The Dallas Cowboys find themselves again at a pivotal moment in franchise history after two consecutive 12-5 seasons that ended early in playoff disappointments. Entering the 2024 NFL Combine, the Cowboys are also on a quest to rebuild their offensive line, starting with the center position.
As the NFL Draft looms, this could be one of the best groups of centers in recent memory. This draft class boasts an abundance of talent at the center spot, featuring prospects with the potential to make an instant impact. Let’s explore the five centers at the NFL Combine. Cowboys fans should watch these names as they might soon call Dallas home.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Jackson Powers-Johnson has emerged as the top center in this class, showcasing a mix of athleticism, strength, and technical prowess. His tenure as Oregon’s starting center has been characterized by durability and consistency, making him a smart and easy choice for teams seeking reliability and instant return on the investment. His size and consistency would bolster the line for the Cowboys, providing a reliable presence amidst the chaos of NFL trench warfare. His showing at the NFL Combine will play a role in teams assessing his readiness to translate his collegiate performance into success at the professional level.
Zach Frazier, West Virginia
Moving smoothly from a guard to center in his career with the Mountaineers, he has excelled in both roles, demonstrating strong blocking abilities that establish him as an excellent pass blocker. His ability to adapt could be desirable to the Cowboys, known for valuing linemen who can move around. Frazier’s potential to fortify the line and offer reliable protection for Dak Prescott presents an enticing option for Dallas to explore.
Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
Van Pran brings strength and consistency to the position, succeeding in pass protection and run blocking. His contributions to Georgia’s championship squad highlight a record of top-level play, indicating readiness for the NFL. Van Pran’s experience and dependability might elevate the position significantly for the Cowboys, ensuring a steady core for their offensive front. Many will closely monitor his performance during draft assessments, including eager Cowboys fans hoping he could anchor their line for years ahead.
Matt Lee, Miami (FL)
After transferring from UCF, Lee stands out with his technique, agility, and skills in pass protection and his fluid movement. The Cowboys may highly value his versatility as they often prioritize linemen who can fulfill multiple roles effectively. Lee is a fundamentally sound and intelligent player with quick, precise hands and smooth movement skills. He is versatile enough to transition to guard or tackle and effective against both speed rushers and in the run game and will be on the radar at the NFL Combine.
Dylan McMahon, NC State
Dylan McMahon has grown throughout his college career, showcasing his abilities across different roles on the inner offensive line. His strong technique and experience could position him as an option for the Cowboys. McMahon is recognized for his surprisingly fluid movement and flexibility for his build, showing advanced coordination and strength, highlighted by his impressive power-clean and vertical jump, making him an agile and technically proficient prospect with the ability to excel early in his professional career.
Cowboys fans should watch these prospects closely as the NFL Combine approaches and the draft draws near. Their performances, both on and off the field, will provide insights into how they might integrate into the Dallas system and contribute to the team’s achievements. Given the Cowboys’ need for a center, this draft allows Jerry Jones to get an anchor for the offensive line for a decade or more.