With the Cleveland Browns release of J.C. Tretter, they opened a hole at center. Can they find a center in the 2022 NFL Draft?
The Cleveland Browns have a hole in the middle of their offensive line. Center has been an issue for the Browns for years. Since center Alex Mack left, the Browns have tried to draft multiple options before settling the position by acquiring J.C. Tretter in free agency. Tretter stabilized the position and contributed to the burgeoning winning culture. But that is all over now.
The quarterback-center relationship is one of the most important in the NFL. Yet, it is never talked about in the media. Players talk about it. Just ask any quarterback with the last name Manning about it. So, it’s imperative that the Browns settle on the future of the center position sooner than later.
If the future is center Nick Harris, great! If not, here are some options in the upcoming NFL draft for the Browns to consider.
Cleveland Browns center option No. 1: Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
If the Browns are looking to lock down center for the next 10 years, they need to draft Tyler Linderbaum out of Iowa. Linderbaum is the best center prospect in the draft. He’s probably the best offensive line prospect in the draft.
He plays at Iowa. This means he has had the best offensive line coaching at the college level. It shows. Linderbaum is absolutely pro-ready. Just draft him and plug him in.
He does everything the Browns need. He is ultra-athletic in zone blocking. He can reach a tackle lined up over the guard beside him. He has excellent balance. He effectively fights with his hands. He recognizes defensive line stunts and games.
If, for some act of God, Linderbaum falls in the draft like Jeremiah Owosu-Koramoah, the Browns need to pounce. Linderbaum should not make it out of the top 20. If he falls beyond that, he will never make it past the Cincinnati Bengals.
If the Browns want Linderbaum, they will have to give up some assets. For a team with bigger needs than center, this will not happen. But one can hope.
Cleveland Browns center option No. 2: Luke Fortner, Kentucky
Another option at center for the Browns is Kentucky’s Luke Fortner. Fortner switched to center from guard this past season at Kentucky. Despite his experience as a guard, he is best suited to play center in the NFL. Kentucky played a zone-style scheme much like the Browns do. Fortner excelled in his role as a guard and center.
On the positive side, Fortner fits exactly what the Browns do. He’s quick, has a good base, plays with effective leverage, and is quick off the ball. This is exactly what the Browns are looking for. Further, Fortner will have two Master’s degrees by the end of the Spring semester of 2022.
He’s smart. He plays smart. He’s quick and plays with leverage. This man just sounds like a Cleveland Brown.
On the negative side, his pass blocking could use some work. He needs to work on his base. He shows an average strike with his hands. He needs to get better with hand fighting. These things will come with training and coaching.
The Browns have an elite training staff. They have possibly the best offensive line coach in the NFL. One or two years of training and coaching and Fortner could be a solid NFL starter.
If Luke Fortner is available is around in Round 3, the Browns should take him. He has all the makings of a solid Cleveland offensive lineman.
Cleveland Browns center option No. 3: Dylan Parham, Memphis
Dylan Parham of Memphis is the third option for the Browns. He’s another smaller, quicker guard who is an ideal fit for the Browns outside zone scheme. However, he has not played center full time in college.
He will be changing to the position as he comes into the NFL. Changing positions at the NFL level is always a tricky proposition.
Not only is Parham changing from guard to center but he had previously played tight end before transitioning to the interior offensive line. This means his blocking skills will be a little behind the others in the draft. But the upside is that he will be available in the later rounds as a project with some upside.
As one would expect from a tight end turned IOL, Parham has excellent mobility. He is quick and takes good blocking angles. He also has good balance as a blocker. He has very good strike technique as a blocker allowing him to win at hand fighting.
Also as one would expect, he is raw in pass protection. His feet remain unsettled which causes him to lose power against bull rushers. He’s small compared to other offensive linemen, which is why he was originally a tight end.
The Browns could probably get Parham as a day three pick. The advantage would be a guy learning to play center who has extensive experience blocking as a tight end. The position versatility would be exactly what the Browns would want out of an extra interior lineman. He could be a 3rd or 4th tight end as a blocking tight end.