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2015 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper’s top center prospects

By Patrick Schmidt

Oct 12, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Byron Marshall (9) carries the ball with offensive linesman Hroniss Grasu (55) blocking during the 2nd half against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Oregon defeated Washington 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Byron Marshall (9) carries the ball with offensive linesman Hroniss Grasu (55) blocking during the 2nd half against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Oregon defeated Washington 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mel Kiper has unveiled his initial position rankings for the 2015 NFL Draft throughout the week and on Friday, ESPN’s senior draft expert got to the big men in the trenches as he released his list for the top seniors and juniors at offensive tackle, offensive guard and now we will look at the top juniors and seniors at center.

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Kiper previously unveiled his top draft prospects at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defensive end, defensive tackle, cornerback and safety already this week.

The center position isn’t valued as high as tackles or even guards when it comes to the draft, but we could see a first round selection from the pivot in 2015 in Hroniss Grasu from Oregon. He has a wealth of experience at the position and is one of the more athletic linemen you will see and easily would have been the top center had he come out in the 2014 draft. He could be the rare exception to the rule and be drafted in the top 25.

Reese Dismukes from Auburn comes in at No. 2 on Kiper’s list and is a notch below Grasu in regard to athleticism. He has been a fixture in the middle of the Auburn offensive line the past three seasons and enters his senior year on the Plains with 37 career starts. His football intelligence and experience could result in him being taken in the top 75 picks.

Rounding out the top senior prospects at center on Kiper’s list are Kansas State’s BJ Finney, Brandon Vitabile from Northwestern, Dominic Espinosa from Texas and Tom Farniok from Iowa State Cyclones.

The top juniors on Kiper’s list feature some players who have experience at guard or even tackle, including Isaac Seumalo from Oregon State who Kiper believes is athletic enough to handle duties at guard.

Mike Matthews from Texas A&M is the younger brother of Jake, son of hall of fame lineman Bruce as the Matthews family should see another lineman in the NFL in the next year or two.

Ryan Kelly is well-coached at Alabama and serves as an extra coach on the field, Evan Boehm has shown to be a versatile talent at Missouri after converting to center last season and Jack Allen from the Michigan State Spartans rounds out Kiper’s top juniors at center.

Who do you think will be the first center taken in the 2015 draft?

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