The battle for Dallas Cowboys center could finally be over. After the exit of Tyler Biadasz, the position for center is now being sought after by both Cooper Beebe and Brock Hoffman. Which player will win the battle? Well, one of them is already tipping the scale.
Will Cooper Beebe Or Brock Hoffman Be At Center?
The Need for a Good Center
Although it seems minimal, the position of center is one of consistency. A poor snap can throw an entire play into turmoil, wasting a down and maybe even yardage.
This is why there’s such a hot debate on which player should be center. Without a smooth snap, Dak Prescott will not be able to create the offense that the Cowboys have been known for. He needs a guy he can trust at that position.
Where Brock Hoffman Shines
Throughout college and in the NFL, Hoffman has played nearly every position on the O-Line. In his final season at Virginia Tech, he played three different positions: center, left guard, and right tackle. Clearly, he’s a talent, no matter where you place him on the field.
However, when the spot opened up for center, Hoffman hopped on the chance to be the one in the driver’s seat. During the Blue and White scrimmage of Cowboys defense vs. offense, Hoffman played center for Dak Prescott. Being on the first team provides huge advantages to players like Hoffman because of the opportunity to play in a similar scenario to live gameplay.
During those snaps, Hoffman looked smooth. He snapped quickly and then moved to where his assist the other linemen in blocking. There was intentionality with how he found where he was needed and assisted there. It helped create plays for the offense that might not have been present without him.
If Hoffman can replicate this kind of play in preseason, the spot is looking more and more like it could be his.
Where Cooper Beebe Shows His Rookie Colors
Beebe was drafted 73rd in the third round of the draft. Playing at Kansas State in college, Beebe moved around just as much as Hoffman. He played every position except for center in college. The reason the Cowboys drafted him was to be considered for center, as they already knew Biadasz would not return for another season.
However, you could see in the Blue and White game that Beebe struggled a little with the new role. After watching him, it was easy to see why Hoffman was on the first team while Beebe covered Cooper Rush on the second team.
Beebe just doesn’t have Hoffman’s fluidity. It isn’t as seamless for Beebe to find out where he needs to be on the field. His snaps were also a little sloppy, one of which caused a fumble by Rush. Obviously, Beebe is still a rookie and learning the position. With more practice, he could be a formidable center.
But not this year.
Preseason Reps for Beebe and Hoffman
The difficulty about football is in the tightness of the roster. While both Beebe and Hoffman will more than likely make the 53-man squad, it’s unlikely that they’ll trade the position back and forth. Only one of them will play as a center for Dak Prescott.
And if I had to bet, I’d say it’ll be the one with three years of NFL experience, Brock Hoffman. Better luck next year, Beebe.
Main Image: Chris Jones – USA Today Sports
