The center position is one that is often undervalued and overlooked by scouts. Occasionally we will have a prospect worthy of a 1st, maybe 2nd round pick, but a lot of times, history shows you can find a more then able body in rounds 5-7 or as a undrafted free agent. Here are my top prospects at the position.
1. OT/G/C Cameron Erving 6’5 313 lbs rSr. Florida St. (#15 on the Big Board) Grade: 1st Round
10 yard: 1.84 Bench Press: 30 3 Cone: 7.48 Short Shuttle: 4.63 Arm Length: 34 1/8
Strengths: Started his last 5 games at center due to need. I still like Erving very much as a T, but he also showed more then enough to warrant being the best center on the board. He’s tall, long, very strong and a fluid athlete. Quick feet, natural knee bender, with a good punch. He handles the quick interior pass rush pretty well. Not a mauler, but he’s a pretty good run blocker who shows the ability to climb to the 2nd level and make blocks. Was a DT as a freshman, made the switch to T as a sophomore and not only learned that postion, but as able to play center at a very high level. Erving is the most versatile lineman in the draft, he could play all five positions as a pro. Fits in well in a zone blocking scheme.
Weaknesses: Occasionally will get caught playing high, allowing himself to be knocked off balance. That’s something he will have to fix at the next level.
2. C Hroniss Grasu 6’3 297 lbs rSr. Oregon (#48 on the Big Board) Grade: 2nd Round
Arm Length: 32 1/8 Short Shuttle: 4.20 3 Cone: 7.84
Strengths: Versatile prospect who plays with a mix of finesse and some power. Grasu is a good athlete that consistently shows the ability to pull, make blocks on the move and get to LB’s on the 2nd level. His 2013 tape vs Danny Shelton was pretty impressive, he showed the functional strength to stone him in pass rush situations and get movement vs the run, opening holes. Sits and anchors well in pass protection well, providing space for the QB to step up and make throws.
Weaknesses: Will get beat left or right initially, but does show the athleticism and toughness to recover. Occasionally will lose good pad level, allowing himself to be bull rushed.
3. C Reese Dismukes 6’3 296 lbs Sr. Auburn (#73 on the Big Board) Grade: 3rd Round
10 yard: 1.81 Bench Press: 23 reps Arm Length: 32 1/4 Short Shuttle: 4.70 3 Cone: 8.14
Strengths: Stocky, short arms, built low to the ground. Good positional blocker, use leverage, angles, gets his body in good position in order to open holes. Does a good job combo blocking with the G, then peeling off to the 2nd level to get the MLB. Sturdy in pass protection, stands his ground, handles the bull rush pretty well. Smart, has good vision, gives assistance to the guards in pass protection. Tough and gritty football player.
Weaknesses: Limited athletically, will have some issues with quick athletic DT’s and also the taller, DT’s with long arms.
4. C Andy Gallik 6’2 306 lbs Sr. Boston College (#78 on the Big Board) Grade: 3rd Round
10 yard: 1.87 Bench Press: 29 reps 3 Cone: 7.66 Short Shuttle: 4.58 Arm Length: 32 3/4
Strengths: Played in a power man blocking system at Boston College. Strong, physical run blocker at the point of attack. Plays with great pad level and leverage in the run game. Strong in pass protection, handles guys on his nose well, bends at the knees, sits and anchors vs the bull rush.
Weaknesses: Lacks good lateral quickness, gets beat by speed rushers who have the ability to shoot the gaps. Lacks the ability to climb to the second level on a consistent basis.
5. C/G Shaq Mason 6’1 310 lbs Sr. Georgia Tech (#140 on the Big Board) Grade: 4th Round
Bench Press: 25 reps Short Shuttle: 4.65 3 Cone: 7.53
Strengths: Started 39 games at both right and left guard in his career. Looks to be a center convert going to the NFL. Very good burst off of the ball, fires out low, with a good pad level. Takes full advantage of his low center of gravity. Powerful heavy hands, blows guys off of the football. Showed improvement in pass protection during Senior Bowl week, showing that he’s coachable football player. Has long arms for a guy his height. Has the ability to pull, get out on the edge and make blocks.
Weaknesses: Played in a predominantly run offense, very raw in pass protection due to limited reps. He’s also learning a new position and will have a huge learning curve overall.
6. C David Andrews 6’2 295 lbs Sr. Georgia (#158 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
Bench Press: 27 reps
Strengths: Built low to the ground, plays to his strengths, uses angles and good leverage due to lack of size and overall strength. Solid and aware in pass protection, shoots his hands, gives help to either guard. Sees and picks up the delayed blitz well. Can get to the 2nd level on LB’s to spring RB’s for big gains.
Weaknesses: Lacks overall strength, struggles with powerful NT directly over his head. Needs to get in the weight room and work on his overall strength.
Other centers with draft worthy grades:
7. C/G Max Garcia 6’4 309 lbs rSr. Florida (#169 on the Big Board) Grade: 5th Round
8. C/G Greg Mancz 6’4 301 lbs Sr. Toledo (#201 on the Big Board) Grade: 6th Round
9. C B.J. Finney 6’4 318 lbs rSr. Kansas St. (#203 on the Big Board) Grade: 6th Round
10. C Dillon Day 6’3 300 lbs Sr. Miss St. (#250 on the Big Board) Grade: 7th Round’
11. C Chris Jasperse 6’3 297 lbs rSr. Marshall (#252 on the Big Board) Grade: 7th Round
12. C Shane McDermott 6’4 300 lbs Miami(FL) (#254 on the Big Board) Grade: 7th Round
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