NFL's Future

2013 NFL Draft Center Rankings

Posted by Brad On February - 4 - 2013
"Travis Frederick"

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a rarity that we see a center declare early for the draft. The 2013 NFL Draft will be the exception to the rule as our top center, Travis Frederick opted to forgo his senior season to enter the draft.

Frederick is a classic mauler on the interior. He has started since stepping foot on the Wisconsin center and brings a nasty demeanor to the field each game. Frederick won’t be for every team as he struggles move blocking but a team that runs a man-power scheme will be a perfect fit.

Barrett Jones came into the 2012 season with a ton of accolades. He moved to center for the good of the team showing the type of leader/player he is. I’m still under the impression that Jones is better at guard but it looks as if he will get his first look at the center position. Jones is a tough, versatile player who could make an early impact.

Brian Schwenke was set to be a ‘sleeper’ prospect until he opened up everyone’s eyes at the Senior Bowl. Schwenke is a heady player that will excel in a zone blocking scheme. He won’t be every teams cup of tea but could be taken higher than expected by a team looking for a move center.

After the break check out our 2013 NFL Draft center rankings.

RANK PLAYER SCHOOL HEIGHT WEIGHT
1 TRAVIS FREDERICK WISCONSIN 6041 338
2 BARRETT JONES ALABAMA 6040 305
3 BRIAN SCHWENKE CAL 6030 307
4 MARIO BENAVIDES LOUISVILLE 6040 288
5 KHALED HOLMES USC 6035 305
6 BRAXSTON CAVE NOTRE DAME 6030 304
7 GRAHAM POCIC ILLINOIS 6047 310
8 DALTON FREEMAN CLEMSON 6042 286
9 PATRICK LEWIS TEXAS A&M 6012 309
10 IVORY WADE BAYLOR 6036 313
11 DREW SCHAEFER WASHINGTON 6037 292
12 SAM SCHWARTZSTEIN STANFORD 6025 290
13 DARREN KEYTON CENTRAL MICHIGAN 6030 300
14 RYAN TURNLEY PITTSBURGH 6045 310
15 T.J. JOHNSON SOUTH CAROLINA 6043 323
16 MATT STANKIEWITCH PENN STATE 6024 303
17 ERIC KUSH CAL (PA) 6037 304
18 JOE MADSEN WEST VIRGINIA 6034 301
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  • Reggie

    I know you say Jones is a better guard but do you think he could be a solid center as well…or just a fill in with injuries? I thought he played pretty well. How is Frederick’s pass protection? You have him going to the Lions and the Lions play shot gun and pass the ball about 700 times a season.

    • bradc11

      Jones can definitely play center. I just think he’s a better guard. It sounds like a lot of NFL teams are considering as a center.

      Frederick is solid. Better run blocker but can hold down the fort in pass protection. He was really banged up this season. The good thing about Frederick is that he could swing from center to guard. The Lions have to start running the football effectively if they want to keep Stafford healthy and productive. Starting with Frederick in the middle of the line would really help.

  • Bex_R1986

    I notice that P.J. Lonergan is not listed. He was quite high in your center rankings the last time you posted your list. Any reason why? He’s one of the strongest looking centers I’ve seen, bit of a wall in the middle.

    I’m much higher on Eric Kush. I think I heard he has some red flags (?) but on ability I think he’s got everything: Technique, strength, run block and pass protection. Even saw him put in a good shift at left tackle when there was no one else available for a half.

    I thought I’d found a sleeper in Eloy Atkinson of Texas-El Paso when he put in a good showing against Arkansas, but he’s struggled in the other two games I saw.

    1. Barrett Jones, Alabama (36 overall); 2. Travis Frederick, Wisconsin (59); 3. Brian Schwenke, California (113); 4. Khaled Holmes, USC (180); 5. T.J. Johnson, South Carolina (235); 6. Braxton Cave, Notre Dame (265); 7. P.J. Lonergan, LSU (303); 8. Eric Kush, California PA (312); 9. Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M (328); 10. Mario Benavides, Louisville (349), 11. Ryan Turnley, Pittsburgh (355); 12. Ivory Wade, Baylor (375); 13. Matt Smith, Kentucky (382); 14. Matt Stankiewitch, Penn State (427); 15. Graham Pocic, Illinois (438); 16. Dalton Freeman, Clemson (441); 17. Sam Schwartzstein, Stanford (473)

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