NY Jets fans should want this Day 2 OL target after 2024 NFL Combine

The NY Jets were in Indianapolis keeping a close eye on a number of offensive line prospects at the NFL Combine this past weekend, and one name that may have caught their eye is Kansas State offensive guard Cooper Beebe.

Beebe is an experienced offensive line prospect and the two-time defending Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. With over 40 career college starts and experience playing every offensive line position but center, Beebe is expected to garner plenty of interest come April.

The 22-year-old did his best to improve his stock at the Combine this year as well. Beebe was among the top testers at his position, posting an outstanding 9.71 RAS (Relative Athletic Score), which ranked 42nd out of 1,434 offensive guards since 1987.

Beebe's 5.03 40-yard dash was top-five among all guards at the Combine, while his 7.44 three-cone time was the fastest at his position. He was already seen as one of the safest, most NFL-ready guard prospects in his class. Now, he's confirmed to be among the best athletes as well.

Cooper Beebe is a perfect mid-round draft target for the NY Jets

A three-year starter at Kansas State, Beebe helped anchor the Wildcats' offensive line, starting at left tackle in 2021 before shifting over to left guard for his final two collegiate seasons.

Beebe allowed just two sacks on over 1,200 pass-block snaps in his college career. His 88.3 career Pro Football Focus grade is the highest among all draft-eligible guards this year.

He's an ultra-reliable, experienced, versatile, high-character leader who projects as a genuine day-one starting offensive lineman. While he's been projected as more of a fringe second/third-round throughout this draft cycle, his performance at the Combine likely pushes him into top-50 consideration.

That could be challenging for a team like the Jets that doesn't possess a second-round pick. It seems unlikely that Beebe slides all the way to the Jets' third-round selection at pick 72.

Nonetheless, if the Jets get their hands on a second-round pick, either via a trade down or another avenue, Beebe should be a top consideration for a team desperate for offensive line help.

The Jets moved on from veteran Laken Tomlinson this offseason, leaving a gaping hole at the left guard position. Beebe could step in as an immediate starter and upgrade, giving the Jets a younger, cheaper alternative as they look to reshape their offensive line.

Cooper Beebe should be a top offensive line target for the Jets on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.