3 centers the Jacksonville Jaguars should draft with pick 57
The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming into the 2023 NFL Draft with hopes that they can be amongst the best teams in the NFL by the time they reach training camp. Of course, that is a real possibility considering they were one of the best teams down the stretch in 2022-23.
They won their division and a playoff game so it is clear that they were very good. In addition to that, the team they lost to by one score ended up winning the Super Bowl. Now, it is time to try and get back to that point again in 2023-24.
One position they might try to address this off-season is center. There are some free agents out there but the draft is a great way to find a guy who can play there for you over the next decade. The Jaguars might want to think about going that route as they are early in the window.
The Jaguars probably won’t draft a center with their first-round pick but the second-round pick is a very real possibility.
The Jacksonville Jaguars might want to consider a center in the second round.
Pick 57 is where the Jaguars are scheduled to come up first in the second-round and there are going to be some really good centers there. These are three to consider choosing from:
1. John Michael Schmitz – Minnesota
If John Michael Schmitz out of Minnesota is there for the Jags at pick 57, they should really consider drafting him. He won’t be the first center drafted but he is in the range of the Jaguars when it comes to the second round.
This is a kid who is receiving high grades because he can both run block and pass block which is what people look for in centers. The ability to have good chemistry with Trevor Lawrence is going to be the key for them as well.
2. Joe Tippman – Wisconsin
The Big Ten seems to be pumping out some good centers for this draft. Joe Tippman out of Wisconsin is someone that the Jaguars can absolutely consider picking when they come up to this spot of the draft.
There are a few things for him to work on when it comes to playing this position but the Jaguars have coaches that can help him take advantage of both his speed and athleticism.
3. Luke Wypler – Ohio State
By complete accident, the Big Ten has all three of the best centers available for the Jaguars to consider with the 57th pick. Sometimes, that is just how it goes.
Luke Wypler might be the best of the three for a variety of reasons but he brings something else that the other two have done. That is the experience in the College Football Playoff.
There are a lot of great players but learning how to win big games is very important. He knows what it is like to play against elite players while having elite players around him on his team.
Improving this position is important for every team as it is the most underrated spot on the field. This is literally the first person to touch the football on a play. Knowing your position is very important.