Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Biadasz taking a massive step in his development

The Dallas Cowboys were banking on big things from their second year center, Tyler Biadasz. After drafting him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dallas has been bullish on their Fredbeard replacement.

Like the man he replaces, Tyler Biadasz hails from the University of Wisconsin. Like Travis Frederick, he entered the league with awards coming out the wazoo. And like the now-retired Frederick, he was a somewhat maligned pick on draft weekend.

The Dallas Cowboys expected Tyler Biadasz to improve this offseason, but they didn’t quite expect this much.

Once seen as the best center prospect in the nation (unanimous All-American and Remington trophy winner), Tyler Biadasz crashed back to earth in 2020 when his injury marred season caused some to question his ability to perform at the next level.

The Eagles certainly didn’t think Biadasz was the second-coming of Fredbeard or they wouldn’t have traded their 146th pick so Dallas could draft him. And frankly, the Dallas Cowboys didn’t have a whole lotta options than to swing big and hope for the best.

The 2020 draft class was abnormally shallow in center talent and Travis Frederick’s unexpected retirement didn’t allow Dallas to build many contingency plans. Joe Looney was serviceable but he was far below league average and by no means an attractive solution. The Cowboys pushed their chips into the middle and pinned nearly all their hopes on the rookie.

Before Tyler Biadasz was removed because he didn't meet minimum snap counts, he was No. 1 amongst his peers in run block win rate. @PFF 's highest rated rookie center has a promising future with the #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/BIYxnWUOy6
— Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) January 21, 2021

Biadasz had an up and down rookie season but showed enough promise that the Dallas Cowboys penciled him in as the starter again in 2021. Rookies rarely perform as well as he did (center has a significant learning curve) so the hope was he’d continue his impressive trajectory.

And by early reports from mini-camp Tyler Biadasz has done just that…

On topic of Tyler Biadasz, he impressed all spring. Looks in command of O-line operation, further entrenching himself as Cowboys’ starting center. Still TBD if team will add experience to interior with a veteran reserve signing. Lot of faith in Biadasz with ones. pic.twitter.com/7X1wJyKRQe
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 9, 2021

Tyler Biadasz didn’t grade all that well according to PFF but PFF still expects him to improve significantly in Year 2. He had three consecutive seasons of high scores (over 82) in college which is a good indicator of professional success.