NFL Draft Musings: Centers
By Peter Smith
Dec 21, 2013; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Colorado State Rams offensive lineman Weston Richburg (70) against the Washington State Cougars during the Gildan New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Weston Richburg had a great week at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. I have seen and heard some talk about him as the top center in the draft potentially. I am not sure the tape supports it, but I am also surprised he is getting as much publicity as he is. Richburg struck me as a player that might not impress scouts too much because he does not fit the prototype and has relatively short arms.
I expected Richburg to be a player coaches love. In terms of attitude, effort, and sheer will, Richburg is up there with anyone in this draft. He just strikes me as the type of guy who is wired to play the game of football.
On tape, I feel like Bryan Stork and Tyler Swanson were better but neither stood out to me this week. Stork seemed like the premier run blocker in this draft from the pivot spot while Swanson seemed like the best pure pass protector.
I have not watched the kid from USC yet, but this draft could have four viable starting center options with some solid values later in the draft like Tyler Larsen or James Stone for example. The sheer number of quality centers might prevent one from going in the first round, but once they start going, they will likely fly off the shelves in a hurry. The state of the position in the NFL is not great right now and the league could really benefit from having all of these guys pan out at the next level.