Centers

One can expect to see at least 5 Centers
drafted each year, with 1 or 2 to go Day 1.
In the 2009 draft, there's a chance that the
total number selected will reach double
digits, and that as many as 4 go in Day 1
alone. This is one of the strongest draft
classes for Centers that we've seen in quite
some time. Any of the guys within the top 5
has the potential to start as a rookie, which
ain't easy to do at said position. The SEC,
Big Ten, and PAC-10 are blessed with talent
at this position.
1) Alex Mack C 6'5 315 California
Mack has been a stud all season long. Not only is he a very stout mauler who
bullies his opponents, he's an experienced player with great experience at the
position. If a team is in need of a new Center to build a team around, he's
your guy.

2) Jonathon Luigs C 6'4 315 Arkansas
If there was one thing you could rely on with Houston Nutt, it was that his
team was going to run the ball. With D-Mac and Jones in the backfield, who
wouldn't. However, it helps when you have a great pivot man calling the shots
from the O-Line. Luigs is a smart guy who does a great job of recognizing the
blitz and picking up stunts. However, he has shown a lack of strength at the
point of attack at times this year.

3) Antoine Caldwell C 6'2 292 Alabama
Caldwell faced some beasts at DT last season and came out ahead more times
than not. This year has been more of the same. He's another guy who plays
much bigger than he is. He has a nice first step off of the snap and beats
most defenders to the punch. He made himself some money in the game
against Georgia, as he looked very good moving down the line, smashing
would-be tacklers.

4) Max Unger C 6'5 300 Oregon
The PAC-10 is loaded with some great OCs this year, and Unger is one of the
best in the bunch. He's one of the few Offensive Lineman prospects that can
play any position along the O-Line. Not only can he play them, but he excels
at each. Because of his versatility, he'll get swiped up early on. He's a
tremendous blocker and is very reliable. He's booked 4 straight years as a
starter.

5) A.Q. Shipley C 6'1 297 Penn State
Shipley quietly had a great year for Penn State last season. Once a Defensive
Tackle, Shipley has adjusted to his position well and is a natural fit. While this
team will look to air it out to it's great WR set, it also wants to establish the
run with Royster. After all, this is the Big Ten. Shipley can bang around with
the best of them and will supply ample support at both. While a tad
undersized, you'd never know it from his play. He did a fantastic job against
Terrance Taylor and the rest of Michigan's front.

6) Eric Wood C 6'4 297 Louisville
Wood is a reliable veteran with a lot of experience under his belt. The QB
expectations at Louisville are extremely high. Meaning, you know what rolls
down hill. Wood has worked under demanding circumstances and has thrived.
First year QB Hunter Cantwell will heavily rely on Wood to be help him along.
No problem. While the Cardinals have had issues running the ball at times,
don't look at the Center. He can run block very well and is solid all around.

7) *Josh McNeil C 6'4 285 Tennessee
As of today, McNeil is the third best Center in his conference. This may not
sound like much from jump. However, when you look at who's in front of him,
and the fact that the conference he's in is none other than the SEC, this is a
respectable ranking. In 2006, McNeil made virtually every All-Freshmen team
out there. He followed up in 2007 with another great season. If he opts not to
declare for the 2009 NFL draft, he should be gone Day 1 in 2010.

8) *Jim Cordle C 6'4 297 Ohio State
While he's only entering his Junior year, Cordle may be the most underrated
Center in the nation. Up until last year, he was playing behind then top
prospect Doug Datish. So, it's easy to understand why he didn't get looks as
a Freshman. He looked very good last season, and stood his ground well in a
conference with some good DTs. He'll be tested again this year, and should
come through with solid marks. He'll help Wells have another monster
campaign.

9) *Brett Helms C 6'2 285 LSU
LSU has had some great Lineman on both sides of the ball, so Helms has
gotten lost in the shuffle somewhat. That still may be the case in 2008.
However, Helms is a stud in his own right. He was on many of the top
prospect watch list coming out of High School. He's entering his third year as
the starting Center for one of the most respected programs in the nation. He'll
challenge for the best Center ranking in 2009. He does need to add some
weight.

10) Ryan McDonald C 6'5 300 Illinois
McDona;d is another solid prospect who brings versatility to the table. He can
pretty much hold his own at any spot along the O-Line, but does his best
work at the Center position. He's expected to end his college career with over
50 career starts, which makes him one of the most experienced O-Lineman in
the country. He'll battle for 1st team conference honors all year. He's very
dependable as a whole.

Other Considerations...
Rafael Eubanks - Iowa, John Estes - Hawaii, Alex Fletcher - Stanford, David
Washington - Oklahoma State, Jon Cooper- Oklahoma, Robby Felix - UTEP,
Mike Dent - West Virginia, Danny Franks - Troy