2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Center

2/7/25: Zabel has started at guard and tackle for the Bison over the past couple of seasons, and he has versatile size for the NFL, where he could compete at either spot. Zabel earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl and had an excellent week of practice. He has the potential to be cross-trained at multiple positions up front. While Zabel could be a solid starting tackle or guard, he might be the most dominant version of himself playing center.

2/7/25: McLaughlin has been a steady interior presence for the Buckeyes. He is not a dominator at the point of attack, but a solid player who should be a reliable starter at the NFL level.

6/21/24: McLaughlin is a smart and tough technician. He was a solid and reliable blocker overall for Alabama but had issues snapping the ball late in 2023. After the season, McLaughlin transferred to Ohio State. McLaughlin took on a starting role late in his sophomore season but played well for Alabama to close out 2021. To start out 2022, McLaughlin was a reserve, but he was then inserted in the starting lineup and started the final eight games. McLaughlin played well, but he could stand to get stronger for the NFL.

2/7/25: Monheim played center for the Trojans, and that looks like his best position for the NFL. He needs to get stronger for the NFL, and that was given proof at the Senior Bowl.

6/11/24: Monheim started at left tackle for USC in 2023. He was solid but unspectacular for the Trojans. In 2024 Monheim is moving to center, and that looks like a wise move. Monheim’s body type could fit better in the middle of the line. Over recent years, Monheim has been a versatile blocker for the Trojans, starting at guard and right tackle as well. Gaining some weight and getting stronger would help Monheim in the NFL. At worst, Monheim could be a valuable game-day backup that can help provide depth at multiple spots.

2/7/25: Lampkin is a tough competitor that fights hard, but being very short and lacking length is a problem for taking on NFL defensive linemen. Lampkin is limited to center in the NFL, but his size might make him top out as a backup only.

2/7/25: Bayer started at center for two seasons at Lamar before manning the middle of the line for Arkansas State. Bayer is a competitor, but has a backup caliber skill set for the NFL.

2/7/25: Cox was not impressive against South Carolina in Week 2, but he played better against other quality opponents. Cox needs to have an impressive week at the Senior Bowl or an all-star game to help his draft stock.

2/7/25: After playing on the defensive line to start his career, Guidice has won the starting center job for Michigan as a senior. He had some mistakes, but Guidice has the skill set to develop with the upside to improve as he gains experience.