Centers in the draft...

[silverbear]

I think the Boys have put a fairly high priority on finding some help at center in this draft, and I think there is help to be had... they might even put a higher priority on adding a center than on adding another guard...

I think the player they most covet at this position is Peter Konz from Wisconsin, who's looking like a late 1st/early 2nd round pick... I could see them trading down in the first, adding a second or third rounder, or I could see them picking at 14, then looking to trade up from pick 45 to draft Konz...

If Konz is plan A, then plan B would probably be Philip Blake from Baylor or Quinton Saulsberry from Mississippi State in the 4th or 5th round range (Blake in the 4th, Saulsberry in the 5th)... in the 7th round range, they could take a flyer on Mason Cloy from Clemson or Scott Wedige from Northern Illinois; both are what I call "cusp" players, meaning they might be drafted or they might not... naturally, if they went undrafted, these would be centers I'd be targeting as undrafted rookie free agents...

There are a lot of interesting prospects at center who are unlikely to be drafted-- Moe Petrus from Connecticut, T-Bob Hebert from LSU (love his name), Rodney Austin from Elon (one of my pet cats), Seth Oxner from Arkansas-Monticello, Grant Garner from Oklahoma State, Jason Slowey from Western Oregon (another of my sleepers) and David Snow from Texas...

Surely the Cowboys can find a center they like from among that rather large group... draft Konz early, or Blake in the 4th round, then add another center after the draft...

[AmishCowboy]

How about Michael Brewster from Ohio St in the 4th?

[Manwiththeplan]

I don't think they have showed a ton of intrest in Brewster. Like Costa he has short arms (31.5) and he got over powered by several DTs in in conference (Still and Worthy come to mind) and at the senior bowl. He has the frame to get bigger, but I think they like the other two more.

I'm also a bit suprised they haven't showed much intrest in Georgia's Ben Jones. His arms measured an inch longer, and at 6'2 300+ he has good size for a center. Just think they are zeroing in on Blake and will likely take him in round 3 if available.

edit: also, not that this would be my plan, but I really think the team will draft a center and roll with the guards on Roster. Livings and Nagy at LG, Bernadeau and Arkin at RG. I think the team will look to add a center in the 2nd-4th range, probably by the third and will let Costa and Kolowaski compete for the back-up spot there. I do think it's possibile DeCastro is the pick at 14 if Cox and Barron are gone and a trade down doesn't happen, but the team will likely look at that as a value pick and continue with the plan to add a center in round 2 or 3.

[burmafrd]

I am also surprised at the lack of interest in Jones.

BUT then that might be deliberate as well. I think frankly that interest shown any more is a two edged sword.

[xwalker]

[AmishCowboy]

According to that chart, Brewster does have the shortest arms, but the largest hands and his times make him seem very quick.

[DBOY3141]

I think Konz is Plan A. Would have to trade down in 1st or trade back into 1st to get him.

Plan B - Blake - I think we would have to take him in the 3rd.

If we get neither. I fear they roll with Costa or Killa. Don't see anything left in FA.

[MichaelWinicki]

After Kronz I don't see a center who I have confidence in of being able to be a better-than-average starter this season.

[Biggems]

while I have not been too enamored by the OL that the Horns have sent to the NFL in recent years, I am intrigued by Snow. I honestly believe, if given the opportunity, he can become a solid backup C early in his career and progress to a starter and have a nice lengthy career......that is if he can remain healthy.

I see him as more of a WCO type OL or on a team with a zone blocking scheme like Houston.

[Gaede]

Love Saulsberry. He's my favourite C in this draft. Obviously, he's a projection at C but I think he'll end up being one of the better interior lineman in this draft.

Not a fan of Konz. Too many question marks--health, strength--to be drafted where he is projected.

Like Jones. I think he'll be good.

[ddh33]

I still think there is a decent shot that Konz is there around 45.

[xwalker]

Originally Posted by AmishCowboy

According to that chart, Brewster does have the shortest arms, but the largest hands and his times make him seem very quick.

His hand size is 4th on the list.

[xwalker]

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

After Kronz I don't see a center who I have confidence in of being able to be a better-than-average starter this season.

I think Blake would be better than Costa after the 1st practice.

[CowboysYanksLakers]

This draft has a pretty good group of centers... I think Dallas will draft one.