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NFC Focus: Ranking the guards/centers
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Posted: June 22, 2007
SN correspondents
LINK A quick look at how the guards and centers in the NFC stack up:
1. BEARS Six-time Pro Bowl C Olin Kreutz anchors the line and the locker room. LG Ruben Brown continues to enjoy a career renaissance at 35. RG Roberto Garza is physical and has good range.
2. VIKINGS At their positions, LG Steve Hutchinson and C Matt Birk are two of the smartest players in the game. RG Artis Hicks returns as the starter but might be best suited as a utility backup.
3. GIANTS LG Rich Seubert is finally healthy, and RG Chris Snee has outstanding strength and speed. C Shaun O'Hara has speed, smarts and leadership ability.
4. SAINTS LG Jamar Nesbit is a solid all-around player, and RG Jahri Evans looks like a future star. C Jeff Faine provides great leadership.
5. 49ERS At 35, LG Larry Allen remains a powerful force. C Eric Heitmann is a heady player who handles line calls exceptionally well. RG Justin Smiley has good strength and athleticism.
6. EAGLES RG Shawn Andrews is the strength of the line. LG Todd Herremans played well in his first year inside. C Jamaal Jackson moves well laterally and makes the right calls.
7. PANTHERS LG Mike Wahle has excellent footwork. If rookie C Ryan Kalil looks good at camp, the team likely will have Justin Hartwig and Geoff Hangartner compete with Evan Mathis for the right guard job.
8. COWBOYS C Andre Gurode has improved his recognition skills, and LG Kyle Kosier is solid. RG Leonard Davis has never lived up to his potential, but he's a significant upgrade.
9. BUCCANEERS RG Davin Joseph, a strong run blocker, anchors an improving unit. Rookie Arron Sears and Anthony Davis, who's moving from tackle, will compete at left guard. C John Wade is solid.
10. RAMS RG Richie Incognito packs a wallop, and LG Mark Setterstrom is a tenacious blocker. Veteran Andy McCollum will battle Brett Romberg at center.
11. Commanders C Casey Rabach is strong and steady, but the guard situation is unstable. RG Randy Thomas is coming off knee surgery, and veteran Todd Wade must adjust to playing inside.
12. FALCONS Rookie LG Justin Blalock must refine his technique. C Todd McClure is a marvel in the middle despite limited ability. RG Kynan Forney should fare well in the new power-blocking scheme.
13. SEAHAWKS C Chris Spencer is talented but needs to improve his presnap calls. LG Rob Sims shows good power but lacks experience. RG Chris Gray will be challenged by Ray Willis and Floyd Womack.
14. CARDINALS RG Deuce Lutui is athletic but young, and LG Reggie Wells might struggle in the move from right tackle. C Al Johnson is expected to bring stability.
15. PACKERS LG Daryn Colledge and RG Jason Spitz both had more downs than ups in their rookie seasons. C Scott Wells has developed nicely.
16. LIONS Durable C Dominic Raiola is coming off his best season, but LG Edwin Mulitalo is recovering from a triceps injury and RG Stephen Peterman isn't battle-tested.
AFC Focus: Ranking the guards/centers
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Posted: June 21, 2007
SN correspondents
LINK A quick look at how the guards and centers in the AFC stack up:
1. PATRIOTS RG Stephen Neal, C Dan Koppen and LG Logan Mankins do a great job of working combination blocks. The standout is Mankins, who has good quickness and strength.
2. CHARGERS C Nick Hardwick and LG Kris Dielman are two of the finest young interior linemen in the league. Both are tough, nasty and relentless. RG Mike Goff is underrated and consistent.
3. CHIEFS LG Brian Waters is as good as they come, and small but athletic C Casey Wiegmann fits the Chiefs' system well. RG John Welbourn has the unenviable task of replacing retired star Will Shields.
4. COLTS C Jeff Saturday made the past two Pro Bowls. RG Jake Scott and LG Ryan Lilja are adept at interior pass protection and pulling on running plays.
5. BRONCOS C Tom Nalen, 36, looked spry enough in '06 to merit Pro Bowl consideration. LG Ben Hamilton gets to the second level extremely well. Chris Kuper and Montrae Holland will compete at right guard.
6. JAGUARS RG Chris Naeole and LG Vince Manuwai helped the Jags post a franchise record in rushing yards last season. C Brad Meester is showing improvement.
7. STEELERS Pro Bowl LG Alan Faneca is unhappy about his contract. C Chukky Okobi might start over newcomer Sean Mahan. RG Kendall Simmons is inconsistent.
8. BENGALS Despite losing LG Eric Steinbach, the interior is solid. C Eric Ghiaciuc is improving, and RG Bobbie Williams is a punishing run blocker. Andrew Whitworth and Stacy Andrews are battling on the left side.
9. JETS The potential departure of LG Pete Kendall would mean a major drop-off. C Nick Mangold is an emerging star, and RG Brandon Moore does a workmanlike job.
10. BROWNS LG Eric Steinbach is a master technician. C Hank Fraley is always on top of the line calls. RG Seth McKinney missed 2006 with a neck injury.
11. TITANS C Kevin Mawae, 36, has a calming influence on a young group. LG Jacob Bell is athletic and has good feet; RG Benji Olson is more physical.
12. BILLS Free-agent pickup Derrick Dockery provides a big upgrade at left guard. Duke Preston is the favorite to win the right guard job. C Melvin Fowler has a nice feel for the game.
13. TEXANS Old pros Mike Flanagan and Steve McKinney are competing for the starting job at center. LG Chester Pitts is dependable, and RG Fred Weary is on the rise.
14. RAVENS RG Chris Chester will start until rookie Ben Grubbs is ready. Then, the Ravens would like to insert Chester for C Mike Flynn. LG Jason Brown has a huge upside.
15. DOLPHINS The team shifted Rex Hadnot to right guard to open up center for rookie Samson Satele and his nonstop motor. Aging Chris Liwienski will play left guard.
16. RAIDERS Guards Paul McQuistan and Kevin Boothe endured growing pains as rookies in '06 and could be spelled by Cooper Carlisle. Injuries and uneven play have hindered C Jake Grove's progress.
Print this | E-mail this | Comments on this article: 4
Posted: June 22, 2007
SN correspondents
LINK A quick look at how the guards and centers in the NFC stack up:
1. BEARS Six-time Pro Bowl C Olin Kreutz anchors the line and the locker room. LG Ruben Brown continues to enjoy a career renaissance at 35. RG Roberto Garza is physical and has good range.
2. VIKINGS At their positions, LG Steve Hutchinson and C Matt Birk are two of the smartest players in the game. RG Artis Hicks returns as the starter but might be best suited as a utility backup.
3. GIANTS LG Rich Seubert is finally healthy, and RG Chris Snee has outstanding strength and speed. C Shaun O'Hara has speed, smarts and leadership ability.
4. SAINTS LG Jamar Nesbit is a solid all-around player, and RG Jahri Evans looks like a future star. C Jeff Faine provides great leadership.
5. 49ERS At 35, LG Larry Allen remains a powerful force. C Eric Heitmann is a heady player who handles line calls exceptionally well. RG Justin Smiley has good strength and athleticism.
6. EAGLES RG Shawn Andrews is the strength of the line. LG Todd Herremans played well in his first year inside. C Jamaal Jackson moves well laterally and makes the right calls.
7. PANTHERS LG Mike Wahle has excellent footwork. If rookie C Ryan Kalil looks good at camp, the team likely will have Justin Hartwig and Geoff Hangartner compete with Evan Mathis for the right guard job.
8. COWBOYS C Andre Gurode has improved his recognition skills, and LG Kyle Kosier is solid. RG Leonard Davis has never lived up to his potential, but he's a significant upgrade.
9. BUCCANEERS RG Davin Joseph, a strong run blocker, anchors an improving unit. Rookie Arron Sears and Anthony Davis, who's moving from tackle, will compete at left guard. C John Wade is solid.
10. RAMS RG Richie Incognito packs a wallop, and LG Mark Setterstrom is a tenacious blocker. Veteran Andy McCollum will battle Brett Romberg at center.
11. Commanders C Casey Rabach is strong and steady, but the guard situation is unstable. RG Randy Thomas is coming off knee surgery, and veteran Todd Wade must adjust to playing inside.
12. FALCONS Rookie LG Justin Blalock must refine his technique. C Todd McClure is a marvel in the middle despite limited ability. RG Kynan Forney should fare well in the new power-blocking scheme.
13. SEAHAWKS C Chris Spencer is talented but needs to improve his presnap calls. LG Rob Sims shows good power but lacks experience. RG Chris Gray will be challenged by Ray Willis and Floyd Womack.
14. CARDINALS RG Deuce Lutui is athletic but young, and LG Reggie Wells might struggle in the move from right tackle. C Al Johnson is expected to bring stability.
15. PACKERS LG Daryn Colledge and RG Jason Spitz both had more downs than ups in their rookie seasons. C Scott Wells has developed nicely.
16. LIONS Durable C Dominic Raiola is coming off his best season, but LG Edwin Mulitalo is recovering from a triceps injury and RG Stephen Peterman isn't battle-tested.
AFC Focus: Ranking the guards/centers
Print this | E-mail this | Comments on this article: 4
Posted: June 21, 2007
SN correspondents
LINK A quick look at how the guards and centers in the AFC stack up:
1. PATRIOTS RG Stephen Neal, C Dan Koppen and LG Logan Mankins do a great job of working combination blocks. The standout is Mankins, who has good quickness and strength.
2. CHARGERS C Nick Hardwick and LG Kris Dielman are two of the finest young interior linemen in the league. Both are tough, nasty and relentless. RG Mike Goff is underrated and consistent.
3. CHIEFS LG Brian Waters is as good as they come, and small but athletic C Casey Wiegmann fits the Chiefs' system well. RG John Welbourn has the unenviable task of replacing retired star Will Shields.
4. COLTS C Jeff Saturday made the past two Pro Bowls. RG Jake Scott and LG Ryan Lilja are adept at interior pass protection and pulling on running plays.
5. BRONCOS C Tom Nalen, 36, looked spry enough in '06 to merit Pro Bowl consideration. LG Ben Hamilton gets to the second level extremely well. Chris Kuper and Montrae Holland will compete at right guard.
6. JAGUARS RG Chris Naeole and LG Vince Manuwai helped the Jags post a franchise record in rushing yards last season. C Brad Meester is showing improvement.
7. STEELERS Pro Bowl LG Alan Faneca is unhappy about his contract. C Chukky Okobi might start over newcomer Sean Mahan. RG Kendall Simmons is inconsistent.
8. BENGALS Despite losing LG Eric Steinbach, the interior is solid. C Eric Ghiaciuc is improving, and RG Bobbie Williams is a punishing run blocker. Andrew Whitworth and Stacy Andrews are battling on the left side.
9. JETS The potential departure of LG Pete Kendall would mean a major drop-off. C Nick Mangold is an emerging star, and RG Brandon Moore does a workmanlike job.
10. BROWNS LG Eric Steinbach is a master technician. C Hank Fraley is always on top of the line calls. RG Seth McKinney missed 2006 with a neck injury.
11. TITANS C Kevin Mawae, 36, has a calming influence on a young group. LG Jacob Bell is athletic and has good feet; RG Benji Olson is more physical.
12. BILLS Free-agent pickup Derrick Dockery provides a big upgrade at left guard. Duke Preston is the favorite to win the right guard job. C Melvin Fowler has a nice feel for the game.
13. TEXANS Old pros Mike Flanagan and Steve McKinney are competing for the starting job at center. LG Chester Pitts is dependable, and RG Fred Weary is on the rise.
14. RAVENS RG Chris Chester will start until rookie Ben Grubbs is ready. Then, the Ravens would like to insert Chester for C Mike Flynn. LG Jason Brown has a huge upside.
15. DOLPHINS The team shifted Rex Hadnot to right guard to open up center for rookie Samson Satele and his nonstop motor. Aging Chris Liwienski will play left guard.
16. RAIDERS Guards Paul McQuistan and Kevin Boothe endured growing pains as rookies in '06 and could be spelled by Cooper Carlisle. Injuries and uneven play have hindered C Jake Grove's progress.
