2025: Guards and Centers

Donovan Jackson – G – Ohio State – 89

Jackson was the number one guard recruit coming out of high school and delivered in Columbus to the tune of 40 career starts, even doing a 9 game stint at left tackle in 2024 to replace Josh Simmons after injury. With good size and sturdy build up and down, Donovan is a starting guard ready to play right now. He has very good pass sets and passes off blocks well. The one drawback is his average run blocking strength, more of a positional shield blocker which serves him well, but limits his value particularly on short yardage plays.

Tyler Booker – G – Alabama – 85

Football sleds shake when they see him coming. Tyler Booker is mammoth. Tall, long, wide, strong, and slow. Yes he’s slow, it’s not a deal breaker for guards. But he’s a good example of blocking radius. They say receivers have a catch radius, how about linemen with a blocking radius. To avoid him you have to go way the fuck out of your way. And if you get inside his radius, you’re not going through him. I think Booker fits the more classic right guard role as a drive blocker, but he was very effective for the Tide with 25 starts at left guard. He’s not an all-pro, but he’ll be a long term starter. Think a less athletic Trey Smith.

Jake Majors – C – Texas – 77

He has more starts for the Longhorns than anyone ever. That includes Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley that were both on the Van Wilder college program. 56 career starts, all at center. This kid has seen it, he’s processed it, and he knows how to get his line adjusted to the defensive set. A finalist for the academic Heisman in 2024 (nerd), Majors should excel at the mental game, even if he is not the most physically gifted interior line prospect. I’m reminded of former Patriots offensive lineman Mike Compton saying offensive lineman have to be smarter than defensive lineman because they have to remember the number of ‘huts’. Not the most impressive example of intelligence, I’m pretty sure Majors can do more than that which is why he’s on my dream list for Patriots mid-round prospects.

Wyatt Milum – G – West Virginia – 76

This kid’s got the nasty. He had 35 career starts at left tackle, but only 32” arms and average foot quickness will move him inside. Normally I don’t love a projection like that, but he’s got the mentality for the inside. His knee bend worries me, Milum has a high center of gravity and I think he’ll be susceptible to being pulled over his toes to much. When he sinks his hips it looks like he can drive anyone backward. Solid mid round selection with growth potential.

Jared Wilson – C – Georgia – 75

High level athlete for the center position. I’m honestly stunned that he weighs 310 pounds and still ran a sub 4.9 forty. If you’re in love with that Tyler Linderbaum, Jason Kelce, Jeff Christy (throwback), athletic center that can pull to the outside, then Jared Wilson is the closest thing available this year. But if you want a big strong anchor in the middle, he doesn’t fit the bill. Dealer’s choice. I prefer a center that can withstand a head on bull rush.