Top 10 Centers in the NFL Draft

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 22, 2014

Top 10 Centers in the NFL Draft

Travis Swanson

Travis Swanson's physical performance at the combine left something to be desired. His experience as a 50-game starter at Arkansas should ease most of the concerns he may have raised in Indianapolis back in February. The Arkansas product can stand his ground in pass protection and also has enough foot speed to pull in the run game. Draft projection: Round 2

Weston Richburg

Weston Richburg started 50 games at the college level, but the general public did not receive a proper introduction until the Rams' New Mexico Bowl win over Washington State. Richburg was a driving force in his team's 48-point offensive explosion that day, an effort that included 228 yards on the ground. Athleticism's not a concern here ? Richburg topped all centers at the combine with a 5.1 40 time, and he played both linebacker and QB in high school. "If a team is looking for the next Alex Mack," NFL.com draft guru Gil Brandt wrote last month, "Richburg is that guy. He'll be your starting center for the next 10 years." Draft projection: Round 2-3

Marcus Martin

Marcus Martin might be able to jump in as a rookie starter at either guard spot, in addition to his normal center position. At 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, he has the sturdiest build of the top three centers in this draft. Draft projection: Round 2-3

Tyler Larsen

Less a lineman who will jump off game tape than one who simply goes about his business, Tyler Larsen (6-4, 313) is well-built for the NFL game. He's not extremely quick and probably can't shift over to a guard spot without needing a decent amount of development time. What he can do, though, is more than hold his own at center, particularly when he's able to get a step on an opposing defender. Draft projection: Round 4

Russell Bodine

Russell Bodine ripped off 42 bench-press reps at the combine -- a nod to the power that his game thrived on for the Tar Heels. The 6-4 Bodine skipped his final year of college eligibility to enter the draft, which is a rarer move for interior linemen than at most other positions. He may have done so because there was little to gain by heading back. Bodine put in some time at guard in 2013, earning an All-ACC Honorable Mention nod in the process. Draft projection: Round 4

Bryan Stork

The 2013 Rimington Award winner as college football's top center, Bryan Stork seems to put his best foot forward as a pass blocker. In that area of the game, Stork finds blitzers and can slide around enough to keep them clear of his quarterback. Beyond that, Stork's game will require some refinement; he may not be quite there yet when it comes to getting downfield or pulling wide. Draft projection: Round 5-6

Zac Kerin

The legwork done for the 2014 draft before this past college football season got underway resulted in multiple Toledo coaches going out of their way to praise Zac Kerin's impact on the offense. There are some technique concerns here, especially against the run, and at only about 300 pounds, Kerin's size might be viewed as a detriment. He thrived at Toledo in spite of any shortcomings. His knack for playing whistle to whistle will serve him well in the NFL's eyes. Draft projection: Round 5-6

Gabe Ikard

Probably a better fit for a team running a zone-blocking scheme than one that utilizes a lot of man approaches because -- as Gabe Ikard showed off at the combine with the top three-cone and shuttle times among offensive linemen - he does most of his damage moving his feet. Playing straight-up against a stronger opponent, Ikard has a tendency to lose his positioning. Draft projection: Round 5-6

Corey Linsley

Corey Linsley is a strong, aggressive blocker who showed enough quickness to lock down a starting job in Urban Meyer's shotgun-heavy spread offense. He worked as at least a backup all over Ohio State's line before settling in at center. Should he show the same versatility as an NFL prospect, he could be a valuable member of a depth chart. Draft projection: Round 7

Jonotthan Harrison

Another powerful interior lineman, Jonotthan Harrison can open up space directly in front of him about as well as anyone. It was when he has to go side-to-side or react to a complex defensive call that he struggled at Florida. There should be a home for him in the NFL, at least as a player capable of stepping in at center or guard. Draft projection: Round 7 > <bold>GALLERY: Top 10 Quarterbacks in the NFL Draft</bold> <bold>> </bold><bold>GALLERY: Top 10 Running Backs in the NFL Draft</bold> <bold>> </bold><bold>GALLERY: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the NFL Draft</bold> <bold>> </bold><bold>GALLERY: Top 10 Tight Ends in the NFL Draft</bold> <bold>> </bold><bold>GALLERY: Top 10 Tackles in the NFL Draft</bold> <bold>> GALLERY: Top 10 Guards in the NFL Draft</bold>