Despite the attention surrounding left tackles, centers are essential to an offensive line. A poor center can lead to the breakdown of the entire offensive line (see 2013 Baltimore Ravens). Lucky for them and teams alike, this year’s crop of centers is one of the more impressive, deep classes in recent memory and may very well produce several NFL starters.
1: Travis Swanson, Arkansas
Swanson is the most NFL-ready center in this class. When forced to handle multiple assignments or function in “trash,” he executes and redirects pass rushers or creates space for his running back. In pass protection, Swanson shows a firm base, as well as the ability to move around and pick up any lingering rushers. He is a well-rounded center that will instantly improve the core of whichever offensive line he becomes apart of.
2: Weston Richburg, Colorado State
Despite Swanson being No.1, Richburg is not far behind. In space, Richburg quickly flows from defender to defender, attacking them and moving them to create room. He sets his feet and seals off or moves the opposing defender, depending on what the play called for. Richburg is a stout pass protector. He sinks his hips and firmly holds his ground when directly taking on rushers. Richburg too will be an instant impact player.
3: Tyler Larsen, Utah State
Athletically, Larsen fits the bill to be a solid NFL center. He is constantly fighting with his hands, not allowing defenders to set themselves up to beat him. Larsen bounces around in space, taking each player he attacks right out of the play. While he is also technically sound as a pass blocker, he has mental lapses where he misses defenders entirely. It is a fixable flaw in a young player, but could lead to countless sacks. Nonetheless, Larsen is a starting caliber NFL center.
4: Bryan Stork, Florida State
Like the other centers in this class, Stork could be a starting center, but in his case, he needs the right system. Stork’s inability to dominate at the line of scrimmage in the running game may restrict him to a zone-running scheme where he can gain momentum and work in space. Outside of that, Stork is impressive. As a pass protector, he makes himself useful on every play in any way possible. Seldom does he lose on first contact and he does not miss incoming rushers. Stork is yet another quality center set to be the core of a needy offensive line.
5: Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma
Ikard is the most scheme specific center of the Senior Bowl group. Simply put, he will not be able to function where he is forced to take tons of blocks head on at the line of scrimmage because he is not physical or strong enough. Ikard needs space to win and in pass protection, is more of a supporter than a single-handed blocker. Nonetheless, with the right home, he can be effective.