2014 Center Free Agent Breakdown
By: Matt Harmon
High-end starters
1) Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns. Age: 28 *transition tagged by Browns*
Good starters
1) Evan Dietrich-Smith, Green Bay Packers. Age: 28 *signed with Buccaneers*
2) Dominic Raiola, Detroit Lions. Age: 35 *re-signed with Lions*
Solid Contributors
1) Brian De La Puente, New Orleans Saints. Age: 29 *signed with Bears*
2) Will Montgomery, Washington Redskins. Age: 31 *signed with Broncos*
3) Roberto Garza, Chicago Bears. Age: 35 *re-signed with Bears*
4) Joe Hawley, Atlanta Falcons. Age: 25 *re-signed with Falcons*
5) Jonathan Goodwin, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 35
Role players
1) Fernando Velasco, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 29
2) Phil Costa, Dallas Cowboys. Age: 26 *signed with Colts*
3) Ryan Wendell, New England Patriots. Age: 28 *re-signed with Patriots*
Diamond in the Rough
1) J.D. Walton, Washington Redskins. Age: 27 *signed with Giants*
QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P
High-end starters
1) Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns. Age: 28 *transition tagged by Browns*
- Alex Mack is a former first round pick, and amongst the best at his position. He is not the type of player Cleveland can just let walk out of their door. However, with his youth and tremendous size, he will command top dollar on the market. He could very well be paid handsomely to join a new team come March.
Good starters
1) Evan Dietrich-Smith, Green Bay Packers. Age: 28 *signed with Buccaneers*
- Since taking over for Jeff Saturday a couple of season ago, Evan Dietrich-Smith has established himself as a starting center for the Packers. Given the tenuous status of a few other positions on the line, it would be best for the Packers to retain his services. He fits best with a zone-blocking team, and should limit himself to teams that employ it.
2) Dominic Raiola, Detroit Lions. Age: 35 *re-signed with Lions*
- His age is a concern, but Dominic Raiola just turned in his best season to date. Even at 35 years old, it was not uncommon to see Raiola flying down field spring Reggie Bush on long runs this season. He might be tired of Detroit and could certainly find his way to a contender this offseason.
Solid Contributors
1) Brian De La Puente, New Orleans Saints. Age: 29 *signed with Bears*
- The Saints starting center’s play tailed off this season. Brian De La Puente was a nice surprise when he found his way to the starting lineup, but he fell back a bit in 2013. He is still amongst the best 32 centers in the NFL, however.
2) Will Montgomery, Washington Redskins. Age: 31 *signed with Broncos*
- The Redskins are moving away from the Shanahan model for an offensive line, so Will Montgomery became expendable. Montgomery is still a very solid starter if he is placed in a zone blocking scheme. Team's running that system should be very interested in his services.
3) Roberto Garza, Chicago Bears. Age: 35 *re-signed with Bears*
- Roberto Garza has made a fine transition from guard to center for the Bears. He is a very good run blocker, and adequate in pass protection. Garza’s age is a concern, but he might be able to offer a few more quality years. Chicago finally rebuilt their line this season; no need to break it up just yet.
4) Joe Hawley, Atlanta Falcons. Age: 25 *re-signed with Falcons*
- Joe Hawley quickly established himself as the best option for the Falcons at center this season. Not a great player by any means, but you can get away with him as a starter. It will be interesting as to what kind of attention he attracts from outsiders.
5) Jonathan Goodwin, San Francisco 49ers. Age: 35
- Of all the aging centers on the list, Jonathan Goodwin is the one who took the biggest step back. He has always been just about an average talent, but he looked to have lost a bit in 2013. Teams should be very careful how they approach him in free agency.
Role players
1) Fernando Velasco, Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 29
- Brought in to replace the injured Maurkice Pouncey, Fernando Velasco had his share of bright moments. Nevertheless, he was not able to hold the fort for the entire season. His history in the league might get him another job.
2) Phil Costa, Dallas Cowboys. Age: 26 *signed with Colts*
- The former starting center has only appeared in six games the past two seasons, as Phil Costa was made irrelevant by Travis Fredrick's great play. However, he is young and could be a decent backup interior lineman. He should not be your starter.
3) Ryan Wendell, New England Patriots. Age: 28 *re-signed with Patriots*
- Wendell was forced into a starting role for the Patriots, and he was exposed. He is a valuable backup on the interior line, and can start every once and awhile. But keep him out there for too long, and his faults begin to show.
Diamond in the Rough
1) J.D. Walton, Washington Redskins. Age: 27 *signed with Giants*
- J.D. Walton’s career took a turn for the worse when he dislocated an ankle a few years ago. He has not seen the field since, and was waived by the Broncos. The Redskins signed Walton very late in the season, so perhaps he has a future there. He was a decent starter before his injury.
QB--RB--FB--WR--TE--OT--OG--C--Int. DL--Edge Plyr.--LB--CB--S--K/P
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