Bengals.com on C Jason Brown

[Skilly McRailnob]

The Bengals figure to be looking for a young center to anchor their line when Rich Braham no longer can. North Carolina’s Jason Brown is looking to show NFL teams he’s more aft than anchor.

http://www.bengals.com/press/news.asp?iCur...=0&news_id=2725

[schweinhart]

This is Hobson at his finest. An excellent article.

Jason Brown looked pretty agile in the UNC-BC bowl game as far as getting out to block on the screen play, sliding down the line with good space between the guards to run block outside, straightforward power run blocking vs. DTs, and pass protection.

The fact he's shed weight and has the kind of character and background Hobson showed in the article is an indicator IMO that Brown is serious about dedicating himself to play at the next level. The Bengals could do worse than picking him in the 2nd if they didn't think he'd be around in the 3rd or maybe even 4th.

[CJBestInAFC]

Well you know they will get a high pick if they place the transition tag on Rudi and trade him for something like a first or second. Then drafting this guy in the second round would be perfect, and the Bengals would have their future center for years to come.

[HairOnFire]

I haven't seen him play at all this season, but prior to the weight loss I'd argue that Brown wasn't worth a second thought as a potential 2nd round pick.

I'll gladly defer to those who have seen him play more recently, but aren't we talking about a 2nd day prospect?

[schweinhart]

All but maybe 2 or 3 centers would have to be considered Day 2. Last year, only 2 (Jake Grove and Nick Hardwick) were Day 1 picks.

David Baas looks like he goes ahead of Brown and their are definitely others who could go ahead of him too like Mruckzowski, Vince Carter, and Ben Wilkerson. Plus, Junius Coston mentioned in Hobson's article.

Like last year, the Bengals have a need at center and Hobson writing the article is good to see they are considering the position. Is Brown worth a 2nd rd pick -- he's got guard size and looks agile and quick to react plus he might have the mind and desire for it. He's not going to win any foot races, though.

How much he impresses during Senior Bowl week and the combine will go a long way in determining when he's drafted, but the odds are against a center going in Day 1 w/o a doubt.

[HoosierCat]

All depends on whose value board you happen to buy into. nfldraftblitz.com, for example, not only rates Brown as a first day pick, but a first-round pick. Where he or any other center fall on the Bengals' board...who knows? I would be very, very surprised if they took a center in the first round, but not at all surprised if they took one on the first day. Especially if Marvin succeeds in picking up a couple extra second or third round picks.

[HairOnFire]

All depends on whose value board you happen to buy into. nfldraftblitz.com, for example, not only rates Brown as a first day pick, but a first-round pick.

If I was chewing gum I would have swallowed it the moment I read that.

I've yet to stumble across a ranking of center prospects that lists Brown as highest rated, which I think he'd have to be if valued as a potential 1st round pick. In fact, I normally see him ranked as 4th or even 5th round value.

[HoosierCat]

All depends on whose value board you happen to buy into. nfldraftblitz.com, for example, not only rates Brown as a first day pick, but a first-round pick.

If I was chewing gum I would have swallowed it the moment I read that.

I've yet to stumble across a ranking of center prospects that lists Brown as highest rated, which I think he'd have to be if valued as a potential 1st round pick. In fact, I normally see him ranked as 4th or even 5th round value.

The guy at robscouting.com would agree with you. He puts a 5th round value on Brown, and his top center is Vince Carter, on whom he places a third round value.

Everyone's favorite Mariemont druggist doesn't even list Brown in his top 60 (a few months old, admittedly). He has Ben Wilkerson at 33, though, and Carter at 52.

On the other hand, there's blitz, which has Brown No. 1, with a first-round value, and Carter and Wilkerson at 2 and 3. Great Blue North also puts Brown No. 1 (with Chris Spencer at 2 and Wilkerson at 3) but doesn't have a center going in the first two rounds of their mock.

Nothin' like the NFL draft. So much crap, so little time to shovel...

[ArmyBengal]

I don't know anything about this kid at all, however,

All depends on whose value board you happen to buy into. nfldraftblitz.com, for example, not only rates Brown as a first day pick, but a first-round pick.

to worry about anyones predraft ratings is in my opinion a waste of time. Hell, even on draft day last year, who knew ML and MB had Perry as the #1 rated RB ?? Well, at least I didn't. I enjoy looking at the mock drafts and seeing what other people have to say. I like to envision what our draft might turn out to be, however, when it comes down to it, it's all speculation and hopes on our behalf. I would love to be in the Bengals war room on draft day to see things as they happen !!!

WHODEY !!!

[Chucktkd]

The Sporting News has him ranked 9th in the nation.

[Skilly McRailnob]

In his update from the senior bowl this afternoon, kiper said brown "has a chance to end up in the second round" with a nice week.

[BengalNation1281]

nfldraftcountdown.com has Wilkerson at #1 and Brown at #2 in their Center rankings. I would be happy with either, but David Baas would also be worth our second-round pick.

BN1281

[HairOnFire]

to worry about anyones predraft ratings is in my opinion a waste of time.

I wouldn't say I'm worried. I'm well aware of the dubious worth of most value boards at this early date, and it's hardly surprising to me that there's a lack of consensus opinion on most of these prospects. I expect that sort of confusion. I also expect to read the bios of about 60 prospects who are described as potential 1st round picks. About 60 more will make the grade as potential 2nd rounders. Veteran draftniks know that stuff comes with the territory.

That said, when it comes to shopping for centers things seem a little goofier than normal. After all, this is supposed to be another weak crop of center prospects but when have you read where so many are said to be worthy of 1st day consideration? What are we up to now, 5 or 6? So why isn't this considered a strong crop? In addition, I can't remember when so many different players where described as potentially the best at their position. Example: Last year you knew from day one the top guy was Jake Grove...end of story. This year it's this guy, that guy, or even that other guy.

I can't speak for anyone else but all I'd like to be able to do is place prospects in one of two categories, first day guys OR second day guys. However, due to the complete lack of consensus opinion that seems almost impossible to do with any confidence. For example, just look at the varying opinions on Jason Brown.

[schweinhart]

Great Blue North also puts Brown No. 1 (with Chris Spencer at 2 and Wilkerson at 3) but doesn't have a center going in the first two rounds of their mock.

I forgot Chris Spencer declared. He said he's was evaluated to go in the 2nd rd by the NFL service. Plus, he played as much guard as center in 2003 and was 4th yr. junior so he could very well be vying w/ Baas and Brown at the top of the C list.

[HoosierCat]

That said, when it comes to shopping for centers things seem a little goofier than normal. After all, this is supposed to be another weak crop of center prospects but when have you read where so many are said to be worthy of 1st day consideration? What are we up to now, 5 or 6? So why isn't this considered a strong crop?

Probably because there's no slam-dunk first-rounder at the position, a la Jeff Faine. But yeah, I think you're dead on that there appears to be a larger-than-usual group of quality centers who look to come off the board in rounds two through five. And that should be good news for the Bengals, because it means more flexibility at a position they absolutely have to draft.

[membengal]

That said, when it comes to shopping for centers things seem a little goofier than normal. After all, this is supposed to be another weak crop of center prospects but when have you read where so many are said to be worthy of 1st day consideration? What are we up to now, 5 or 6? So why isn't this considered a strong crop?

Probably because there's no slam-dunk first-rounder at the position, a la Jeff Faine. But yeah, I think you're dead on that there appears to be a larger-than-usual group of quality centers who look to come off the board in rounds two through five. And that should be good news for the Bengals, because it means more flexibility at a position they absolutely have to draft.

Exactly to both of you. The C class looks deeper than usual from what I can tell, not weak at all. Bengals should be able to get one, and the one that they want, in the usual spots 2nd or 3rd round, without reaching.

[HairOnFire]

But yeah, I think you're dead on that there appears to be a larger-than-usual group of quality centers who look to come off the board in rounds two through five. And that should be good news for the Bengals, because it means more flexibility at a position they absolutely have to draft.

There it is. It's a position they absolutely have to draft, and my gut tells me that their plans for upgrading the center position will dictate the Bengals overall draft strategy. Simply put, I envision no scenario that has them selecting a center in the 1st round, but I can easily imagine the direction of the 1st round pick being influenced greatly if the Bengals fall hard for any center prospect whose value will demand the use of the 2nd round pick. For example, how seriously can the Bengals entertain the idea of selecting a WR or TE in the 1st round if the center they're targeting dictates the use of the 2nd round pick? Could they really ignore upgrading the defense until the 3rd round? I don't think so.

On the other hand, I think the Bengals overall draft strategy will be freed up dramatically if they conclude that there's little seperating the top 4 or 5 center prospects, and most importantly....they feel they can get a prospect who could start in a year or two with a 3rd or even a 4th round pick.

[schweinhart]

On the other hand, I think the Bengals overall draft strategy will be freed up dramatically if they conclude that there's little seperating the top 4 or 5 center prospects, and most importantly....they feel they can get a prospect who could start in a year or two with a 3rd or even a 4th round pick.

This seems the most likely scenarion IMO -- 3rd or 4th.

However, one factor that might also dictate how the Bengals prioritize center is how other teams prioritize the position.

There's 4 teams -- Seahawks, Broncos, Rams, and Redskins -- that are basically in the same position as the Bengals w/ an aging veteran center who starts.

Plus, there's 3 teams -- Giants, Dolphins, and Cowboys -- that might be looking for a 2005 starter from draft.

There's also 2 teams -- Niners and Packers -- whose starters were injured for much of the year.

Counting the Bengals, that's 10 teams that might pursue center this year. How the top 4 or 5 centers in draft are gauged talent wise and the priority these teams give the position in relation to the rest of the team needs plus best availables could influence MLs decision to draft center earlier than 4th rd.

Zona drafted 2 centers last yr. in 4th and 6th rds, which could be an option for ML to also consider if the draft class justifies the picks.

[HairOnFire]

I've always felt that any team willing to spend a 1st or 2nd round pick on a center is looking for a player who can start immediately. I don't think the Bengals need that. Based upon Marvins remarks they seem very determined to retain Rich Braham for another season, perhaps longer. Having a veteran starter they intend to keep should lessen the need for the top ranked prospect available...if not the desire. Who kows what might happen if they fall hard for one player OR find only one or two prospects that they could live with?

Still, my money is on selecting a center at the very earliest with the 3rd round pick.

[schweinhart]

I'd agree -- 3rd at earliest, maybe 4th or even 5th (seems just like last year )

With 1 exception: if David Baas is available in 2nd rd, Bengals should get him. He's better than Brown and Mruczkowski. But I wouldn't be surprised if the Seahawks pick Baas in the 1st rd.

[BersMrnsT]

According to reports from the Senior Bowl, Brown weighed in at 30+ pounds less than advertised, and was nowhere near as good as he was supposed to be. I'd rather see Baas or Spencer or Wilkerson.