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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 |