By Michael Stewart @golferbad
Introduction: As we continue our prospect spotlight for the upcoming 2019 NFL draft, we focus on the center position and who could be available for the Giants. GM Dave Gettleman could look for a legit center to help anchor the Giants offensive line in 2019 through free agency or through the draft. If he chooses the draft, there are plenty of talented prospects to choose from. Here’s a look at the current top 10 center prospects heading into the 2019 draft.
- Elgton Jenkins (Mississippi State) 6’4/310: Jenkins is currently ranked 1st among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft: Jenkins excels in pass protection, and gets his feet in good position, and doesn’t seem to lose leverage often. Can set and drive in run blocks well and his ability to play all three linemen positions will make him a high round prospect in the draft.
- Dalton Risner (Kansas State) 6’4/300: Risner is currently ranked 2nd among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft: Risner is the only prospects in this year’s draft that has played all three positions along the line, but many scouts currently view him as a center in the NFL. Risner is very technical with quick feet and processes a 81.75 wing span (6’9-6’10 feet).
- Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin) 6’5/315: Biadasz is currently ranked 3rd among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft. Biadasz follows the traditional Wisconsin lineman drafted in the NFL over the years. Biadasz is an excellent run blocker, but looks to improve his pass blocking skills this season.
- Alec Eberle (Florida State) 6’3/295: Eberle is currently ranked 4th among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft. Eberle played both center and guard in college, but seems to be most suited to play center in the NFL. Sound run blocker and pass protector for the Seminoles, Eberle looks to improve in both departments this season to improve his stock.
- Toa Lobendahn (Southern California) 6’2/295: Lobendahn is currently ranked 5th among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft: Lobendahn is versatile as he can play both the center and the guard positions equally well. Many scouts envision him as a center in the NFL due to his lack of size. Lobendahn uses sound technique to excel (strong hands and quick feet), but will still need to get stronger and add more weight to fully improve at the next level.
- Jesse Burkett (Stanford) 6’4/302: Burkett is currently ranked 6th among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft. Burkett is technically sound and very athletic as well. His mobility allows him to make blocks downfield (sweeps and screens). Burkett needs to improve on his strength level in the NFL.
- Garrett Bradbury (North Carolina State) 6’2/300: Bradbury is currently ranked 7th among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft. Bradbury is a solid run blocker and pass defender for the Wolfpack. Bradbury would benefit by improving his strength level at the next level, but his technique is sound and has a blue collar mentality.
- Sam Mustipher (Notre Dame) 6’2/302: Mustipher is currently ranked 8th among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft. Mustipher is a bit undersized in terms of today’s centers, but he makes up with desire and an endless motor. His run blocking skills is much more advanced than his pass protection, so that will be an issue if he doesn’t improve in that department this season.
- Sean Krepsz (Nevada) 6’5/325: Krepsz is currently ranked 9th among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft. Krepsz is bigger than big for a center and has the ability to play the guard position as well. Many scouts believe that Krepsz could be a steal on day three of the draft; which is where he is currently projected. He is equally effective as a run blocker and pass defender, but needs to improve his technique for the next level.
- Michael Jordan (Ohio State) 6’6/312: Jordan is currently ranked 10th among the centers in the 2019 NFL draft. Jordan played both center and guard equally well for the Buckeyes and has strength and athleticism to play both at the next level. Jordan utilizes his sound technique along with his 84 inch wing span (7 feet) to control his opponent at the line of scrimmage. Jordan could add another 15-20 pounds to his frame without effective his mobility.
Final Thoughts: Dave Gettleman needs to continue his quest to improve the offensive line for the Giants and I believe by adding a quality center to anchor the line is a good start. The Giants like Evan Brown who is currently on the 53 man roster, however; he is still developing and could be an option in 2019 if he continues to improve. We still have awhile before we see where the Giants finish and where they will be selecting; currently looks like another top 5 pick in 2019.