IRVING, Texas — Stephen Jones said Tuesday that there was a good chance of the Dallas Cowboys trading out of the No. 18 overall pick. The Cowboys did just that on Thursday, trading back to No. 31 and selecting Wisconsin center Travis Frederick.
Frederick was the only center picked in the first round and the best player remaining on the Cowboys’ board according to Jerry Jones.
The 6-4, 312-pounder was one of the 28 players who visited Valley Ranch for an official pre-draft visit.
Frederick admitted that he thought he wouldn't get drafted until the second round. He started all 14 games at center for the Badgers last season but the Cowboys aren't sure if he will play center or guard. Frederick didn’t put up outstanding numbers at the NFL combine, managing only 21 reps in the bench press and running a 5.58 40-yard dash. The 22-year-old said he doesn’t think those numbers are indicative of the type of player he is.
"I'm a tough player. I'm a tenacious player,” Frederick said. "I'm a player that plays with a high football IQ. I'm able to pick up on the offense rather quickly. I’m going to be able to make adjustments at the line and be able to help direct everybody."
Frederick was the 22nd player on the Cowboys' draft board.
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
