“The Dallas Cowboys have the best offensive line in football.”
This phrase used to roll off the tongue. An easy way to analyze complicated line play across the NFL. And, it was correct. At least for a while.
One of the main reasons the Cowboys offensive line was so dominant was their center Travis Frederick. The first round pick out of Wisconsin was in total control of the offensive line. Not only was he a leader and a smart player, but he was also incredibly gifted as both a run and pass blocker. I'll never forget the reach blocks he would pull off on zone runs, or his ability to work off a combo block with Zack Martin to get to the second level.
Travis Frederick was special. And he held down the center position in Dallas perfectly.
Now, though, the Cowboys have far from the best offensive line in football. In fact – it was a major weakness during the 2020 season.
The center position in particular was a major question mark through the early parts of 2020. Heading into the season it was assumed that the veteran Joe Looney would take over the role, at least as a stop-gap before rookie Tyler Biadasz was ready to start.
But quickly the Cowboys learned that Looney was even more limited than he was when starting back in 2018. Due to injury, Looney was taken out of the lineup, and the rookie Biadasz was placed in. Biadasz started four games in the middle of the season, not looking out of place or lost whatsoever. He was far from perfect, but Biadasz showed enough reason to be optimistic about his future with the Cowboys.
So, what's next at center for the Cowboys?
It simply cannot be Joe Looney as the Plan A. That's for sure. Looney is a free agent and we haven't heard much about the Cowboys' interest in him, so it's safe to assume that Dallas agrees with this evaluation.
Biadasz has three years left on his rookie deal, and was the assumed heir to Frederick's throne when the Cowboys took him during the 2020 draft. But that doesn't mean his spot is set in stone.
Now third year interior offensive lineman Connor McGovern is the sleeper candidate to take over the center job next season. McGovern started multiple games at guard in 2020, and given he is a former third round pick, Dallas may be looking to find him a spot this season.
If you were to handicap the position battle, Tyler Biadasz is certainly the favorite right now. But a lot can change from now and September when the regular season kicks off.
