5 former recent draft picks the Cowboys wish they could bring back
By Ali Jawad
Every NFL team understands that the best way to field a championship roster is through the draft.
Multiple teams in recent years have set the example of how drafting quality players at premier positions can turn a franchise around. The Dallas Cowboys are one of those teams in the last decade that have come away with exceptional talent in the draft.
While the franchise is still chasing its sixth Lombardi Trophy, there is no doubt they have consistently drafted the right players to help them try and achieve that goal.
With the 2023 edition of the Cowboys hoping to take the next step forward, imagine the team was able to bring back recent and former draft picks to help the franchise rise to the top.
This list will consist of players drafted in the 2010s. Let’s look at some former recent draft picks Dallas wishes they could bring back.
1. Travis Frederick, C
The Cowboys feel they have a solid offensive line to do the job. However, the feeling of 2014 and 2016 -- when Dallas had an elite offensive line that featured three All-Pro players -- has been long gone.
Travis Frederick, whom the team drafted in the first round back in 2013, was exactly the type of leadership the offensive line needed then and needs now.
While current starter Tyler Biadasz is coming off his first career Pro Bowl, Frederick's impact was far greater.
The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro anchored an offensive line that kept former quarterback Tony Romo on his feet and helped lead All-Pro running backs Demarco Murray and Ezekiel Elliott to record-setting seasons and rushing titles.
To make things even better, Frederick's durability at one of the hard-hitting positions makes his career even more impressive.
Outside of missing the 2018 season due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Frederick did not miss a single game in the six seasons he suited up for Americas Team. Overall, Frederick appeared in 96 games, starting every one.
With how banged up the offensive line was in 2022, the Cowboys could sure use a player with strong durability like Frederick.