2025 NFL Draft: Top 20 Centers

Jared Wilson is an athletic and technically sound center prospect who's shown the ability to compete at the highest level in the SEC. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 310 pounds, he fits the physical profile for an NFL center, though he’s not an imposing figure.

Wilson’s standout qualities are his quick feet and the ability to stay in front of quicker interior defenders, making him especially effective in pass protection. He’s proven capable of handling the power of elite defensive tackles, showcasing strong lower-body and core strength to anchor against nose tackles. His movement skills allow him to climb to the second level with ease, excelling in zone-blocking schemes and helping him thrive in both run and pass situations. Wilson's intelligence and understanding of the game are key assets, as he quickly absorbed the responsibilities of the center position after learning under the guidance of former teammate Sedrick Van Pran.

While Wilson's agility and technique are impressive, he doesn't possess elite size compared to some of his counterparts, which could be a factor when facing larger, more powerful NFL defenders. His frame is adequate, but his ability to sustain blocks against the most physically dominant interior defensive linemen remains a question. Still, his ability to use quick hands and effective placement to maintain control in pass protection makes him a dependable player in that area.

As Wilson transitions to the NFL, his experience in the SEC and his solid technique will give him a high floor. However, his development as a complete, physically dominant center will be key to his success at the next level.

2. Jonah Monheim (USC)

There’s a reason you don’t lock in your draft boards in November. Case in point: USC’s Jonah Monheim. A month ago, I had him ranked seventh among centers based on his early-season tape. But after diving into his most recent performances, it’s clear he’s made significant strides — and his stock is climbing.

Monheim is a four-year starter at USC, but 2024 is his first season playing center. That transition explains some of the inconsistencies I saw earlier in the year. However, after a couple of weeks to adjust, he looks much more comfortable anchoring the Trojans' offensive line.

The improvement in his hand placement stands out the most. Monheim’s athleticism has always been evident — it’s what’s allowed him to succeed at multiple positions over his career. But now, his refined hand technique is complementing those natural traits, allowing him to make first meaningful contact and his quick feet and explosiveness to shine through.

In the run game, Monheim demonstrates strong core strength, capable of handling defensive linemen and creating enough movement at the point of attack. Where he really excels, though, is in space — whether leading the way on screens or pulling outside. He has a knack for latching onto defensive backs and finishing blocks with precision. Monheim should be able to play in any scheme.

3. Logan Jones (Iowa)

Logan Jones is a converted defensive lineman who only started playing the center position in 2022 and it’s evident in his tape — in both positive and negative ways. On the plus side, his demeanor is that of a defensive lineman who just wants to bury the guy in front of him. But this is often a detriment to his technique and positioning.

Despite this, there are a lot of great moments on tape and he’s getting better every week. Jones has the athleticism you want to bet on, landing at No. 9 on Bruce Feldman’s annual freak list.

“Kirk Ferentz keeps cranking out Freaks. The 6-3, 293-pound converted defensive lineman ranked No. 52 on last year’s list. Jones, a third team All-Big Ten pick by league coaches in 2023, is a former Iowa state champion in the shot put and discus. He vertical-jumped 36.6 inches this year. Many of Jones’ other freaky testing numbers came before this year as he had leg surgery in January and wasn’t cleared until after the spring. In 2023, he squatted 695 pounds — a Hawkeyes record — and did the program’s second-heaviest hang clean at 470 pounds. He clocked a 1.53 10-yard split, which is an Iowa offensive line record, and in 2022 ran a 4.09 pro agility time. That 20-yard shuttle time is .05 faster than the best time an offensive lineman has posted at the combine. (In 2011, Cincinnati’s Jason Kelce did 4.14.)"

– Bruce Feldman, The Athletic

Because of that strength and athleticism combined with his relative newness to the position, Jones has perhaps the highest ceiling but also the lowest floor in this draft class.

4. Parker Brailsford (Alabama)

Parker Brailsford has rare movement skills for an offensive lineman. At 6-foot-2 and 290 pounds, his light frame gives him a significant edge in terms of movement, allowing him to reach defenders’ outside shoulders and hit his second-level landmarks with ease in the run game. His speed and ability to climb to the second level are standout traits that make him a versatile asset in zone-based systems.

However, at 290 pounds he would be the lightest offensive lineman in the league and his lack of play strength is a concern. Brailsford doesn’t create any movement in the run game in one-on-one situations. While he has solid technique and quick hands to keep defenders at bay in pass protection, his anchor remains a work in progress as well. Against stronger NFL defenders, his slight frame could be an issue, particularly when tasked with holding up against bull rushes.

Brailsford would likely benefit from another year in college to develop his strength before transitioning to the NFL. If he declares for the draft, the team that selects him will likely need to "redshirt" him for a year to allow him to put on weight and build his functional strength. And then the question remains if he'll be able to maintain his athleticism with the added weight. While Brailsford's potential is evident, teams will need to be patient as he refines his game and adapts to the physicality of the pro level.

5. Seth McLaughlin (Ohio State)

Seth McLaughlin is a seasoned, high-IQ center who brings leadership and stability to Ohio State’s offensive line. After transferring from Alabama, he's emerged as a reliable anchor for the Buckeyes.

McLaughlin’s ability to communicate pre-snap and make adjustments on the fly speaks to his football intelligence and experience. His strength lies in his ability to anchor against powerful rushers, while his versatility in adapting to different defensive fronts — especially Ohio State's aggressive defensive line in practice — has helped refine his game. His leadership on and off the field makes him an invaluable presence in the locker room and the huddle.

While McLaughlin has proven himself a steady performer, consistency with his snapping mechanics has been an issue at times, and he isn't the most athletic center. Still, his technical skills, toughness, and adaptability allow him to be effective, especially in a traditional power-blocking system. McLaughlin projects as a dependable player with a high floor, capable of stepping in as a solid starter or key depth piece at the next level​.

McLaughlin ruptured his Achilles tendon in practice a few weeks ago, so medical checks at the NFL Combine will be big for him. Regardless, it'd be almost impossible for him to play in 2025, which will cause him to fall in the draft.

6. Cooper Mays (Tennessee)

Cooper Mays is a technically sound and battle-tested center with three years of starting experience in the SEC. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 311 pounds, Mays possesses adequate size for the position, complemented by impressive quickness and a strong understanding of leverage.

He excels in pass protection, showcasing a firm anchor and active hands to combat interior rushers. His football IQ is evident in his ability to make pre-snap adjustments and diagnose stunts and blitzes effectively. In the run game, Mays thrives in zone schemes, demonstrating excellent lateral movement and the ability to climb to the second level with precision.

While Mays offers reliable consistency, his play strength is average, which can lead to challenges against more powerful nose tackles. Additionally, his arm length limits his ability to recover when defenders get into his frame. Despite these concerns, Mays’ leadership, intelligence, and polished technique make him a plug-and-play option at center for a team seeking stability on the interior offensive line. His ceiling may be limited, but his high floor makes him a safe pick in the draft's middle rounds.

7. Drew Kendall (Boston College)

Drew Kendall is an athletic and versatile center who has been the anchor of Boston College’s offensive line. The son of Pete Kendall, a former NFL offensive lineman who played 12 seasons in the league, Drew brings a football pedigree to match his natural talent. At 6-foot-4 and 299 pounds, Kendall’s frame is slightly undersized by NFL standards, but he compensates with outstanding mobility and technical refinement.

A former high school wrestler, Kendall plays with excellent leverage and balance, allowing him to maintain control against bigger defensive linemen. He shines in space and excels on pulls and screens, where his quickness and ability to connect with defenders at the second level stand out. His football IQ is evident in his smooth communication and ability to handle pre-snap adjustments.

The primary concern with Kendall is his lack of mass and functional strength, which can limit his ability to handle powerful nose tackles in one-on-one situations. He'll need to add weight and improve his core strength to handle the physical demands of the NFL. However, his athletic traits, technical skill set, and toughness make him an intriguing option for zone-heavy teams looking for a developmental starter with significant upside in the later rounds.

8. Brian Stevens (Virginia)

Brian Stevens is a physical and experienced center who brings toughness and consistency to the interior offensive line. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 310 pounds, Stevens may not have ideal height for the position, but he compensates with excellent leverage and a low center of gravity that allows him to anchor effectively against power rushers.

A standout transfer from Dayton before earning a starting role at Virginia, Stevens has shown versatility and adaptability across different offensive schemes. He’s a smart and reliable communicator who excels at diagnosing defensive fronts and making pre-snap adjustments. His hand placement and grip strength stand out in pass protection and run blocking, where he plays with a mean streak and finishes blocks.

Stevens’ lack of elite length and lateral agility could limit his effectiveness against quicker, more dynamic interior rushers, and he may not be a fit for systems that require significant movement in space. However, his toughness, football IQ, and polished technique make him an appealing option for gap-heavy schemes. Stevens projects as a late-round pick or priority free agent who could develop into a dependable backup with starter upside in the right situation.

9. Jake Majors (Texas)

Jake Majors is a tough, physical center who brings a combination of grit, technical refinement, and high-level experience to the table. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 315 pounds, Majors is a durable, reliable presence with four years of starting experience in the heart of Texas's offensive line. His leadership and intelligence are his defining traits, as he’s proven capable of directing protections and handling complex defensive schemes with poise.

Majors plays with good technique, consistently maintaining leverage and using his hands to control defenders. He has the ability to anchor effectively against power, showcasing a strong base and finishing blocks with authority.

Majors' physicality and football IQ make him an intriguing prospect, though his athletic traits are more solid than exceptional. He may face challenges when matched against quicker or more agile defenders, but his experience and toughness allow him to mitigate these issues. Majors projects as a high-quality backup or spot starter who can bring consistency to an NFL team, particularly one looking for a steady presence at the position.

10. Gus Hartwig (Purdue)

Gus Hartwig is a solid center prospect out of Purdue who possesses good size for the position at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds. He's known for his strength and intelligence on the field, earning academic honors throughout his college career.

Hartwig is a dependable pass protector with a strong base, showing impressive technique to mirror defenders and manage interior rushers. His quick first step allows him to effectively engage defenders and maintain a wide base, which helps him avoid giving up pressure. Additionally, Hartwig's ability to recognize and adjust to stunts and twists in the pass rush further highlights his football IQ.

However, Hartwig has some areas for improvement, particularly in run blocking. While he can deliver push at the line of scrimmage, his balance tends to falter, and he struggles to sustain blocks, especially when working to the second level. His tendency to lose his footing and end up on the ground too often detracts from his effectiveness as a run blocker.

With his size, athleticism, and solid foundation as a pass protector, Hartwig is an intriguing prospect who could elevate his stock with a strong finish to the season. His versatility could also see him move between guard and center at the next level.

Best of the Rest

11. Jake Slaughter (Florida)

12. Jarrod Hufford (Iowa State)

13. Vincent Murphy (Tulane)

14. Mike Katic (Indiana)

15. Bryce Foster (Kansas)

16. Zeke Correll (NC State)

17. Zach Carpenter (Miami)

18. Logan Zserchmitz (Northern Illinois)

19. Jacob Gardner (Colorado State)

20. Jacob Bayer (Arkansas State)

Players Who Might Move to Center in the NFL

Wyatt Milum (West Virginia)

Charles Grant (William & Mary)

Gray Zabel (North Dakota State)

Joshua Gray (Oregon State)

Jackson Slater (Sacramento State)

Clay Webb (Jacksonville State)