Centers - 2027 NFL Draft Preview

 

Three year starter, Honolulu, HI. First team FWAA All-American and second team All-Big 10 in 2025. He passed on entering the draft to continue his journey as a Hawaiian center protégée. A physically thick body type, with exceptional strength. Has heavy legs, forming a solid base and is overall a big stout player. An excellent pass protector, Iapani has an awareness and ability to shut down the inside pass rush lanes. Has a stout punch, which combined with great hand placement and quick feet form a formidable combination. Secures the interior and then climbs upfield. Has an excellent anchor that eliminates any threat. Shows a good snap and stab exchange. Shows short choppy steps. Has overall average quickness on zone blocking. Sometimes leans a bit too forward. Shorter for a highly rated player. Pass blocking while excellent, his run blocking is more average. Will continue to develop his “tool box”. An early round draft choice who will plug in for the team that drafts him.

 

 

Four year starter, Bethlehem, PA. Spent three years at Virginia Tech, two as a starter before transferring to LSU in 2025. At Virginia Tech he played alongside his brother Kaden. Moore has a full season at left guard followed by three consecutive seasons at center. Stayed an extra year at LSU rather than entering the draft last year. Very comfortable as the leader of the offensive line. With 43 career starts his body of work is vast. Excellent off snapping hand work. Good footwork with the guards with quick lateral moves and a firm pass set. Shows a good knee bend and lower power source when loading up to deliver the blow. Will sometimes reach for the defender at the second level, and needs to bring his feet with him. Have some concerns about his overall quickness in space. Occasionally lets the defender get to his edge. Although considered undersized, he plays with a good understanding of the position, playing with leverage and is seldom out of position. A continuing work in progress, he should be an excellent mid round pick.

 

 

Three year starter, East Orange, NJ. Arrived at Nebraska as a sought after defensive line prospect before moving to guard. Switched to center in 2025 and has 26 starts as a guard and center. In 13 starts last season, gave up 0 sacks. Equally strong, both as a run blocker and pass protector, a skill few centers have. Has a strong anchor which shows up in pass protection. Has an effective punch and mirror in one on one pass protection. Shows solid footwork and can get movement on defensive tackles. Quick enough to get to the second level and is a reliable player making few mistakes. Shows leadership on and off the field. Anchored an offensive line that had blocked for the Big 10’s leading rusher. His lack of height is a concern. Shows some chinks in his armor against big mobile defensive tackles. In the right situation, he can help a club at the next level. Most likely will be drafted in the middle rounds.

 

 

Four year starter, Lynwood, WA. Only started one game in 2024 and then missed the entire season with a torn MCL. Enters his second season as the starting center at Texas A&M after starting at guard in 2023. Last season he showed no ill effects from the knee. A big bodied center, he has ideal length and bulk for an interior offensive lineman. From all accounts, Nabou has shown quality leadership and has brought stability to the Aggies’ offensive line. Last season he gave up 12 quarterback pressures and 0 sacks allowed. Can play all three offensive line positions. Gathers under control, and runs his feet well. Gets movement on run blocks when he latches on. Has solid feet in pass protection and is quick to help when uncovered. Makes good adjustments on protection schemes. The ability to run block needs to grow. Being able to stay on the defender and move his feet is a trait that can still be developed. Sinks a bit too deep which hampers his ability to redirect. Needs to keep his head up for late dogs. Needs to play stronger with his upper body. A late round draft choice based on his current playing status which can escalate this season.

 

 

Two year starter, Auburn, AL. Second team All-SEC in 2025. Son of Georgia’s offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo. Entering his second season as Georgia’s center, he has physically developed himself into a longer bodied snapper. A weight room warrior who has continued remodeling his physical attributes. Last season gave up 0 sacks or pressures in 11 starts. He has a great understanding of what the offense is trying to accomplish and is the leader of the front five. His physical ability and understanding allow him to keep the pocket clean for the quarterback. Very good punch and mirror in pass protection. He keeps his hands positioned inside with a firm pop. Plays against some behemoth defensive tackles in the SEC and flashes power and above average footwork in run blocking. Generates some movement and can get to the second level. Needs to continue to develop his agility which will help his mobility in run blocking. Has had some nagging injuries, for the most part he has played through them. A little high on pulls which causes some missed blocks. Solid NFL upside.

 

Minnesota - 6060 / 320 | SR

 

Notre Dame - 6050 / 312 | RS SR

 

Texas Tech - 6050 / 300 | SR

 

Ohio State - 6030 / 306 | RS SR

 

Kentucky - 6030 / 318 | RS SR