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Center Profiles
By: John McMullen
We start our look at offensive lineman with the center position. It is becoming a tradition among NFL teams to not draft centers highly. The belief is that the position doesn't require great or unique athletic ability but smarts and a center can be drafted in the middle rounds and then developed. There is nothing really special in this years group, and it's likely a center won't be chosen for at least two or three rounds. As usual many teams may take smaller, quicker college guards with a lot of smarts and convert them to center.
Here's a look at the best:
- Damien Woody Boston College 6-4 312
This Junior, without a doubt, has the best long term potential of all the centers . He has the size, strength, smarts and athletic ability to be a Pro Bowl type player. He has rarely been knocked off his feet, has nice pop as a run blocker and slides and mirrors well as a pass protector. Woody has started since his freshman year and has been a solid consistent player since day one and may return to B.C. for his senior year.
- Grey Ruegamer Arizona State 6-5 305
A terrible year by the underachieving Sun Devils really hasn't hurt Ruegamer. A massive center who should have a rather easy time making a NFL roster because of his versatility. Grey can play every position on offensive line adequately and that's what teams look for in backup offensive lineman. His future appears to be center because of he is limited athletically. He possesses good upper body strength and is a very hard worker but is only an average run blocker with little movement at the point of attack. Has played in a passing system at Arizona State so pass protection is his strength right now and he has above average feet and slide technique.
- Phillip Armour North Texas 6-4 275
Small college player who has the makings of an excellent scrappy center. Armour is a very active player with a nasty streak. Has a great feel for the game and will battle you until the whistle on every play. Obviously he hasn't faced top competition at North Texas and is a little light but a year in the NFL and an added 15 pounds and you maybe be looking at the best of this years center crop.
- Jamar Nesbit South Carolina 6-5 320
Nesbit is the perfect example of the new NFL center mentality. He is a former tackle but didn't have the athletic ability to slide with speed rushers and protect the quarterback. Moved inside where he can be protected, Nesbit has the ability to make a difference especially as a run blocker where his bulk can just engulf people. Nesbit does need to improve on his physicality and technique but he is a solid prospect.
- Mike Newell Colorado State 6-4 285
Newell is only an average sized prospect with mediocre strength but scouts love him because he is tough, mean, smart and nasty. He also reads his stunts and blitzes well and has good overall movement skills. Newell can get outside and lead a screen or pull with the best of them in college. A good middle to late round selection who could project to any of the interior line positions.
- Josh Heskew Nebraska 6-3 290
Right out of the Nebraska mold, not a great athlete but a strong point of attack player.
- Jason Gamble Clemson 6-3 290
Great physique guy but hasn't lived up to his billing. Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane type player.
- Eric de Groh West Virginia 6-5 290
Another mediocre athlete but is a very smart player who could develop down the line.
- Lennie Friedman Duke 6-4 285
Quick, active player who looks like a prospect at all the interior positions.
- Mike Cipa Central Michigan 6-4 290
Small college guy who looks like he hays the athleticism and smarts to handle the position.
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