2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Center

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6.) B.J. Finney, Kansas St (6’4 | 303 | 5.3)

Scouting report – Strong, mauling run blocker with a quick burst off the ball and the toughness to win the battle in the trenches against often much bigger DTs. Finney is a former walk-on who has started every game for 4 seasons and is a 2-time captain. He needs to get a little stronger to handle NFL-size DTs, but has been able to win battles in the trenches at the college level. Finney is equally good against both the run and the pass and could continue to defy the odds and become a successful NFL center.

Projection: 4th-5th round

7.) Greg Mancz, Toledo (6’5 | 307 | 5.08)

Scouting report – Only offensive lineman to ever win an MVP award in the MAC. Three time team captain with solid leadership skills and the versatility to play either guard or center. Mancz is lacking ideal strength for an NFL interior lineman, but excels as a run blocker due to smooth technique and understanding of angles and leverage. Mancz has done well as a pass blocker but hasn’t faced NFL caliber pass-rushers in the MAC. Smart, versatile player who should get drafted on day 3 and will probably end up with a decent NFL career.

Projection: 6th-7th round

8.) Jake Smith, Louisville (6’3 | 315 | 5.32)

Scouting report – Smart, versatile interior lineman with excellent fundamentals and a sound understanding of leverage. Smith isn’t an NFL athlete, but can make up for it with technique and intangibles. He could end up being a starting center in the league, but worst case he’ll provide quality depth. Smith had a solid performance in the Medal of Honor Bowl.

Projection: 6th-7th round

9.) David Andrews, Georgia (6’2 | 294 | 5.24)

Scouting report – Has been a dominant inside run blocker for Todd Gurley and the rest of the Bulldogs stable of powerful running backs. Andrews mauls in the run game, but needs work on his pass pro technique and can be caught off balance by quick DTs. Andrews would probably need a year or two of seasoning before his pass protection would be NFL worthy.

Projection: 5th-6th round

10.) Brandon Vitable, Northwestern (6’3 | 304 | 5.20)

Scouting report – Smart player who was a productive run blocker in college, but could struggle with bigger players in the NFL. Vitable’s best chance to stick on a roster would be in a zone-blocking scheme.

Projection: 7th round – UFA

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11.) Dallas Lewallen, Wisconsin (6’6 | 322 | 5.32)

Scouting report – Typical Badger lineman. Lewallen is mauling run blocker with the strength to move NFL DTs, but has limited mobility and needs to improve his pass blocking technique.

Projection: 7th round – UFA

12.) Dillon Day, Mississippi St (6’4 | 299 | 5.26)

Scouting report – Lack of NFL athleticism is a concern, but Day was a successful blocker for the 3-years in the SEC due to elite toughness, intelligence, and a sound enough technique. Projects as an undersized backup at the next level.

Projection: 7th round – UFA

13.) Shane McDermott, Miami (6’4 | 302 | 5.21)

Scouting report – Three year starter for the Hurricanes who was a productive blocker in both the running game and pass pro. He’s a smart player who understands angles well and plays through the whistle, but is undersized and needs to get stronger. McDermoot struggled with bigger D-lineman and he’s going to be exposed to those every play at the next level.

Projection: 7th round – UFA

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