2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Center

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.

6/21/24: Foster broke into the starting lineup in 2021 and had a respectable debut for the Aggies. In 2022, he played four games before a season-ending injury. As a redshirt sophomore, Foster returned to the starting center spot and was a reliable blocker for the Aggies. Foster is a big center with upside. It will be interesting to see if he can handle speed rushers and heavy nose tackles in one-on-one pass blocking situations.

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.

6/21/24: Cox is returning for his sixth season of college football in 2024. He was one of the better centers in the SEC during the 2023 season, as he was a reliable run blocker for Ray Davis. Cox has improved as a pass protector, and that aspect of his game will be worth watching in 2024. Injuries have forced Cox to play some guard for the Wildcats as well. He could be cross-trained at guard and center as a valuable backup to start his pro career.

6/21/24: Slaughter took over as the starter for the Gators in 2023 and had a quality year. He has good size and upside. Slaughter’s run blocking was ahead of his pass protection, but he could improve as he gains experience.

6/21/24: Crippen was a rotational player during Michigan’s championship run, but he would be a starter at most schools. The Wolverines have been loaded on the offensive line, but Crippen should be a full-time starter in 2024. He could be a riser because he has good size and strength.

6/21/24: Wilson would have been starting at most schools, but he was a rotational backup during the 2023 season. In 2024, Wilson should take over as the starting center for the Bulldogs. He could be a riser thanks to playing with a lot of good talent around him.

6/21/24: Brailsford was the starting center for the Washington Huskies in 2023 and had a solid season as a pass blocker protecting Michael Penix Jr. While he was the pivot man for Washington, Brailsford also had two starts at guard in 2023. After the season, Brailsford followed his coaching staff with a transfer to Alabama. Brailsford needs to gain weight and strength for the NFL.

6/21/24: During 2023, Putnam was decent for Clemson and extended his starting streak to 50 games. Putnam enters the 2024 season, having been a 4-year starter for the Tigers. He played guard for the Tigers in 2020 and 2021 before taking over as the starting center in 2022 and staying in the middle for the past two seasons. Putnam improved over each season, and while center could be his best position for the next level, he offers interior flexibility for playing guard or serving as the man in the middle.

6/21/24: In his second season as a starter, Jones was a solid starter for Iowa during the 2023 season. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection. Jones missed the 2021 season with an injury but became a starter a year later. Jones needs to get stronger for the NFL.

6/21/24: Wilson was a rotational backup offensive lineman over the past three seasons, but he is projected to take over the starting center role with Sedrick Van Pran-Granger moving on to the NFL. Wilson has played well when given the opportunity, so he could be a riser to watch.

6/21/24: Brockermeyer is in a battle with Parker Brailsford for the starting center spot with Alabama. Brailsford came with the coaching staff from Washington and has starting experience. Brockermeyer is bigger and is said to be very intelligent. Over the past three seasons, Brockermeyer was a backup for the Crimson Tide.