition play, but he should fare well enough to erase any doubt about being the Week 1 starting center.
*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.
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