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Positional Rankings: Center

Offense · Defense
 
Quarterbacks · Wide Receivers · Running Backs · Tight Ends · Center · Guard · Tackle

 
June 24, 2009
By Pete Prisco
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Tell Pete your opinion!
Pete Prisco ranks his top NFL players at each position. JetsFan5000 provided his list of top centers. Also check out Prisco's Top 50

Centers
1. Andre Gurode, Cowboys JetsFan5000's Rankings
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: He's a power player who has the size to handle people on his nose. That's a big edge over a lot of centers.
 1. Kevin Mawae, Titans
Comment: Loved this guy when he was on the Jets, still love him now. 7 Pro Bowl selections and 3 time all-pro. I think he is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Opens up hole for Smash and Dash.
2. Nick Mangold, Jets
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: In his second season, Mangold developed into a Pro Bowl-quality center. He isn't huge, but he plays tough and he's smart.
2. Nick Mangold, Jets
Comment: He was taken in the same draft as D'Brickashaw Ferguson and is clearly the better pick. He is young and should be a perennial Pro Bowler.
3. Jason Brown, Rams
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: He's a power center who signed a big deal to go from Baltimore to the Rams. He will help their run game.
3. Jeff Saturday, Colts
Comment: Snaps the ball to Peyton Manning. It was clear how important his role is on that line with how Manning performed in the beginning of the season when Saturday was out. He makes all the right line calls.
4. Jeff Faine, Buccaneers
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: Smart, heady center who added the glue to a young line that needed it. He's not overpowering, but he gets by with his smarts.
4. Olin Kreutz, Bears
Comment: Pro Bowls, two All Pro selections and a mean streak. Never really had a great quarterback to block for, but should showcase his pass blocking for Jay Cutler.
5. Kevin Mawae, Titans
Games played: 15 Games started: 15
Analysis: This veteran bounced back from a so-so 2007 season to play at a high level last season. He's coming to the end, though.
5. Shaun O'Hara , Giants
Comment: Paved the way for Earth, Wind and Fire. He is consistent and durable. Made it to one pro bowl.
6. Shaun O'Hara, Giants
Games played: 13 Games started: 13
Analysis: A smarty, heady center who really helps get the New York running game going. He doesn't back down.
6. Jamaal Jackson, Eagles
Comment: This dude is huge and agile. The line was reshuffled but he will stay in the middle and be a great center.
7. Olin Kruetz, Bears
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: Considered by some scouts to be the league's toughest center, he is a good run blocker.
7. Nick Hardwick, Chargers
Comment: He has started since his rookie season in 2004 and has been a part of LT's success. Only one Pro Bowl, but he still has a lot of playing years ahead.
8. Jeff Saturday, Colts
Games played: 12 Games started: 12
Analysis: He's the quarterback of the Colts line, and that's so important in their offense. He isn't strong, but he gets by with his smarts.
8. Jason Brown, Rams
Comment: Lots of teams looked at him in free agency and for a good reason. He really knows how to push the pile.
9. Ryan Kalil, Panthers
Games played: 12 Games started: 12
Analysis: In his first season as a starter he showed Pro Bowl potential. He's smart, athletic and strong.
9. Andre Gurode, Cowboys
Comment: Considered as one of the leagues toughest centers. Three Pro Bowls and one All pro selection. Great push in the run game.
10. Jamaal Jackson, Eagles
Games played: 16 Games started: 16
Analysis: He's a physical center who sometimes seems to get out of shape. When he's on, he's good. When he's not focused, he has lapses.
10. Ryan Kalil, Panthers
Comment: Paves the way for DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Good strong center.
 
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