by Jeremy Cabler
NFL Draft: 2013 Center Rankings
Kirby Lee-USPRESSWIRE

Center Peter Konz had a first round grade last season by mostly everyone, but slipped into the second round. This class doesn’t offer anyone on the level of Konz, but it has more depth than that 2011 class. Khaled Holmes and Mario Benavides lead the group, and both are legit NFL caliber centers. The are true leaders on the field, and are equally as good in all facets of the game.

Even late in this draft you can find quality at the position. Clemson’s Dalton Freeman and Iowa’s James Ferentz will have to wait to hear their name called, but they offer an all-around solid product.

These rankings are extremely fluid, especially this early in the season and will change constantly throughout the process. Juniors will be added as they begin to declare for the draft.

Rankings: Big Board ¦ QB ¦ RB ¦ WR ¦ TE ¦ OT ¦ OG ¦ C ¦ DE ¦ DT ¦ OLB ¦ ILB ¦ CB ¦ S

1. Khaled Holmes, USC, 6’4 312: 3rd Round

-Holmes burst onto the scene in 2010 when he was the starting RG and honorable mention All-Pac 12. Shows excellent mobility and has quick feet in space when asked to pull. Holmes is equally as reliable in pass protection as he is in the run game. Shows great awareness off the snap and has quick hands with a solid punch. Would like to see him get a bit stronger in the lower half however. Could sneak into round 2 with a great season.

3. Mario Benavides, Louisville, 6’4 300: 3rd-4th Round

-Experienced and very cerebral center. Benavides is a true leader of the Cardinals offensive line. Has a great frame and looks the part of a NFL center. Displays good quickness when going to the second level, and solid in pass protection. With a solid 2012, Benavides should be a solid 3rd round pick.

2. Graham Pocic, Illinois, 6’7 305: 5th Round

-Pocic has the size of an OT, but is a true Center. Can move the pile in the run game, and looks natural when working in tight spaces. Some scouts may worry if his size could be a negative, and a move to Guard could ultimately be in the cards for Pocic.

4. Dalton Freeman, Clemson, 6’5 285: 6th-7th Round

Recap: (Auburn)

5. James Ferentz, Iowa, 6’2 284: 7th Round

6. TJ Johnson, South Carolina, 6’6 319: 7th Round – PFA

Recap: (Vandy)

7. Braxton Cave, Notre Dame, 6’3 303: PFA

8. Ben Habern, Oklahoma, 6’3 292: PFA

9. Ivory Wade, Baylor, 6’3 310: PFA

10. Joe Madsen, West Virginia, 6’4 302: PFA

11. PJ Lonergan, LSU, 6’3 305: PFA

12. Camden Wentz, North Carolina State: PFA

13. Trent Dupy, Tulsa, 6’2 285: PFA

14. Sam Robey, Florida, 6’3 305: PFA

Top Underclassmen

1. Travis Swanson, Arkansas, 6’4 305

2. Weston Richburg, Colorado State, 6’3 295

3. Jonotthan Harrison, Florida, 6’3 300

Rankings: QB ¦ RB ¦ WR ¦ TE ¦ OT ¦ OG ¦ C ¦ DE ¦ OLB ¦ ILB ¦ CB ¦ S

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Jeremy Cabler covers the NFL Draft and College Football for Rant Sports. Check out his Scouting Reports

Follow him on Twitter @JeremyCabler and @RantSports. 

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