5 centers to know for the Patriots in the 2025 NFL Draft
The New England Patriots have their center spot locked up for now, but still need a long-term answer at the position.
It’s officially the post-David Andrews era in Foxboro, where the Patriots decided to release their longtime captain and two-time Super Bowl-winning center last week. They acted swiftly to sign a short-term replacement, agreeing to a deal with veteran center Garrett Bradbury soon after the Vikings released him.
Though Bradbury is the likely starter for 2025, his two-year deal for up to $12 million includes only $3.8 million guaranteed. His status beyond the upcoming season is not secured. So, the Patriots would be wise to invest in a center at the 2025 NFL Draft in hopes of developing a starter for the long haul.
As is often the case at the position, the 2025 draft class is short on prospects that will even be drafted. But starting centers can emerge from the undrafted free agent pool, including Andrews. It’s worth knowing about a handful of the top centers available at the draft, and they may still be available after all the selections have been made.
Here’s a quick look at the centers to know for the Patriots ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft…
Jared Wilson, Georgia
The Patriots need legit players at most positions, specifically athletes. So why not take a chance on arguably the most athletic center in the draft? Wilson is consistently described as a high-end athlete at his position, although his size (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) likely limits him to center only.
But he makes good use of his frame, according to scouting reports. He moves well and plays with good leverage, according to The Draft Network. Physically, he compares well to Andrews, and seems to have the athletic ability to develop into a solid blocker in both the run game and pass game.
Wilson is one of the few center prospects in the 2025 draft with a chance to go around the top-100, if not on day 3. But as an NFL-caliber athlete and former starter at an elite college program, Wilson is likely to hear his name called at some point. Should the Patriots continue the Georgia tradition?
Jake Majors, Texas
Majors is another center prospect with a chance to be drafted. He’s arguably the most NFL-ready center in the 2025 class, due to his exceptional football intelligence. He seized the starting center job at Texas as a freshman in 2020 and “mastered multiple offensive systems,” according to his bio at NFLDraftBuzz.com.
Also described as an “elite pass protector” with a high-end knowledge of protections and how to set them, Majors has the potential to start right away at the NFL level. The only thing holding him back is his size and length – he’s 6-foot-3 and only 306 pounds, with notably short arms at 30 3/8 inches.
With Josh McDaniels back, the Patriots may want to prioritize a smart center who can effectively run the offense and set the proper protections in the passing game. Majors would be one of the strongest candidates to do that.
Drew Kendall, Boston College
Kendall has to be on this list due to his deep local ties and NFL pedigree. A native of Norwell, Massachusetts, Kendall played four seasons at Boston College, culminating with first team All-ACC honors as a team captain in 2024. Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone, who was at BC last season, likely has good knowledge of what Kendall brings to the table.
Consistently praised for his footwork and intelligence, Kendall has a chance to develop into a starting NFL center, and he likely wouldn’t cost much at draft time to get him. Not to mention, football is in his blood; his father Pete Kendall (Quincy guy) played 189 NFL games as an interior lineman himself. It would not be the least bit shocking if the Patriots took a chance on the hometown kid.
Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
Perhaps the Ohio State connection would be of interest to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel? McLaughlin played four years at Alabama before transferring, and gained plenty of experience in a gap/power-based running scheme, which would make him a fit for the Patriots offense under McDaniels.
The major concern for McLaughlin is his season-ending Achilles injury suffered in November. Before that, he was in the conversation to be the best center prospect in the draft. Assuming he’s on a good track health-wise, he’ll still be a day-3 candidate who will find himself on a 90-man roster in the spring.
Clay Webb, Jacksonville State
Webb began his college career as a center recruit at Georgia, before transferring to Jacksonville State and playing guard there. He likely has to transition back to center in the NFL due to his size (6-foot-3, 310 pounds), but he has built-in versatility. But he earns high marks for his core strength and power, as well as his sound techniques both on the ground and in pass protection.
An intriguing, versatile prospect, Webb would make sense to develop for the Patriots as a backup, while Bradbury starts in the meantime.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
