Breakout Watch: PFF identifies two Cowboys who should surpass expectations in 2025
The first player earned high praise from his days in college to his time in Dallas. The second from his early career work that has been derailed by injury.
Dalton Wasserman pointed to second-year player Cooper Beebe as the Cowboys breakout player to watch. If he ascends to levels predicted, the Cowboys offense could elevate to all new levels this coming season. Trevor Sikkema respectfully disagreed, naming a far more controversial player and far less impactful player instead; Javonte Williams.
Wasserman called Beebe the best guard in college football his last two seasons at Kansas State. It's a decree in which many scouts agree and if it wasn't for his non-elite athletic testing and underwhelming measurables, he would have been atop far more boards in the draft.
Beebe, named OG3 on Dane Brugler's Beast, slipped to the Cowboys in the third round. It would have made perfect sense for the Cowboys to use him at guard, but they theorized that a move inside to center, a position he'd never played, would cancel out any concern surrounding his physical measurables.
Wasserman points out Beebe's inexperience inside at center and highlights the learning curve Beebe established in Year 1. After surendering two sacks in his first two games Beebe would only allow one more sack all season at his new position. He was called a possible 'anchor.'
Williams, signed in free agency, is an early favorite to take the field as RB1 in Week 1. While that may sound like an endorsement for his skills it's more of an indictment on the Cowboys handling of the position group. There are no clear favorites to win the job, and every day looks more and more like it will be RB-by committee in 2025.
Sikkema admits he's been looking for Williams to breakout for a while now, likening the situation to Kyle Pitts in Atlanta. He also points to Williams' declining numbers in yards after contact each year in the league. Williams was a tough sell for the PFF host since it seemed like even he didn't believe and predictions of a breakout season might be rooted in ancient draft projection rather than current NFL performance.
Beebe stands to be the more realistic breakout player, as well as the more impactful option. Offensive linemen don't normally rotate plays on offense meaning they stand to impact every snap in both phases of the game. The most snaps Williams has ever taken in his career is 574 snaps, a mark set just last year.
With any luck both players will post career seasons for the Cowboys. Beebe's situation between two young first rounders looks as stable as one could hope for and Williams' situation in the RB room points to a committee where no one should be asked to contribute more than they can handle.
You can follow Reid on X @ReidDHanson and be sure to follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
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