Who might our new starting Center be? - The Orange Mane

montrose · 02-24-2010, 07:07 PM

With Wiegmann gone, we're going into our first offseason in a long time not knowing who will be anchoring the OL. Could it be a FA like Kevin Mawae? Maybe a rookie found in the draft? Or prehaps someone already on the roster like Seth Olsen. What do you guys think?

gyldenlove · 02-24-2010, 07:21 PM

I doubt we go for Mawae.

I would think we are looking at maybe Olsen, but I wouldn't be surprised to us swing a deal for a backup somewhere who might have some promise.

Killericon · 02-24-2010, 07:28 PM

I wouldn't mind us getting Chris Spencer if he was available for cheap.

strafen · 02-24-2010, 07:44 PM

I'm sure we have some back-ups. I'll be more concerned about getting a solid long-term starter
Speaking of Seth Olsen, I was doing some research and couldn't find anything listing him as a center in college.
I did find this scouting report, though...

Quote:

Positives: Naturally large man with good weight distribution. Good initial quickness off the snap. Very good hand placement and upper-body strength. Seems to enjoy the physical hand-to-hand combat inside the trenches. Good strength to latch onto the defender, turn and either sustain his position or toss the defender onto ground for a pancake block. Underrated short-area lateral quickness and balance to hold up in pass protection. Plays with good leverage despite his height. Versatile blocker who has started at right guard, right tackle and left tackle over the past two years. Impressive week of practice at the East-West Shrine game.
Negatives: Strong and technically refined, but isn't an elite athlete. Only phone-booth quickness. Struggles adjusting in space at the second level. Lumbers after a few steps and is forced to lunge at defenders. Lacks the deep kick-step and elite lateral quickness to handle the left tackle position, though he has experience there. May struggle on the outside at right tackle.

From NFL.com

Quote:

Overview
Nationally underrated, Olsen leaves Iowa as a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a rising prospect on NFL boards due to his size, strength, durability and versatility. A four-year contributor, Olsen started each of the past two seasons, primarily on the right side of the line, but also seeing some action at left tackle.
He was first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media and coaches while primarily at right guard in 2008 after garnering honorable mention honors at right tackle as a junior. A strong showing throughout the week at the East-West Shrine Game might have secured Olsen's place as a second-day draft selection. Had an arm span of 33 1/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

GoBroncos84 · 02-24-2010, 07:47 PM

I think they will be looking at power blocking centers in the draft. Pouncey, Walton, and E. Olsen could all be options. Kuper and Olsen are probably the guards unless we add a free agent or draft that position. I don't see many options via free agency for center

Bronco Boy · 02-24-2010, 07:49 PM

Ziggy · 02-24-2010, 07:50 PM

Why all of the buzz about Olsen playing center? He's never played the position.

strafen · 02-24-2010, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziggy

Why all of the buzz about Olsen playing center? He's never played the position.

That's what I've just found out.
Though he played guard and tackle in college, it's tackle that seems to be his strong point...

strafen · 02-24-2010, 08:03 PM

CBS Sports.com lists the top-100 2010 prospects for the 2010 draft.
Only two centers made that list.

Maurkice Pouncey
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 318 | Position:OL | College: Florida

Quote:

02/11/2010 - PRO POTENTIAL: OL Maurkice Pouncey - Pouncey, who declared for the NFL draft on Jan. 11, has accepted an invitation to attend the NFL combine in Indianapolis. He's projected as a first-to second-round pick.
02/02/2010 - OL Maurkice Pouncey, one of five Florida Gators this season to declare early for the NFL draft, is working out at Disney's Wide World of Sports while twin brother Mike Pouncey prepares for another year in Gainesville. The decision to leave his brother was difficult but necessary, Pouncey told the Sentinel on Monday. Mike, a guard, will play center, Maurkice's old position, in 2010. "I felt like I wanted to start something new with my life," said Pouncey, who trains with Tom Shaw's Performance Enhancement. "Once we got a lot of information back, we talked about the fact that if he came back, he'd do a great job at center and be more versatile at the next level. The decision became a little easier once we both realized that." Pouncey, a potential firstrounder and top center in the draft, said he has accepted an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine beginning Feb. 24. The Gators lost four other juniors - TE Aaron Hernandez, DE Carlos Dunlap, CB Joe Haden and S Major Wright -to the draft. "I'm a competitor, a leader," said Pouncey about why a team should draft him. "I'm all for the team. I feel like I'm athletic enough." Urban Meyer's job flipflopping and uncertainty surrounding the program did not affect Pouncey's decision, he said. "He's definitely going to be back," Pouncey said. "When he did decide to take time off, it was just a little bit of stress." - The Orlando Sentinel.com

Player Ratings
Position	Overall	Pos. Rank	Proj. Round
C	30	1	1-2

The other one is perhaps my first choice, simply because he's from Boston College.

Matt Tennant
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 290 | Position:C | College: Boston College

Quote:

02/15/2010 - PRO POTENTIAL: C Matt Tennant - He's considered one of the top centers in the upcoming NFL draft, and he would continue the Eagles' long procession of offensive linemen into the pros. 01/27/2010 - Senior Bowl, Tuesday: Two centers, Mike Tennant (Boston College) and Eric Olsen (Notre Dame) both stood strong in one-on-one drills and team play. Despite measuring 6-4 and 290 pounds, Tennant anchors very well against guys like Thomas, outweighing him by 40 pounds. Olsen does not lose the leverage battle often, either. - Rob Rang and Chad Reuter, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com

Player Ratings
Position	Overall	Pos. Rank	Proj. Round
C	65	2	2-3

strafen · 02-24-2010, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziggy

Why all of the buzz about Olsen playing center? He's never played the position.

Haha!!
I think I just found out the confusion about Olsen. (I hope...)
There's an Eric Olsen center from Notre Dame who is also highly regarded center...
Maybe that's who some here are referring to.

Hamrob · 02-24-2010, 08:07 PM

This guy is on our roster:

Dustin Fry, Center

Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 326 lbs.
College: Clemson
Born: in
Acquired: Free Agent, 2010
Pro Year: 2nd
Year with Broncos: 1st
NFL Games Played/Started: 4/0
Postseason: /

Fry is a second-year center who spent the 2009 season on Carolina's practice squad. He was selected by St. Louis in the fifth found (139th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft and appeared in four games (0 starts) on special teams with St. Louis in 2007. He spent time on the practice squad with Cleveland in 2008 and St. Louis (2007-08).

strafen · 02-24-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamrob

This guy is on our roster:

Dustin Fry, Center

Height: 6' 3"
Weight: 326 lbs.
College: Clemson
Born: in
Acquired: Free Agent, 2010
Pro Year: 2nd
Year with Broncos: 1st
NFL Games Played/Started: 4/0
Postseason: /

Fry is a second-year center who spent the 2009 season on Carolina's practice squad. He was selected by St. Louis in the fifth found (139th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft and appeared in four games (0 starts) on special teams with St. Louis in 2007. He spent time on the practice squad with Cleveland in 2008 and St. Louis (2007-08).

I hope we can do better than that...

KipCorrington25 · 02-24-2010, 08:11 PM

Best bet is to check the N.E. practice squad.

broncosteven · 02-24-2010, 08:16 PM

Khan told me mid season that he liked Olsen but as a guard and he may take some time to develop.

I would feel better about bringing in a Vet at C and drafting a LG but I doubt Bowlen opens the pocket book to bring in a big name. He said in a postseason interview not to expect any big time FA's though C is not a glamor position, maybe they can land someone cheap.

strafen · 02-24-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KipCorrington25

Best bet is to check the N.E. practice squad.

And you ain't kiddin'!
Fortunaley, I checked and they don't have a center in the PS

Atwater His Ass · 02-24-2010, 08:17 PM

I don't see us starting a rookie, and Olsen isn't a center.

I'd put my money on picking up a veteran and looking to find someone to groom in the draft.

spdirty · 02-24-2010, 08:47 PM

hoping like hell for Zydrunas Ilgauskas

strafen · 02-24-2010, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atwater His Ass

I don't see us starting a rookie, and Olsen isn't a center.

I'd put my money on picking up a veteran and looking to find someone to groom in the draft.

Me neither, but I think we could have a good one in this year's draft and groom him.
The problem is, we don't currently have a center that a rookie could learn from, but then again, somebody could also emerge from TC.
We'll see...

ZONA · 02-24-2010, 09:33 PM

JD Walton - that's who I want us to pick up in the 3rd round. Let him compete with Olsen and who ever is good enough to start, we go with it. Screw picking up some middle level over priced FA talent. Put the beef up there and just say get it done.

strafen · 02-24-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZONA

JD Walton - that's who I want us to pick up in the 3rd round. Let him compete with Olsen and who ever is good enough to start, we go with it. Screw picking up some middle level over priced FA talent. Put the beef up there and just say get it done.

He seems to be a good pick up also.
If we're making a permanent swith to the power block scheme, then you may want to read the bold part on the quote below...

Quote:

Latest News
01/27/2010 - Senior Bowl, Tuesday: Baylor center J.D. Walton distanced himself a bit Tuesday from his counterparts Ted Larsen (North Carolina State) and Jeff Byers (USC). Despite his time in a predominately zone-blocking system while with the Bears, he's held up well in the physical battles inside. The same could not be said for Larsen, a former defensive tackle who has strong hands to grab hold of the defender, but still has some work to do in maintaining leverage. When going against stouter defenders, such as Alabama's Terrance Cody and Tennessee's Dan Williams, for example, Larsen struggled to get the snap off and then get his hands on the defender. Many of his snaps in drills were bounced back to the coaches and he was consistently pushed back into the pocket. Byers was moved between guard and center, and while athletic and tough, he struggled with bigger, stronger defenders. - Rob Rang and Chad Reuter, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com
12/24/2009 - 2009 ASSOCIATED PRESS FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICAN: Center

J.D. Walton, senior, 6-3, 305, Baylor, has been selected First Team All-American for the 2009 college football season as voted on by The Associated Press. - AP Sports

BroncoBuff · 02-25-2010, 01:11 AM

Seth Olsen is not a center. With Lichtensteiger gone, we'll have to draft somebody.

But allow me to propose a darkhorse candidate: Ben Hamilton. Guy won the Rimington Award in college and filled in almost a full year in '02 when Nalen was out, so he definitely knows the position. He has the experience and smarts to captain the line, and would be less of a blocking liability there than he was at guard.

We'll see.

Premier-Ace55 · 02-25-2010, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Seth Olsen is not a center. With Lichtensteiger gone, we'll have to draft somebody.

But allow me to propose a darkhorse candidate: Ben Hamilton. Guy won the Rimington Award in college and filled in almost a full year in '02 when Nalen was out, so he definitely knows the position. He has the experience and smarts to captain the line, and would be less of a blocking liability there than he was at guard.

We'll see.

I think he's done with the broncos

Drek · 02-25-2010, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Seth Olsen is not a center. With Lichtensteiger gone, we'll have to draft somebody.

But allow me to propose a darkhorse candidate: Ben Hamilton. Guy won the Rimington Award in college and filled in almost a full year in '02 when Nalen was out, so he definitely knows the position. He has the experience and smarts to captain the line, and would be less of a blocking liability there than he was at guard.

We'll see.

He's also an unrestricted FA who got benched from his LG job last year, with Mike Shanahan in Washington desperately needing OGs.

Hambone is almost definitely gone. He's going to decide between Houston, Washington, and retirement.

The speed with which they cut Weigmann makes me think they've already got someone in mind. It wouldn't surprise me if it was Fry, or at least Fry as part of a positional battle.

Seth Olsen has never played center, I can't imagine they'll try him there out of the blue. I'd expect him to effectively be Hamilton's replacement, but at RG with Kuper taking over at LG.

Rabb · 02-25-2010, 04:15 AM

Olsen played mainly tackle at Iowa, but in our new scheme would be an excellent guard, dude is a force

barryr · 02-25-2010, 05:43 AM

I doubt Olsen would be the starter at center. Since he's never played the position, not likely would be ready for the starting spot there unless make a miraculous transition to the position.

I would be surprised to see a rookie drafted to take that spot as well.

Hamilton was so bad and got demoted last year, so chances are slim he's coming back to play guard, much less center.

02-24-2010, 07:07 PM	#1
montrose Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 6,095 Adopt-a-Bronco: VP John Elway	Who might our new starting Center be? With Wiegmann gone, we're going into our first offseason in a long time not knowing who will be anchoring the OL. Could it be a FA like Kevin Mawae? Maybe a rookie found in the draft? Or prehaps someone already on the roster like Seth Olsen. What do you guys think?

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02-24-2010, 07:21 PM	#2
gyldenlove Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London, ON Posts: 10,014 Adopt-a-Bronco: Spencer Larsen	I doubt we go for Mawae. I would think we are looking at maybe Olsen, but I wouldn't be surprised to us swing a deal for a backup somewhere who might have some promise.

02-24-2010, 07:28 PM	#3
Killericon YES A DT!!!!!! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: From Calgary, in Halifax for School Posts: 7,730 Adopt-a-Bronco: watermock	I wouldn't mind us getting Chris Spencer if he was available for cheap.

02-24-2010, 07:47 PM	#5
GoBroncos84 Perennial Pro-bowler Crucify the Ego Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 758 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	I think they will be looking at power blocking centers in the draft. Pouncey, Walton, and E. Olsen could all be options. Kuper and Olsen are probably the guards unless we add a free agent or draft that position. I don't see many options via free agency for center

02-24-2010, 07:49 PM	#6
Bronco Boy Avid Ambien Abuser It all makes so much sense! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 1,901 Adopt-a-Bronco: Eric Decker

02-24-2010, 07:50 PM	#7
Ziggy Pro Bowler Noob Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 508	Why all of the buzz about Olsen playing center? He's never played the position.

02-24-2010, 08:07 PM	#11
Hamrob All-American! All-American! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: DFW Posts: 4,746 Adopt-a-Bronco: Peyton Manning	This guy is on our roster: Dustin Fry, Center Height: 6' 3" Weight: 326 lbs. College: Clemson Born: in Acquired: Free Agent, 2010 Pro Year: 2nd Year with Broncos: 1st NFL Games Played/Started: 4/0 Postseason: / Fry is a second-year center who spent the 2009 season on Carolina's practice squad. He was selected by St. Louis in the fifth found (139th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft and appeared in four games (0 starts) on special teams with St. Louis in 2007. He spent time on the practice squad with Cleveland in 2008 and St. Louis (2007-08).

02-24-2010, 08:11 PM	#13
KipCorrington25 Free Safety Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Centennial Posts: 3,050	Best bet is to check the N.E. practice squad.

02-24-2010, 08:16 PM	#14
broncosteven The Kranz Dictum MWA: Flight Director Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tranquility Base Posts: 29,008 Adopt-a-Bronco: MONEYBALL #38	Khan told me mid season that he liked Olsen but as a guard and he may take some time to develop. I would feel better about bringing in a Vet at C and drafting a LG but I doubt Bowlen opens the pocket book to bring in a big name. He said in a postseason interview not to expect any big time FA's though C is not a glamor position, maybe they can land someone cheap.

02-24-2010, 08:17 PM	#16
Atwater His Ass Ring of Famer Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,360 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	I don't see us starting a rookie, and Olsen isn't a center. I'd put my money on picking up a veteran and looking to find someone to groom in the draft.

02-24-2010, 08:47 PM	#17
spdirty Ring of Famer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bailey Posts: 13,883 Adopt-a-Bronco: Koppen	hoping like hell for Zydrunas Ilgauskas

02-24-2010, 09:33 PM	#19
ZONA Ring of Famer Liquid greatness in every packet Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,358 Adopt-a-Bronco: Chris Harris	JD Walton - that's who I want us to pick up in the 3rd round. Let him compete with Olsen and who ever is good enough to start, we go with it. Screw picking up some middle level over priced FA talent. Put the beef up there and just say get it done.

02-25-2010, 01:11 AM	#21
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,433 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	Seth Olsen is not a center. With Lichtensteiger gone, we'll have to draft somebody. But allow me to propose a darkhorse candidate: Ben Hamilton. Guy won the Rimington Award in college and filled in almost a full year in '02 when Nalen was out, so he definitely knows the position. He has the experience and smarts to captain the line, and would be less of a blocking liability there than he was at guard. We'll see.

02-25-2010, 04:15 AM	#24
Rabb Zombie Slayer Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 5,245 Adopt-a-Bronco: Von Miller	Olsen played mainly tackle at Iowa, but in our new scheme would be an excellent guard, dude is a force

02-25-2010, 05:43 AM	#25
barryr Ring of Famer New to the Forum Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,267 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	I doubt Olsen would be the starter at center. Since he's never played the position, not likely would be ready for the starting spot there unless make a miraculous transition to the position. I would be surprised to see a rookie drafted to take that spot as well. Hamilton was so bad and got demoted last year, so chances are slim he's coming back to play guard, much less center.