Dallas Cowboys trade down and secure an edge in 7-round 2020 mock draft
By Randy Gurzi
Pick Analysis. player. 818. Scouting Report. Round 3. Pick 82. Nick Harris. C
The Cowboys were dealt a blow recently when Travis Frederick announced his retirement from the NFL. A former first-round pick out of Wisconsin, Frederick quickly became one of the best centers in the league and was a constant fixture on the dominant Dallas line that helped pave the way for DeMarco Murray to lead the NFL in rushing in 2014 and Ezekiel Elliott to do the same in 2016.
Frederick didn’t miss a start in his first five seasons but then was forced to sit out the entire 2018 season as he battled Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition that attacks the nerves. He returned in 2019 and played all 16 games before deciding he couldn’t continue playing and not be at 100 percent.
With Frederick gone, the Cowboys are going to need a new starter in the middle of their line. Joe Looney is one possibility and he filled in for Frederick when he missed the 2018 season. There’s also Connor McGovern, who played some center in his collegiate days.
However, with the extra third-round pick in this mock draft, they feel comfortable going for a new starter here as they take Nick Harris from Washington at No. 82. Harris stands out for his athleticism and impressive technique. He could be a solid replacement even if he’s not the same level as Frederick.