Rank the Most Important Positions

[PhoenixEagles1]

Athlon Sports is my 2nd magazine. They list their top 100 prospects. Not one Center though. I wonder why?

Woops, Ethan Pocic at 58 and Tyler Orlosky at 87

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Athlon Sports is my 2nd magazine. They list their top 100 prospects. Not one Center though. I wonder why?

Okie dokie.

 

[PhoenixEagles1]

Ok, enough of the dodgy crap- I want to see a link to this site.

Wait... my bad. In fairness they did rank the Center class as a "C" not a "B".

 

[Manster7588]

Theres only one LT too. Why do they always always always get drafted before Centers. Because they are more important. Thats why.

LTs also get drafted to play RT and G. I'm not saying C is more important than LT, I'm saying C is more important than you are. A great C solidifies the line. Some teams will grade each position differntly. I'd imagine New England holds t C as very important, since the best chance to beat Brady is pressure up the middle.
There's no black and white answer here.
I said this earlier, if I were building a team, I'd take 2 or 3 years building my lines before I'd take a QB.

 

[PhoenixEagles1]

Okie dokie.

Heres the problem my man. We might be getting into symantics. Its like saying whats more valuable to a car... the engine or the sterring wheel. While I may say engine, others could say... but you cant drive a car without a steering wheel. But its been looooong known that the 4 most important and sought after positions are....

QB
DE
LT
CB

I know Centers are important. Id love to have Fredricks on the Eagles because our Center sucks. Every position is important including special teams players. But Centers were never part of the "MUST HAVE" list.

 

[PhoenixEagles1]

LTs also get drafted to play RT and G. I'm not saying C is more important than LT, I'm saying C is more important than you are. A great C solidifies the line. Some teams will grade each position differntly. I'd imagine New England holds t C as very important, since the best chance to beat Brady is pressure up the middle.
There's no black and white answer here.
I said this earlier, if I were building a team, I'd take 2 or 3 years building my lines before I'd take a QB.

I agree. I dont think NE looks at Center as important because they never draft them. If they truly thought it was critical they'd be drafting them. And drafting them high. Like I said Id love to have Fredricks. Hes awesome. But the Eagles had a good OLine with the worst Center in the NFL.

 

[PhoenixEagles1]

But like I said before... I'd rather have Dak, T Smith, Z Martin, Zeek, Dez all before him (And Fredricks is the best Center in the NFL)because I dont think Centers are overly critical. Nice to have, YES. Critical, no!

 

[Manster7588]

I agree. I dont think NE looks at Center as important because they never draft them. If they truly thought it was critical they'd be drafting them. And drafting them high. Like I said Id love to have Fredricks. Hes awesome. But the Eagles had a good OLine with the worst Center in the NFL.

There you go using the draft as a guide
Why draft a C if Belichick can find one free later on. Hell Brady was a 6th round pick, I'd say he's pretty damn important, wouldn't you?

 

[Manster7588]

The draft is nothing but a calculated roll of the dice. How many "Important" no. 1 pick QBs have busted out of the league?

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Huhh? Why not? I didnt try anything. Im reporting what others are saying. They are saying 7 QBs going in the first two rounds and ZERO Centers in the first two rounds. Wanna know why. Centers arent valued.

A B class is a joke when Mitch Morse, Rodney Hudson, Cameron Erving, Cody Whitehair, Hroniss Grasu, Ryan Kalil, Travis Frederick, Tony Bergstrom, both Pouncey brothers, and Ryan Kelly have all gone higher than what they are projecting the top rated center in recent years. Alex Mack happens to be a 1st round center himself.

Edit: Now I see why- it's actually a C class. It's a bad class.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

Heres the problem my man. We might be getting into symantics. Its like saying whats more valuable to a car... the engine or the sterring wheel. While I may say engine, others could say... but you cant drive a car without a steering wheel. But its been looooong known that the 4 most important and sought after positions are....

QB
DE
LT
CB

I know Centers are important. Id love to have Fredricks on the Eagles because our Center sucks. Every position is important including special teams players. But Centers were never part of the "MUST HAVE" list.

An elite center I'd argue opens up the playbook more than you're letting on, but I digress. A true WR1 over a center? Sure. A WR2? Nah. A DE like Vernon? Ok. A 2 gapper? Nah. More layers to this than you let on.

 

[PhoenixEagles1]

The draft is nothing but a calculated roll of the dice. How many "Important" no. 1 pick QBs have busted out of the league?

A lot have. But that strengthens my point even more. Teams drafting bust QB's has nothing to do with position importance. Teams over draft QB's every year and take lesser QB's over superstar Kickers and superstar Centers... because Centers arent important and QB is.

Getting a late gem at QB like Brady has absolutely NOTHING to do with the value of positions. There is only one reason why Centers, Punters, Kickers NEVER get drafted high and its because they arent as important as other positions.

 

[Fountain City Blues]

A lot have. But that strengthens my point even more. Teams drafting bust QB's has nothing to do with position importance. Teams over draft QB's every year and take lesser QB's over superstar Kickers and superstar Centers... because Centers arent important and QB is.

Getting a late gem at QB like Brady has absolutely NOTHING to do with the value of positions. There is only one reason why Centers, Punters, Kickers NEVER get drafted high and its because they arent as important as other positions.

You can convert guards to center, you can't do the same with QB. You can find a near infinite supply of kickers that could kick in the NFL- and not surprisingly FG% has been rising for years on years now. Supply and demand can also factor in here.

 

[PhoenixEagles1]

An elite center I'd argue opens up the playbook more than you're letting on, but I digress. A true WR1 over a center? Sure. A WR2? Nah. A DE like Vernon? Ok. A 2 gapper? Nah. More layers to this than you let on.

I agree. Its great having a star Center. 2 years ago Jason Kelce in CHip Kellys scheme was absolutely fantastic. But it has always been know to win in this league you need a QB, you need to pressure the QB (DE), you need to protect your QB's blindside (LT) and you need a lead CB in a passing league. In the list of importance Centers cant touch those valuable positions and again, for the 100th time, thats EXACTLY why teams dont draft Center in the top 10 of the 1st round. EVER!

 

[Fountain City Blues]

I agree. Its great having a star Center. 2 years ago Jason Kelce in CHip Kellys scheme was absolutely fantastic. But it has always been know to win in this league you need a QB, you need to pressure the QB (DE), you need to protect your QB's blindside (LT) and you need a lead CB in a passing league. In the list of importance Centers cant touch those valuable positions and again, for the 100th time, thats EXACTLY why teams dont draft Center in the 1st round. EVER!

Yet they do... In the 1st round.


Alex Mack, Erving, Travis Frederick, and the Pounceys beg to differ. Ryan Kelly... list will only get longer.

 

[jerseyhawksfan79]

What's hard to understand? I said only 3 out of 32 teams in the last 1/2 decade drafted Centers in the late 1st. That doesn't mean teams draft them I'm the late first... it means about one team out of ever ten drafted a C in the late 1st perfectly illustrating that teams don't put high values on Centers.

This is also so stupid and you're a nimrod too Manster if you think C are valuable. You can tell how valued positions are by where they are drafted. Why has a Center never ever ever been drafted in the top 10. Even blue chip all pro hall of fame potential Centers have never ever ever been drafted in the top 10. Want to know why? Cause it's one of the lesser valued position. Why do QBs, DE, LT always get picked in the top 10. Care they are more important

Teams that draft C's in the first and second round is deemed high value. Not many teams draft C's every year cause it's not a revolving door unlike other positions like o-line, d-line, cb's etc. You don't need much needed depth vs other positions. Now you are correct 3 out of 32 did draft C's mid to late first but incorrect on your previous statement that teams rarely or never draft C's. You may think it's a lesser valued position but 32 GM's would disagree with you.

 

[jerseyhawksfan79]

Read and learn....

Ranking each position's importance, from quarterback to returner



1) Quarterback


There's no disputing the importance of the position in 2015. The quarterback is not only the team's biggest decision maker, but his ability to make timely plays and efficiently manage the game routinely determines which team lands in the winner's circle at the end of the season.



2) Designated pass rusher 1 (RDE/ROLB)


3) Left tackle




4) Left cornerback


The NFL's growing emphasis on the passing game makes it imperative to have a talented cover corner in the lineup to discourage throws to the prominent side of the field (for a right-handed QB). While some teams elect to have their top corner "travel" -- to match up with the opponent's top receiver -- traditionalists play the percentages and position their top cover man on the side quarterbacks target the most.

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5) Wide receiver 1




6) Defensive tackle




7) Running back


Many of the top teams in the NFL still rely on a powerful ground game fueled by a dominant runner. The presence of a standout RB alleviates the pressure on the quarterback and gives the offense the balance needed to win against elite defenses.



8) Designated pass rusher 2 (LDE/LOLB)


Ideally, elite defenses have the capacity to attack the passer from both edges. While the DPR1 typically commands the bulk of attention, a dynamic edge rusher on the strong side can exploit an inferior pass protector at right tackle and speed up the quarterback's internal clock.


9) Middle linebacker


The "Mike" linebacker remains the primary communication position on defense. He takes the call from the sideline and is primarily responsible for making the adjustments along the front line. In addition, the Mike patrols the box from sideline to sideline and racks up a ton of tackles as the fast-flow player on the second level.



10) Tight end


The rules restricting excessive contact and big hits on defenseless receivers have led more teams to feature an athletic, big-bodied tight end in the passing game. These basketball-like athletes are outstanding red-zone weapons, but they primarily do their damage between the hashes on various "post-up" plays. With offensive coordinators intent on making life easier for the quarterback, the presence of a big target in the middle increases the efficiency of the passing game.



11) Free safety


Most defensive coordinators still subscribe to the theory that elite defenses are strong down the middle. Thus, teams are constantly searching for an impact "MOF" (middle of the field) playmaker to discourage throws between the numbers. Ball skills, instincts and solid tackling ability are required for this critical role in the back end.



12) Weak-side linebacker

The 4-3 defense is no longer the predominant scheme of choice in the NFL, but "Will" linebackers remain designated playmakers for teams employing the system. These active LBs are encouraged to shoot through open gaps to hit runners in the backfield, and they're incorporated into the pass rush on creative blitzes. Thus, the best players at the position are explosive, athletic and instinctive.



13) Right tackle


The notion of right tackles playing primarily as run blockers has changed with more teams relying on the passing game. Pass protectors on the right side must be able to move defenders off the ball while also displaying the agility and lateral quickness to shadow electric edge rushers. Although most teams will, at times, use a running back or tight end to help in protection, the position now requires better athletes and pass blockers.



14) Right cornerback


Offensive coordinators routinely throw away from the opponent's top cover corner, leading to more throws to the defensive right. Consequently, defensive coaches are placing better athletes and technicians at right cornerback, to suffocate the passing game.



15) Right guard


The utilization of "slide" protection requires teams to place a solid pass blocker at right guard. This scheme routinely pushes the center to the left to help the left guard, leaving the right guard to face a talented defensive tackle in a one-on-one matchup. In the run game, right guards must be able to move defensive tackles and cut off linebackers on the second level.


16) Wide receiver 2


Despite the increased importance of the WR1 and tight end in most NFL passing games, offensive coordinators still covet a legitimate threat on the back side capable of forcing the defense to defend the entire field. Although most WR2s aren't capable of carrying a passing game over the entire season, the best ones have the capacity to anchor the offense on a short-term basis. Thus, they offer tremendous value for teams built around the play of the quarterback.


17) Center


Some would argue that the center deserves a higher spot on this list, due to his important role as communicator and leader. The center controls most of the adjustments at the line, alleviating some of the pressure on the quarterback to act as the traffic cop. Although offensive coaches place a greater emphasis on instincts and football aptitude, the players at the position with superior athleticism and agility allow creative play designers to utilize crafty schemes at the point of attack.



18) Strong safety


Strong safeties are pegged as run stoppers, but defensive coordinators also expect them to act as enforcers in the middle of the field on passing plays. Big hitters not only discourage receivers from venturing between the hashes, but their presence in the middle forces quarterback to look elsewhere for high-percentage completions. Given their overall impact, strong safeties might be a tad underrated in the team-building process.


19) Strong-side linebacker


The reduced role of the running game has turned "Sam" linebackers into two-down players -- unless they exhibit special qualities on passing downs (blitz/pass-rush ability or cover skills). The premier players at the position are versatile defenders with superb agility and athleticism.

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20) Left guard


Every position along the offensive line has a significant impact on the production of the offense, but many coaches will stash their most vulnerable front-line blocker at left guard. The position requires a blocker to possess the strength and power to move defenders off the ball on running plays, but coaches can mask a player's deficiencies at the point of attack by instructing the center to double-team or chip before climbing to the second level. The same tactics can be employed in pass protection, depending on the athleticism and agility of the left guard.

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21) Nose tackle

Nose tackles are viewed as run stuffers, but the elite players at the position also possess the skills to collapse the pocket up the middle. Depending on the scheme (3-4 or 4-3) and skills of the player, a nose tackle typically isn't factored into the pass rush. Thus, an NT capable of delivering significant sack production brings more value to a defense.



22) Wide receiver 3


The aerial evolution of the NFL has led most teams to feature a WR3 (or TE2) instead of a fullback in the starting lineup. Although most WR3s will align in the slot, some teams will move one of their top receivers inside to exploit a favorable matchup against a nickel corner. As a result, the job description for a WR3 is team-specific, but many squads count on the sub-pass catcher to come in and make plays when the defense makes a concerted effort to snuff out the WR1.


23) Kicker


Kickers are routinely treated as afterthoughts by casual observers, but coaches certainly appreciate a scorer capable of putting points on the board from long distance. Kickers adept at knocking the ball through the uprights from 50-plus yards expand the scoring zone for the offense, providing the coordinator with more play-calling options.


24) Punter


The field-position battle doesn't show up prominently in the box score, but coaches understand the crucial role punters play in flipping the field. Securing a punter capable of combining hang time and distance is important, but some coaches prefer guys able to consistently knock the ball down inside the 20-yard line on "coffin corner" kicks.



25) Return specialist


The recent rule change on kickoffs has led to more touchbacks and dramatically reduced the role of the kick returner, but special teams coaches still covet a playmaker at the position. Returners capable of pushing the ball out past the 30-yard line not only increase the odds of scoring on offense, but they set the table for winning the field-position battle. Punt returners have more opportunities to impact the game in today's NFL; special teams mavens look for guys with the potential to average 10-plus yards on each touch.

This is Bucky Brook's opinion on his ranking which is fine but 32 different GM's will have different ranking system every year. Yes C is way down on Bucky's list but it might be towards the top for another GM or dead last for another GM who's team doesn't need to draft one.

 

[Clayton]

Nose Tackle seems low on that list.

 

[soxfan1468927]

And you're lost if you think teams value the Center position. Why has no team ever ever ever drafted a Center in the top 10 if its sooooooo important. Just answer that question. WHY HAS NO TEAM EVER DRAFTED A CENTER IN THE TOP 10 IF ITS SUCH A CRUCIAL POSITION?

They have...

No one has in 50 years, but that qualifies as "ever"

 

[PhoenixEagles1]

Teams that draft C's in the first and second round is deemed high value. Not many teams draft C's every year cause it's not a revolving door unlike other positions like o-line, d-line, cb's etc. You don't need much needed depth vs other positions. Now you are correct 3 out of 32 did draft C's mid to late first but incorrect on your previous statement that teams rarely or never draft C's. You may think it's a lesser valued position but 32 GM's would disagree with you.

I never said teams don't draft Centers. I said and meant they don't draft rhem in the early 1st. Of course teams draft C. But they never ever go in the top 10 because all 32 GM'S know it's a lower valued position