2025 NFL Draft: C Rankings (Preseason Edition)

All Access Football previews the 2025 NFL Draft Class with a look at the top center prospects in the land. Once again, the SEC leads the way.

Ric Serritella

Jul 14, 2024

Volume XXIV Edition VIII | 2025 NFL Draft C Preview

In this edition of the All Access Football Newsletter:

Top 25 C Prospects For 2025 NFL Draft
Latest Draft Trends From Past 25 Years
SEC Dominates Top of Rankings

2025 NFL Draft Preview Series: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C

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INSIDE THE NUMBERS: C FIRST ROUND PICKS

For the second consecutive year and third occurrence in the past four NFL Drafts, we saw zero centers chosen in the first round. A look back at draft history reveals that just 14 centers have been selected in round one since the turn of the century. More than half (13) of the 25 NFL Drafts held since 2000 featured a first round that did not include a center at all and just twice (2009 and 2018) was more than one center chosen in the opening round.

Based on 2024 NFL Draft results, it appears team do value centers on the second and third day of the draft. This past year saw 11 centers drafted in total, tied for the most in a single draft since 1985, which saw a whopping 14 centers selected, including the "Hardest Working Man in Pro Football," Trevor Matich (Patriots), who was selected with the 28th overall pick.

A sixth round pick, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (Class of 2011) retired this offseason after laying down a Pro Football Hall of Fame resume, making him one of the greatest steals in NFL Draft history. Amazingly, he captured All Pro First Team honors for an impressive sixth time in his career during his final season in 2023. Detroit Lions first round pick Frank Ragnow (Class of 2018) earned his second All Pro selection this past year and would be considered the league standard.

2025 NFL DRAFT PRESEASON BIG BOARD: C

It can be difficult to classify centers on a year-to-year basis, since an influx of tackles and guards often get kicked inside to the middle. Generally speaking, first round center prospects must flash elite athletic skills, in order to factor into the first round equation. While a top-caliber center can often start for a decade-long in the pros, they are also some of the easiest players to find in the late round or undrafted free agency. Hence, the reluctance to invest in them with premium picks.

The SEC boasts a handful of premier center prospects, including Kentucky team captain Eli Cox who enters his fourth season as a starter. He also saw some time at guard early on in his college career, making him a valuable asset capable of playing all three interior offensive line positions. Cox plays with a nasty, aggressive demeanor that will endear himself to any offensive line coach.

One of the more intriguing interior prospects would be Cooper Mays of Tennessee. Once viewed as a potential first round pick, Mays made 19 consecutive starts for the Volunteers until running into injury woes. He missed the first four games a year ago due to a medical procedure but is on track for a healthy campaign in ‘24, which could help him recapture some of his lost draft lust. Mays has acted as an extension of the coaching staff on the field and is an intellectual mouthpiece during the chaos that transpires between the white stripes on Saturdays.

A potential Day 3 diamond, Nebraska man in the middle Ben Scott would seem to possess all the traits necessary to make a smooth transition to the pros. He has been praised by coaches for his ability to learn quickly and pick up pre-snap tendencies. The Hawaii native began his career as a starting right tackle at Arizona State before converting to center in time for the 2021 season. It remains to be seen how much of a secret he remains playing in the illustrious Big Ten.

Eli Cox, Kentucky, rSr, 6042, 309, 5.15 | (photo: Kentucky)
Bryce Foster, Texas A&M, rJr, 6036, 330, 5.04
Parker Brailsford, Alabama, rSo, 6020, 280, 5.00
Carson Hinzman, Ohio Stater, rSo, 6036, 300, 5.02
Cooper Mays, Tennessee, Sr, 6022, 303, 5.30
Ben Scott, Nebraska, rSr, 6043, 310, 5.25
Drew Kendall, Boston College, rJr, 6036, 296, 4.95
Logan Jones, Iowa, rSr, 6026, 290, 4.96
Jake Renfro, Wisconsin, rSr, 6032, 310, 5.22
Jake Slaughter, Florida, rJr, 6045, 295, 5.10
Micah Morris, Georgia, rJr, 6054, 330, 5.25
Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State, Sr, 6035, 305, 5.35
Gus Hartwig, Purdue, rSr, 6053, 311, 5.25
Maurice Smith, Florida State, rSr, 6021, 295, 5.20
Torricelli Simpkins III, South Carolina, Sr, 6042, 320, 5.15
Greg Crippin, Michigan, Sr, 6032, 307, 5.10
Raheem Anderson, Michigan, rJr, 6024, 315, 5.15
Jager Burton, Kentucky, rJr, 6032, 307, 5.04
Ryan Linthicum, Clemson, rJr, 6026, 305, 5.15
Zeke Correll, North Carolina State, rSr, 6030, 300, 5.20
Jake Majors, Texas, Sr, 6027, 305, 5.20
Jared Wilson, Georgia, rJr, 6026, 310, 5.30
Willie Lampkin, Coastal Carolina, Sr, 6010, 290, 4.95
Leif Fautany, Arizona, rSr, 6016, 320, 5.25
Nofoafifa Tulafono, Wyoming, Sr, 6010, 317, 5.10

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL FRIDAY ZOOM ROOM NETWORK

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LINDY’S 2024 PREVIEW MAGAZINES NOW ON SALE

Now Available: AAF founder Ric Serritella was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Lindy’s Annual Football Preview Magazines once again. Get your copies of the longest running football guides still published. Available on newsstands across America, or order here.