https://bnbfootball.com/2020-rankings/center/
1. Tyler Biadasz, rJR, Wisconsin
Tyler Biadasz NFL Draft
Biadasz is the classic center prospect who’s production and success in college outweighs his NFL ceiling. When this happens I often overrate them because I value college success in linemen so highly, but I expect Biadasz to be a solid starter early in his career. Like all Wisconsin linemen, he’s been really well coached and can excel in a number of different blocking schemes. While he doesn’t possess elite strength or athleticism, he’s above average in both regards and has flexible hips while bending well. He was the Rimington trophy winner and a consensus first team All American for a reason, and should be able to translate his intelligent play to the next level.
2019 Stats
14 games, 3 years as a starter at center, Consensus 1st Team All-American, All-Big 10 1st Team
2. Matt Hennessy, rJR, Temple
Matt Hennessy NFL Draft
Matt Hennessy entered the draft a year early after a breakout season that saw him receive some All-America attention, as well as a 1st team all-conference selection. He uses his hands especially well and maintains solid pad level, while having very quick feet for a 6’4" center. He has room in his frame for more weight, which could be necessary to deal with big nose tackles. Hennessy has ideal toughness for an interior linemen and the football IQ needed to play the pivot at the next level. While he only played center in college, I could see him performing well at left guard as well.
2019 Stats
12 games, 3 years as a starter at center, All-AAC 1st Team
3. Lloyd Cushenberry III, rJR, LSU
Lloyd Cushenberry NFL Draft
Cushenberry doesn’t have as much experience as some of the other center prospects, but he has a unique skillset for the position. He combines the power of a guard and IQ of a center with the length of an offensive tackle, as he has extremely long arms despite standing only 6’3". He embraces the “we" mentality that you want to see from offensive linemen, and was highly regarded at LSU for his selflessness, work ethic, and leadership. A member of the Joe Moore award for best offensive line in the country, Cushenberry has a lot of tools to work with and has already seen success at the college level. His biggest limited is lack of foot speed, which could cause him trouble on 3rd down passing situations or twists.
2019 Stats
15 games, 2 years as a starter at center, All-America 3rd Team, All-SEC 1st Team
4. Cesar Ruiz, JR, Michigan
Cesar Ruiz NFL Draft
Ruiz played with some very smart and experienced linemen at Michigan (Bredeson and Runyan), but he has the highest ceiling of them all. Despite not having great width or strength, Ruiz is athletic, gets out of his stance fast, and uses great leverage on his blocks. He doesn’t have the choppy movement you see with a lot of linemen, and stands out as a natural mover and bender on film. He doesn’t have the best frame for an NFL linemen, which isn’t something you can change with an NFL diet or workout regimen. Ruiz has experience playing at right guard as well as center, and could play all 3 interior line positions effectively.
2019 Stats
13 games, 2.5 years as a starter at center and right guard, All-Big 10 2nd Team
5. Darryl Williams, rSR, Mississippi State
Darryl Williams NFL Draft
Darryl Williams is a strong, tough offensive lineman who has seen success at a couple positions for Mississippi State. After starring at left guard in his sophomore and junior seasons, he moved to center where he will likely fit better as a pro. Williams lacks ideal size at 6’2 1/2", but shows a good ability to wall off defenders and plays with above average quickness. While he doesn’t have the same physical traits as some of the top centers in the class, he plays with ideal toughness and has been on the NFL radar since he was a sophomore beating up on SEC defensive tackles.
2019 Stats
13 games, 3 years as a starter at left guard and center, All-Conference SEC by PFF
