2013 NFL Draft results: Travis Frederick selected by Dallas Cowboys with No. 31 pick

The Cowboys continue to address their offensive line. Frederick provides versatility to the front five.

by Louis Bien

Apr 26, 2013, 3:43 AM UTC

Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

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The Dallas Cowboys selected Wisconsin center Travis Frederick with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Frederick is rated as the No. 61 overall prospect and No. 2 center in this year's draft class by SB Nation' Dan Kadar.

Frederick was somewhat of a surprise early-entrant into the NFL Draft, though it makes some sense when you consider that Frederick would have had to play under his fourth offensive-line coach in five seasons had he returned. Regardless, he is a polished center prospect, if not exactly the most awe-inspiring. Frederick is strong, technically sound, smart, experienced and comes with an all-important mean streak.

Frederick won’t impress anyone with incredible athleticism, however. He could be prone to getting beat by speed rushers at the next level. That said, his pedigree is impressive. It helps that Wisconsin seems to pump out pro-ready lineman on an annual basis.

The Cowboys needed interior offensive linemen, so this was a good fit. While Frederick started as a center last season, he has the versatility to move to guard. With Cowboys center Phil Costa an injury concern, Frederick can step in at center and also provide depth at guard.

Combine results

Height: 6’4
Weight: 312 pounds
Hand size: 10 inches
Arm length: 33 inches
40-yard dash: 5.58 seconds
Vertical jump: 28.5 inches
Broad jump: 97 inches
20-yard shuttle: 4.76 seconds
Bench press: 21 reps of 225 pounds

Frederick actually started the first game of the season as a true freshman due to the Badgers’ injury woes. Better depth his sophomore year allowed him to take a much-needed redshirt. He became a full-time starter as a junior, earning second-team All-Big Ten in 2011 and first-team in 2012. Wisconsin ranked No. 8 and No. 18 in the nation in yards per rushing attempt over Frederick’s final two seasons in college.