Dallas Cowboys trade up for center Tyler Biadasz in the fourth round

After losing one Wisconsin center, the Dallas Cowboys traded back up into the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft for another in Tyler Biadasz.

Seven years ago, the Dallas Cowboys traded down in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft and selected Wisconsin center, Travis Frederick. That proved to be the right move for America’s Team as Frederick would earn five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods.

Unfortunately, Frederick would retire earlier this year after missing the entire 2018 season due to an autoimmune disease. Yet, there was little panic following the news as reserve center Joe Looney stepped in to started all 16-games in his absence.

Yet, Looney is only on a one-year deal, so the future of the position is up in the air. That led to speculation that former high drafts icks in offensive lineman Connor Williams and Connor McGovern could be potential long term solutions at center.

Entering the draft, the center position wasn’t considered a pressing need but certainly something to watch. And after losing one Wisconsin center, the Cowboys traded up in the fourth round to grab another. Dallas sent pick No. 164 in the fifth-round along with a future fifth-round selection in 2021 to the Philadelphia Eagles in order to move up 18 spots (No. 146).

The 6-foot-4, 314-pound Biadasz won the Rimington Trophy this past season as the nation’s most outstanding center. And he was a consistent force for the Badgers as a three-year starter. Biadasz notably blocked for running back Jonathan Taylor, who racked up an incredible 6,174 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns in that same three-year span.

The fact the Dallas Cowboys have Joe Looney under contract for another season will allow the team to ease Tyler Biadasz in as his potential replacement. But make no mistake. The Cowboys were willing to trade up with a divisional rival in order to acquire Biadasz, which speaks volumes about what they think of the prospect.