Cowboys Smartly Prepare for Future OL Departures by Trading up to Select Wisconsin Center
By Jerry Trotta
The retirement of Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick this offseason undoubtedly changed the course of the Dallas Cowboys future offensive line, and the franchise's latest move in the NFL Draft suggests that its preparing for future departures in that unit.
Dallas struck a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles of all teams to trade up for the last selection of the fourth round. With that pick, the Cowboys drafted Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz.
The Cowboys traded up (with the Eagles!) for the last pick of the fourth round to take ... a center. Wisconsin C Tyler Biadasz.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) April 25, 2020
With studs like Zack Martin and Tyron Smith still under contract, Dallas still boasts one of the best offensive line's in the NFL. However, their depth took a crucial hit following Frederick's retirement.
The Cowboys were lucky enough to be able to fill the void left by Frederick with the likes of Joe Looney, but he's only signed for one year. Additionally, they might no be so lucky next time around. Drafting Biadasz as insurance for the next potential (or inevitable) loss was the right move by Dallas.
Based solely on value, it seems like the Cowboys got a steal in Biadasz at No. 146 overall. Pro Football Focus had the former Badger penciled in at No. 87 on their draft board.
Pro Football Focus had Tyler Biadasz as their No. 87 player on their board.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 25, 2020
Frederick himself was drafted out of Wisconsin in the first round back in 2013, so Biadasz will have some lofty shoes to fill. In the meantime, keep tabs on the status of Dallas' offense line. This pick could be more significant than it lets on.