The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
If the Green Bay Packers were to play a game tomorrow, they’d roll out Elgton Jenkins at left guard, Josh Myers at center and Sean Rhyan at right guard. A solid interior offensive line. It’s the depth behind those three that leaves a lot to be desired.
With the Packers being owners of 11 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, it’s a safe bet that Brian Gutekunst will add an interior offensive lineman or two to fortify the offensive line.
A player that Gutekunst could target in the upcoming draft is Cooper Beebe. The Kansas State offensive lineman checks in at No. 58 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Beebe finished his career at Kansas State with 48 starts under his belt. He started 28 games at left guard, 13 at left tackle and seven at right tackle.
Highest Graded Guard Since 2022 (P5):
🟣 Cooper Beebe, Kansas State: 86.4 pic.twitter.com/pQIdeTNC1f
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 4, 2024
“Cooper Beebe meant everything to Kansas State in his five years,” Drew Galloway, the Kansas State reporter for On3.com, said. “He was someone that didn’t have a lot of hype as a high school recruit and was originally going to play defensive tackle until Chris Klieman and his staff were hired. As soon as he stepped on campus though he was someone mentioned in every press conference as a young player with a lot of promise. He ended up being a multiple-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year winner and a consensus all-American.”
Aside from center, Beebe took snaps at every position across the offensive line during his time as a Wildcat. With shorter arms he’s probably strictly a guard at the next level, however, his starting experience at both tackle positions, leads one to believe that he could kick outside in a pinch. That four-position versatility makes him an attractive target.
“He may be one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the NFL Draft this year,” Galloway said. “He’s played every position besides center for Kansas State and has started at four of the five offensive line spots.”
Beebe gets after it as a run blocker. He’s a power-packed offensive lineman that overwhelms defenders at the point of contact. The versatile offensive lineman has good short-area quickness and locks in on his targets like a Predator when he’s out in space. He plays under the pads of defenders to drive them downfield and create movement in the run game.
Here’s what a mauler looks like up close. @KStateFB people-mover Cooper Beebe (6032v, 331v, 31 1/2 arm).
Beebe wasn’t even one of top 1,300 recruits in On3’s industry rankings coming out of HS and entered this season as PFF’s highest graded IOL.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/8X0XPxGoZx
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) September 16, 2023
“His greatest strength is being a mauler,” Galloway said. “He’s a physical dude and a people mover. He’s everything you want in a guard and is so solid in every facet of the game. He’s great at pulling and gets out in space well at his size.”
The 48-game starter has active, physical hand and stays patient in pass protection. He has quick feet to beat pass rushers to the spot. Beebe has a strong core and can anchor down against bull rushers. Over the past three seasons, Beebe has given up two sacks and 28 pressures.
“Beebe is also a really good pass blocker,” Galloway said. “He was trusted as a sophomore to play left tackle and start every game there. He has good feet and a really good base. He only allowed 1 sack in his first three seasons according to PFF.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers need to add right guard competition. If they were to draft Beebe on Day 2 of the draft, it would be a safe bet that he’d beat out Rhyan for the starting right guard spot. He’s a plug-and-play caliber player who could help take Green Bay’s offensive line from good to great.
“I would draft Cooper Beebe because there aren’t many people who work harder than he does,” Galloway said. “He’s put on a lot of muscle even from the end of the season to now. He’s also a great leader and does a good job of leading by example. Beebe is also someone that I think is going to have a great NFL career and could play 8-10 years and be a multiple-time Pro Bowl kind of player.”
Beebe checks the boxes with his versatility, experience, football IQ and toughness. Even if he doesn’t earn a starting role as a rookie, he’d provide quality depth at guard and tackle. The more likely scenario is that the Kansas State product would take over at right guard and help improve Green Bay’s rushing attack.
