2025 NFL Draft: Top 10 centers

A good offensive line starts with a smart center. There were 12 centers selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, and there are potential stars in this class, as well. Here is a look at the top 10 centers entering the 2024-2025 season.

10- Maurice Smith, Florida State

Smith has good football IQ and can swiftly get to the second level. He is effective at calling out blitzes and stunts and understands each player’s assignments on the offensive line. On the downside, Smith struggles to strike with solid power when moving or pulling. He has heavy and slow feet when setting up in the passing game.

9- Logan Jones, Iowa

Jones is a former defensive tackle who just started playing center in 2022. He is exceptionally strong, he set the Iowa squat record by squatting 700 pounds. He has a non-stop motor and he never stops competing, play in and play out through each whistle. He drops back smoothly in pass protection and is a very cerebral player on the line. He is athletic but gets off balance when running and blocking on the second level. He is still on the raw side, though he has shown major improvement each season.

8- Jake Slaughter, Florida

Slaughter is a tall 6-foot-5 center who uses his reach to his advantage. He is strong enough to attack defenders before they can get into his body. Slaughter has a strong lower body that he uses to hit and drive opponents off the ball. His hand technique and placement can be off, leading to not being able to sustain his blocks. 

7- Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State

McLaughlin is a former Alabama center who transferred to Ohio State, where he will now have to battle out another top center in the class, Carson Hinzman. McLaughlin struggled with his snaps in last year’s Rose Bowl against Michigan and entered the portal soon after the game. He is a power-run scheme center who understands defensive schemes. McLaughlin succeeds in short yardage areas where he can hit and drive. In pass protection, he struggles with lunging and not making square contact to defenders. His snap location is also an issue that needs to be addressed. With Hinzman on board, look for McLaughlin to possibly move to a guard position, to help with depth.

6- Eli Cox, Kentucky

Cox is an athletic center who is an aggressive puller and is able to get to the second level and be a presence. He has played guard in the past and that versatility and knowledge of assignments should help him in the NFL. His pass protection skills are not consistent enough and he has problems against bigger and stronger defenders.

5- Jared Wilson, Georgia

Wilson is one of the most athletic centers in the country. He uses his lateral agility to move side to side quickly and effectively. Wilson is a fierce competitor who explodes off the ball and strikes defenders before they can get inside his arms. He is still raw with his footwork and when he drops back in pass protection he loses his balance at times.

4- Zeke Correll, N.C. State

Correll is a transfer from Notre Dame who has mostly played center, but did play left guard for the Fighting Irish in 2021. His biggest strong point is using leverage to help to contain defenders rushing the quarterback. He positions his body well and understands angles. Correll is not very athletic and can be beaten to spots by quicker players.

3- Carson Hinzman, Ohio State

Hinzman is an athletic center with smooth and controlled movement, and he is able to get to the second level. He is a high character player that understands different defensive schemes and packages. He's a very cerebral player who has leadership qualities. Hinzman has trouble at times with his snap location and has been benched because of it. He needs to add strength to be better at holding up to bull rushes up the middle.

2- Bryce Foster, Texas A&M

Foster is one of the most complete centers in the 2025 draft class. At 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, he has had success against the top level of competition in the SEC. Not going to wow you athletically, and at times his lack of agility affects him against quicker opponents.

1- Parker Brailsford, Alabama

Brailsford is a transfer from Washington. He is extremely quick and mobile and explodes to the second level where he gets to defenders before they have time to set up. He is short and compact (6-foot-2) and gains leverage by getting underneath defenders' pads. He needs to add strength and will need to add weight to his 275 pound body. If he can smoothly make the transition from the PAC-12 to the SEC, he has a chance to go in the top two rounds in 2025.