08-08-2019, 07:31 PM
(08-08-2019, 03:00 PM)pally Wrote: Centers have a different development arc than wide receivers. With rare exceptions, centers take several years to reach their potential since the position is so different from college to pro. There is just so much to learn with calling the OL blocking assignments, centering with the QB under him, not in the shotgun, and the added speed, strength, and defensive schemes coming at him. Add in Price's injuries last year and he lost development time his rookie season. John Ross is in season 3 with some of the same issues each season. He has problems in some of the basic skills of a WR...he drops way too many passes, he runs wrong routes, and he gives up on plays. You expect a receiver to catch passes he touches when he enters the league.
C's do have a steep learning curve, no doubt. However, if you're drafting a C in the 1st, he better be a plug and play quality starter on day 1 like an Alex Mack or Pouncey. You can get C's to give time to develop to in the later rounds. I think Price will develop, but he did not live up to expectations in year 1.
Everyone keeps saying Ross has the same issues in year 3, but we haven't seen him play in year 3, so how do those people know that, exactly? We hardly saw him in year 1.
I have high hopes for both Ross and Price, but the reality is a lot of people have been screaming for a C in the 1st and more Ohio State guys for years. If the 1st round C from Ohio State turns out to be a bust, those people look mighty foolish.