2012 NFL Draft: Center Rankings

The top 2012 center prospects available for the 2012 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2013 prospect.

This page was last updated April 24, 2012.

By Charlie Campbell.
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1. Peter Konz*, C, Wisconsin
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 314.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.58.
   Bench: 18. Arm: 33.
   Projected Round (2012): 1.
   4/24/12: Konz is rock solid to be the first center drafted and will probably go late in the first round.
   
   Konz had a disappointing Combine performance with only 18 reps on the bench press. He did not perform the field drills. Konz’s bench press total was surprising considering he is a power player from a collegiate offense that produces big, strong linemen. Teammate Kevin Zeitler had 32 reps in the bench press and weighs exactly the same as Konz. At his pro day, he rebounded and was said to perform well.
   
   While his Combine performance doesn’t help, when teams go back and look at the tape of last season, Konz’s stock figures to get a boost. The junior produced a stack of dominant tapes for NFL evaluators in 2011. He played well against future draft picks like Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy and Nebraska’s Jared Crick.
   
   The Badgers had a fabulous running offense, and Konz is an excellent run blocker. He seals holes well, gets to the second level, and puts defenders on the ground regularly. Konz also did a solid job in pass protection for quarterback Russell Wilson.
   
   Late in the season, Konz dislocated his ankle and that caused him to sit out some games, including the Big Ten championship. With Konz out of the game, Worthy was a much bigger force for Michigan State in the rematch. Konz returned and played well in the Rose Bowl against Oregon.
   
   8/20/11: Peter Konz started 11 games in 2010 after starting nine games at center in 2009. He is a big, powerful blocker who has sound technique. Konz isn’t the most mobile blocker, but Wisconsin has had a lot of production running behind him and up the middle of Big Ten defenses. Konz should have another year of that type of tape for NFL evaluators.





2. Philip Blake, C/G, Baylor
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 311.
   40 Time: 5.25. 10-Yd Split: 1.76.
   Bench: 22.
   Arm: 33. Hand: 9 3/4.
   Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
   4/24/12: Blake had a good Combine performance that helped his stock and moved him into firm standing as my second-rated center in the draft. He moved well in the field drills and showed nice athleticism. However, his bench press total of 22 could have been better. Others rate Blake below Jones and Brewster, but Blake was far more consistent in 2011 and at the Senior Bowl.
   
   Based off his Senior Bowl weigh-in, Blake looks like he needs to work on his body a bit to transform some flab into strength. In Mobile, Blake played guard, but in the NFL, he could fit at either position. That flexibility helps him rank ahead of other center prospects.
   
   Throughout 2011, Blake was an excellent pass protector for Robert Griffin III, while also opening up holes in the ground game for running back Terrance Ganaway. Blake is a good athlete for his size. He has the strength to push tackles aside and surprising quickness to hit blocks on linebackers. For the past two years, Blake was the starter at center, but he began his collegiate career at tackle.
   
   To close out the season, Blake had a lot of success going against Washington Huskies defensive tackle Alameda Ta’amu in the Alamo Bowl. The Baylor Bears were able to have a massive game on the ground to the tune of 482 yards.



3. Ben Jones, C, Georgia
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 303.
   40 Time: 5.44. 10-Yd Split: 1.83.
   Bench: 29.
   Arm: 32 1/2. Hand: 9 5/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
   4/24/12: Jones had a decent showing at the Combine, but he didn’t look strong at the Senior Bowl. Like Blake, Jones has a flabby body that needs some work for the NFL.
   
   To start the season, Jones had a rough performance against Boise State and really struggled with defensive tackle Billy Winn. Jones (6-3, 316) allowed a sack and way too much pressure up the middle of the defense. After that game, he played really well for most of the year. Jones was a solid run blocker and improved his pass protection. He did not play well against LSU and Michigan State.
   
   Jones is a bigger center who would be a fit in a power-run scheme, but he will need to get better as a pass protector.
   
   8/20/11: Ben Jones broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and has locked down the position for Georgia. He had excellent seasons in 2010 and 2009 to establish himself as one of the top centers in the SEC. Jones is a very good pass blocker, and a strong run blocker. For teams that like bigger centers over the smaller more mobile types, he could be an option to add some bulk and be a power center in the NFL.



4. Michael Brewster, C, Ohio State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 312.
   40 Time: 5.35. 10-Yd Split: 1.76.
   Bench: 29.
   Arm: 31 1/2. Hand: 9 5/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 3-5.
   4/24/12: Brewster carries his weight well, even with all the time he has spent in the weight room. At the Senior Bowl, Brewster had some real struggles, especially in the one-on-ones. He followed that up with a weak performance at the Combine in the field drills. Brewster did not display the solid, quick feet that are needed for quality NFL centers. As a result, his stock has gone down.
   
   Brewster had some late season struggles which have hurt his stock as well. He played poorly against Penn State and had problems snapping the ball due to being so preoccupied with blocking Devon Still. For some strange reason, his snaps trailed off as the season went on. In his bowl game versus Florida, Brewster did not play all that well.
   
   On the plus side, Brewster is an intelligent technician who typically won his block at the college level. He is well-rounded as a run blocker and pass blocker. Early in the season, Brewster had excellent games against Miami defensive tackle Marcus Forston, and Nebraska defensive tackles Jared Crick and Baker Steinkuhler. In the NFL, Brewster may excel in a passing-led offense or a zone-blocking run scheme rather than a power-running attack.
   
   8/20/11: Mike Brewster enters his senior year as the top center in the nation. He started as a freshman and has been a standout for the Buckeyes ever since. Brewster will be challenged with the turmoil at Ohio State. He will have to quickly get in tune with a new quarterback to take his snaps, and offensive tackle Mike Adams will be suspended for the first five games. Thus, some new challenges are in store for Brewster, but nothing that should hurt his draft stock. He is an excellent run blocker and pass protector. Brewster looks like the next center who could crack the top 25.





5. David Molk, C, Michigan
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 298.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
   Bench: 41.
   Arm: 32.
   Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
   4/24/12: Molk set out to break the Combine bench press record but fell short of it; still, he put up a massive total to lead all the offensive linemen. Molk has definitely put on some bulk since the season ended. He has been very outspoken claiming to be the best center in the draft, and trash talking Brewster specifically. Molk did not go to the Senior Bowl or the East-West Shrine.
   
   Molk was a good college player, and he was the 2011 Remington Trophy recipient. Molk is a fast and mobile blocker who did a nice job of opening up running holes and protecting quarterback Denard Robinson. Molk was undersized when he played at Michigan prior to his Combine weigh-in. Based off his collegiate performance, at the next level, Molk would be best in a zone-blocking scheme. He didn’t display the size and power for a man-blocking scheme, but that was before his Combine weigh-in. Now other teams could give consideration to Molk since he isn’t in the 280s anymore.



6. Gino Gradkowksi, C, Delaware
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 305.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
   Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
   4/24/12: Gradkowski is another sleeper prospect who is going on a lot of team visits. He will travel to Atlanta, Baltimore, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Philadelphia and Tennessee. Gradkowski is the younger brother of Bengals quarterback Bruce Gradkowski. Gino Gradkowski did not work out at the Combine or a major college All-Star game. He ended up at Delaware after leaving West Virginia.



7. Garth Gerhart, C/G, Arizona State
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 305.
   40 Time: 5.42. 10-Yd Split: 1.81.
   Bench: 25.
   Arm: 33 3/8. Hand: 9 5/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
   4/24/12: Gerhart is not the most athletic center. Although he didn’t impress at the Combine or the Senior Bowl, but Gerhart has some developmental potential. He gives relentless effort.
   
   Gerhart played well for Arizona State this season and improved his stock significantly. He was effective when pulling and opened up holes in the ground game. Gerhart also isn’t afraid to get physical and fights through the whistle. He is a better run blocker than pass blocker. Gerhart needs to improve his awareness and get his head on swivel in pass protection. He struggled against Boise State and defensive tackle Billy Winn.
   
   8/20/11: The younger brother of Toby Gerhart, Garth Gerhart found a home at center in 2010 and was an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. He started 12 games last season, after starting two at center in 2009 (and also started five 2009 games at right guard). Gerhart could be one of the better centers in the conference, but he needs a strong season to get drafted.



8. Quentin Saulsberry, C, Mississippi State
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 304.
   40 Time: 5.38. 10-Yd Split: 1.89.
   Bench: 26.
   Arm: 33 3/4.
   Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
   4/24/12: Saulsberry didn’t perform well at the East-West Shrine and was beat regularly in the one-on-ones. His lack of quickness and ability to anchor were exposed by the defensive linemen. He had an average performance at the Combine.
   
   Saulsberry was an All-SEC honorable mention for the 2011 season. He did a good job of blocking for running back Vick Ballard. Saulsberry is a versatile player who has logged time at four of the five offensive line positions. He was the starter at right guard in 2010, at left guard in 2009 and at right tackle in 2088.
   
   In the NFL, Saulsberry could stay at center at his current weight. If the senior moves to guard, he will need to add some more bulk and power to his game. At the very least, Saulsberry should be a versatile backup for game days.



9. William Vlachos, C, Alabama
   Height: 6-0. Weight: 306.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
   Arm: 30. Hand: 9 1/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
   4/24/12: Vlachos displayed a flabby, sloppy body at the Senior Bowl and he was beat all week in practice. Vlachos clearly was undersized from a height and strength standpoint. He did not receive an invitation to the Combine.
   
   Vlachos had an overall strong season. The senior led a powerful interior running game for Alabama, but he struggled against LSU and its speedy interior linemen. Vlachos did not perform well against the top prospects at the Senior Bowl either.
   
   8/20/11: William Vlachos has been a two-year starter for the Crimson Tide, and in that time he has been a key factor in the Tide’s strong ground game with running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. Vlachos is good at pulling and hitting blocks in space. He should have another solid season blocking for Richardson, and that should keep Vlachos in the second or third round.





10. Moe Petrus, C/G, Connecticut
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 293.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.16.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
    4/24/12: At the East-West Shrine, Petrus did not stand out. He did not get an invited to the Combine. During his senior season, Petrus and the Connecticut offensive line had some mixed outings. He had some good plays but also got beat some against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Petrus needed to play more consistently.
    
    8/20/11: Moe Petrus started at left guard in 2008 before moving to the center position in 2009. He started at center the past two seasons and was an All-Big East second-team selection in 2010. Petrus has good mobility and quality strength. He helped pave the way for Jordan Todman to have a massive 2010 season.



11. Scott Wedige, C, Northern Illinois
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 314.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
    4/24/12: Wedige did a good job of blocking for Chandler Harnish in 2011 and has improved his draft stock. Wedige was not at the Scouting Combine.
    
    8/20/11: Scott Wedige had an excellent debut as the starting center last season. He was an All-MAC first-teamer in 2010. Wedige was a very good pass blocker last season and Northern Illinois allowed less than a sack per game.



12. Ben Burkett, C, Northwestern
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 290.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
    4/24/12: Burkett had some quality games this season for the Wildcats. However, the senior did not play well against Illinois or Penn State, when he took on Devon Still. Burkett needs to get stronger for the next level. He was not at Scouting Combine or one of the top college All-Star games.
    
    8/20/11: Ben Burkett has started all 39 games at center for Northwestern the past three seasons. He has had to add strength and size over his collegiate career and that will need to continue for the NFL. Burkett can pass block, but he will need that bulk to be an effective run blocker at the NFL level.



13. Ben Bojicic, C, Bowling Green
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 294.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.21.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/24/12: Bojicic and the Bowling Green offense had a strong season. He did not participate in the Scouting Combine or college All-Star game.
    
    8/20/11: Ben Bojicic has been a three-year starter for Bowling Green. He’s missed some games each of the past couple of years, so it will be important for Bojicic to show that he can stay healthy and make every start in 2011. Bojicic has good mobility.



14. T-Bob Hebert, C/G, LSU
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 300.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/24/12: Hebert was rotated in and out of the lineup for LSU due to injuries, but played well overall in 2011. He has good technique and was well coached. The Tigers moved him back-and-forth from center and guard throughout the season. Hebert was not at the Combine or Senior Bowl.
    
    8/20/11: Like Snow, T-Bob Hebert has split time at guard and center. For the NFL, Hebert projects at center unless he can add 10-20 pounds of muscle. In 2009, Hebert started at center for 11 games. Last year, he was the starter at right guard for the final seven games. Hebert’s draft status would be better off if he was playing center.



15. David Snow, C/G, Texas
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 295.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.22.
    Projected Round (2012): FA.
    4/24/12: Snow played well in some of the early games but did not do well against Oklahoma or Baylor. He needs to get stronger for the next level. Snow did not participate in the Combine.
    
    8/20/11: David Snow locked down the starting center position in 2010. He previously was a starter at right guard for five games in 2009. Snow is a good fundamental blocker. He needs a good season to get a draftable grade instead of being a priority, undrafted free agent.



16. Jeremiah Hatch, C, Kansas
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 307.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.70.
    Projected Round (2012): FA.
    4/24/12: Hatch and the Kansas offense played well in stretches but had some struggles against Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Kansas State. He did not make it into a college All-Star game or the Combine.
    
    8/20/11: Jeremiah Hatch has been the starter at center the past two seasons. He has power to his game, and also has pretty good feet. Hatch started out his career at tackle before moving to center as a sophomore.

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