NFL Draft: Quick run down on top 3 centers Ravens can target

The NFL Draft is coming and the Ravens are looking for help in the middle of their offensive line. The center position has some great prospects in this year’s draft crop. Three options stand out from the rest of the group. In this trio of choices, there is no wrong answer. Each of these centers is a bit different, though there isn’t much separation.

1. Josh Myers (Ohio State)

Myers isn’t the consensus number one center in this draft class. He’s on the top of my list though, and let me explain why that is the case. Myers is fundamentally sound. He has a nice solid base. His footwork is spot on and he’s an athlete that can make all the blocks.

Myers is built like a left tackle and he plays in the middle of the offensive line. Then when you add how smooth functioning of an athlete he is, it’s an intriguing possibility. Myers is the center that fits the Baltimore Ravens offense the most. His length and quickness will help him reach all the blocks that Greg Roman can think up for the starting center.

Myers has the highest ceiling in my opinion. While his measurables are right on par with Landon Dickerson’s, Myers is the athlete that makes it look the easiest. He’s the dancing bear that you look for at the offensive tackle position yet he’s a center. I didn’t expect to have a player sneak up on Dickerson or Humphrey in my rankings. Myers is just that impressive.

Myers is likely to be a second-round pick. The Ravens could realistically get a player with first-round traits in the second round. With the top three centers being so closely grouped in terms of talent, value is a big deal. If Creed Humphrey and Landon Dickerson go before Myers. it’s not like it’s going to start a run at the center position.

2. Creed Humphrey (Oklahoma)

The first thing that stands out about Creed Humphrey, a player that has been considered the top prospect at center for most of the draft process, is that he’s what you would expect. Humphrey has phenomenal upper body strength. Humphrey has a strong and thick frame and he can plow defensive tackles out of the way.

There isn’t a lot to dislike about Humphrey. At times he over relies on his upper body strength and needs to get his feet chopping a bit more. He’s a bit stiff and his game is built on power much more than grace. He’s not perfect, though when you watch the tape, nothing surprises you or gives you too much concern.

Humphrey is a safe pick for the Ravens in the first round. He’s one of the most respected offensive linemen in this draft class. If the Ravens draft Humphrey he’ll probably be a starter for a long time. Humphrey is the Honda Accord of this draft class.

He’s a dependable player who is objectively good though it may not be as exciting as a top-tier pass rusher or a receiver with glorious potential. The Ravens couldn’t go wrong by taking Humphrey.

3. Landon Dickerson (Alabama)

If it weren’t for the injury history with Dickerson, he might be the number one guy on the list. Dickerson has missed a lot of games from multiple injuries.

He’s just like the other two prospects, a towering figure in the middle of the offensive line. His traits are as obvious as the grass is green. Dickerson has great footwork and his feet never stop. Dickerson may be the best pass blocker out of all three prospects.

Dickerson comes from the best offensive line in college football. On a slightly related note, Alex Leatherwood is also a prospect the Ravens should look at for the offensive tackle position. Dickerson looks at the part and passes the eye test.

The one knock is the injury history. If he didn’t get hurt in the 2020 SEC Championship game, after having a series of major injuries in his collegiate career, this would be a much safer prospect. That’s the one blemish on an otherwise awesome prospect.