The Detroit Lions should Draft a Center
Dominic Raiola did a decent job at the center position for the Detroit Lions in 2011. The problem with Dominic is his size. He is not the tallest or the most physical center by far in the NFL. He was pushed around and handled well by most defensive linemen he faced this season. This does not mean his play at the center position was not good. Raiola helped Matthew Stafford have his best statistical season of his career. The quarterback has to trust his center because he hikes him the ball on every offensive play.
Looking at the long term success of the Lions and their moving closer to their first Super Bowl Championship, the Lions should draft a center who can be the one who pushes defensive linemen around, as well as protect Stafford, and open holes for their running game as well.
Philip Blake from Baylor would be an ideal pick for the center position. He would probably go closer to the third round, which would be cost effective for the Lions. When NFL scouts and football analysts talk about how great of a year Baylor Quarterback Robert Griffin III had in 2011, you have to thank Philip Blake for his great pass blocking abilities, and how he helped give Griffin many holes to run through. Blake would fit well in the Detroit offensive line scheme as a great pass blocker and can help open the up the running game for Jahvid Best.
If the Lions are waiting for the fourth round to pick a center, they should consider Quentin Saulsberry out of Mississippi State. Saulsberry did a good job of run blocking which opened up Mississippi State’s running attack. He can play other positions on the offensive line as well. Saulsberry will need to add some more muscle and power to his game to be able to play the center position in the NFL. If the Lions can draft Saulsberry in the fourth, they should get a quality center at reasonable cost.
Matthew Stafford needs a center that he can trust, but also has the physical makeup and the abilities to play the center position. A center that can pass block gives Stafford the needed time to make a wise decision with the ball in the pocket as well as help open holes for the Lions running game which needs to improve in the 2012 season. A center with these abilities would improve the Detroit Lions offense as a whole.
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