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Centers are some of the most important players on every NFL offense and they often serve as the "quarterbacks" of their offensive lines. They call audibles at the line of scrimmage to ensure a proper blocking scheme is in place prior to the snap. Many of these calls work directly in tandem with the quarterback, so their chemistry is an important asset.
Having a reliable center can significantly contribute to NFL teams executing their overall offensive game plan. The best ones have a dynamic combination of physical ability paired with an extensive knowledge of being able to diagnose an opposing defense.
Here are the top 10 NFL centers in 2022:
#10 - Chase Roullier, Washington Commanders
Chase Roullier was never a highly rated prospect, having been selected in the sixth round by the Washington Commanders. He earned the opportunity to appear in 13 games during his rookie season and earned the starting center job for the 2018 season.
Roullier was one of the highest-graded centers in the league in each of his first three seasons as the for the Commanders. He appeared to be on his way to doing so again during the 2021 season before a broken leg ended his campaign early. He will be looking to make a full recovery and get back into his usual form during the 2022 NFL season.
#9 - Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions
Frank Ragnow was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 draft. He continuously improved during each of his first three seasons in the league, concluding by being selected as an All-Pro and Pro Bowler for the 2020 season.
Ragnow was forced to miss all but four games during the 2021 season due to injuries, but has returned this season. The Lions are expecting him to continue his rise as he possesses the potential to crack the top five, if not even higher.
#8 - Ben Jones, Tennessee Titans
Ben Jones spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Houston Texans before joining the Tennessee Titans prior to the 2016 season. He has been a key member of a dominant rushing attack and Derrick Henry has rushed for more yards than any other player over the last four campaigns.
Jones has contributed to Henry winning two rushing titles and also recording a rare 2,000 yard rushing season. Jones also has the third-highest PFF WAR since the start of the 2019 NFL season, demonstrating his overall value.
#7 - David Andrews, New England Patriots
David Andrews has been a consistent and reliable center during his NFL career. With the exception of the 2019 season (in which Andrews was forced to miss the entire year), he has played in almost every game for the New England Patriots since 2015.
Andrews served as the center for Tom Brady during two of the Patriots' six Super Bowl victories, while appearing in three of them overall. Andrews has a reputation for being a cerebral center, a desirable trait for all players rostered by Bill Belichick.
#6 - Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have been considered one of the best offensive lines in the league over the last several years. Ryan Kelly is one of the reasons why. He has been one of the most consistently solid centers over the last few years, appearing in the last three consecutive Pro Bowls.
The Colts have relied heavily on their rushing attack over the last three years, featuring running back Jonathan Taylor (the leading rusher from the 2021 season). Kelly contributed heavily last year, serving as one of the anchors and calling the blocking audibles for the Colts.
#5 - Ryan Jensen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan Jensen could be considered one of the reasons why Tom Brady decided to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady wanted to join a team with an elite offensive line and Jensen is one of the main reasons why the Buccaneers classified.
Jensen has been extremely reliable throughout his career. He was initially with the Baltimore Ravens before improving his overall skillset with the Buccaneers. Since 2019, Jensen ranks in the top five in the overall PFF WAR among all centers.
#4 - Rodney Hudson, Arizona Cardinals
Rodney Hudson began his career with the Kansas City Chiefs before elevating his game to an elite level with the Las Vegas Raiders. He spent six seasons with the Raiders between 2015 and 2020 and earned the highest PFF pass blocking grade among all centers in five of them.
Hudson struggled a bit during the 2021 season, his first with the Arizona Cardinals. It was also the first year in over a decade that he missed significant time due to injuries, so he will be looking to bounce back strong this campaign.
#3 - Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs
Creed Humphrey was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 draft. He wasted no time establishing himself as one of the best overall centers in the league after an incredible rookie season.
Humphrey received the highest overall PFF grade of all centers last season and was among the highest graded offensive linemen in the league. He thrived in run blocking with his atheticism and paired well with quarterback Patrick Mahomes in his first season at the center of the Chiefs offensive line.
#2 - Corey Linsley, Los Angeles Chargers
Corey Linsley spent the first seven years of his career with the Green Bay Packers. He then joined the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 to help protect young superstar quarterback Justin Herbert.
Linsley has been one of the best centers in the NFL over the last few years. He has been selected as an All-Pro in each of the last two consecutive seasons and already appears to be a candidate for another one this campaign.
#1 - Jason Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles
Jason Kelce, brother of Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, has spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has been a staple of their offensive line for 12 years and is a team captain. He also helped them win a Super Bowl ring.
Kelce is one of the most athletic centers in the NFL, often utilized as a puller, while being one of the most dominating run blockers in the entire league. He tops the list of 2022 centers after being selected as a first-team All-Pro in four of the last five years.
