The offseason has seen Pro Football Focus (PFF) meticulously grade every position, and now it’s time to spotlight the centers. This review highlights the centers across all 32 NFL teams, offering insights into how each player performed last season.
The Pittsburgh Steelersā Center Situation
The Pittsburgh Steelers struggled with their center position last season. Mason Cole, who was the starting center, failed to meet expectations, causing a significant weakness in their offensive line. With Nate Herbig as the only backup, the Steelers had no choice but to endure the challenges throughout the season. However, the team took a proactive approach this offseason by releasing Cole and drafting Zach Frazier, aiming to bolster the offensive line in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s new system.
PFF Grades for Centers: A Snapshot of All 32 Teams
Hereās a look at how centers from each NFL team graded out according to PFF:
| Team | PFF Grade |
|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 59.8 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 82.3 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 78.5 |
| Buffalo Bills | 56.7 |
| Carolina Panthers | 47.9 |
| Chicago Bears | 66.1 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 67.4 |
| Cleveland Browns | 70.8 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 53.7 |
| Denver Broncos | 57.9 |
| Detroit Lions | 88.8 |
| Green Bay Packers | 54.7 |
| Houston Texans | 60.4 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 77.2 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 54.1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 81.4 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 74.6 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 62.2 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 61.1 |
| Miami Dolphins | 67.8 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 60.9 |
| New England Patriots | 71.2 |
| New Orleans Saints | 64.9 |
| New York Giants | 41.4 |
| New York Jets | 54.8 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 63.0 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 53.2 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 66.3 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 53.1 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 50.2 |
| Tennessee Titans | 73.2 |
| Washington Commanders | 60.5 |
Key Insights from the Grades
- Top Performers: The Detroit Lions’ center leads the pack with an impressive grade of 88.8. The Atlanta Falcons (82.3) and Kansas City Chiefs (81.4) also boast highly graded centers, indicating strong performances that anchor their offensive lines.
- Room for Improvement: The New York Giants’ center received the lowest grade of 41.4, pointing to significant struggles in their offensive front. The Carolina Panthers (47.9) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (50.2) also have centers who need to improve to strengthen their respective offensive lines.
- Mid-Tier Performers: Teams like the Baltimore Ravens (78.5), Indianapolis Colts (77.2), and Las Vegas Raiders (74.6) have centers with solid performances but with room to reach the elite level.
- Steelersā Challenges and Hopes: The Steelers’ previous center Mason Cole earned a grade of 53.2, reflecting the difficulties they faced. With Zach Frazier stepping in, the Steelers aim for a significant upgrade in performance.
Conclusion
The PFF grades offer a comprehensive look at the performance of centers across the NFL, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. As the new season approaches, teams will look to solidify their offensive lines, with the hope that their centers can provide the stability and performance needed for success. The Steelers, in particular, are poised for a turnaround with their new addition, Zach Frazier, who aims to fortify their offensive front in the upcoming season.