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The center position is one of the weakest in the 2012 NFL Draft class. The five players listed below are the only centers rated as draftable by Sports Illustrated. Of those, only Wisconsin center Peter Konz has a chance to be selected Thursday night in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Ben Jones (Georgia), David Molk (Michigan) and Mike Brewster (Ohio State) could all sneak into the second day of the draft if enough teams are needy at the center position.
Let's take a closer look as we continue our position-by-position previews of the upcoming draft.
Top 5 Centers [Rated By SI.com]
1. Peter Konz, Wisconsin
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report | SB Nation Video | SI.com Profile
2. Ben Jones, Georgia
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report | SI.com Profile | Big Blue View Prospect Profile
3. David Molk, Michigan
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report | SI.com Profile
4. Mike Brewster, Ohio State
Mocking The Draft Scouting Report | SI.com Profile
5. Williams Vlachos, Alabama
SI.com Profile
New York Giants
Center David Baas did not have a good year in 2011, his first with the Giants after signing as a free agent. Injuries and the lack of an offseason program made it difficult for him. The Giants are always patient with both free agents and draft choices, so they won't rush to replace Baas. If, however, Konz slides to No. 32 he will be difficult to pass up. He can also play guard, which would give the Giants flexibility.
New York Jets
They have Nick Mangold, meaning they should not need a new starting center anytime soon. The Jets, however, struggled along the line when Mangold missed time with an ankle injury in 2011. If they identify a center they like in the middle to late rounds trying to groom a quality backup for Mangold, a perennial Pro Bowler, is possible. Jones has visited with the Jets.