Seth McLaughlin C Ohio State

[BFritz21]

Seth McLaughlin is an undrafted center out of Ohio State, but I think most draft projections had him going around round five, even with only playing in ten games and rupturing his achilles in November.

Even with his injury, he still won the Rimington award as the nation's top center.

I think there were only four or five centers taken, so it might not be a bad thing that he wasn't drafted, but rather just a lack of demand.

Will he make the team?

Will he push Karras?

Karras was the 21st ranked center last season, so we could use an upgrade, but will Seth be an upgrade?

[*pally*]

I think there is a real possibility that Mike Lee remains the backup up with Seth getting stashed on IR for a year. He won't make it to our the PS somebody would surely poach him so it will either be the 53 or IR

[Housh]

Have a hard time believing he beats out Lee. Also hear he is not a candidate to switch the guard so it’s C or bust

We’ll NEVER keep 3 centers so he’s either destined for IR or PS

[BFritz21]

(8 hours ago)pally Wrote: I think there is a real possibility that Mike Lee remains the backup up with Seth getting stashed on IR for a year.  He won't make it to our the PS somebody would surely poach him so it will either be the 53 or IR

(7 hours ago)Housh Wrote: Have a hard time believing he beats out Lee. Also hear he is not a candidate to switch the guard so it’s C or bust

We’ll NEVER keep 3 centers so he’s either destined for IR or PS

He could get stashed for a year but he was the nation's best center pre-injury, IMCO.

Achilles injuries are tough to recover from, but, as an UDFA, the potential payout is more than worth the wait, especially in this division.

[Housh]

(4 hours ago)BFritz21 Wrote: He could get stashed for a year but he was the nation's best center pre-injury, IMCO.

Achilles injuries are tough to recover from, but, as an UDFA, the potential payout is more than worth the wait, especially in this division.

He could be a Matt Lee backup plan


If Lee just sucks or if he’s surprisingly good at guard or something we still have a C in the wings



Heard on Lockdown Bengals that Lee is possibly a guy that could play something guard so maybe we know that and feel like we’d lose a backup C if Lee played guard this year

[Southpaw Frerotte]

I was under the impression that Matt Lee had glowing reviews from the coaches and was going to push for Karras' starting spot, with Karras kicking out to Guard. At least, that was the case after last season. Is this not the case anymore?

[Hammerstripes]

Agree with most of the others - this is a 2026 question since I don't think he will even see the field this year. I also thought he was the best center in a very weak draft class. I think he sticks long term.

[*PhilHos*]

(3 hours ago)Southpaw Frerotte Wrote: I was under the impression that Matt Lee had glowing reviews from the coaches and was going to push for Karras' starting spot, with Karras kicking out to Guard.  At least, that was the case after last season.  Is this not the case anymore?

Only people that have talked about moving Karras to guard as been posters on this board. I've not even heard of analysts or sports reporters mention it (granted I don't listen/read everyone). I'd be down with moving Karras if this is the best way to improve the OL. If Lee is a better center than Volson/Ford/Patrick is at LG, then make the move!

[SunsetBengal]

(3 hours ago)Southpaw Frerotte Wrote: I was under the impression that Matt Lee had glowing reviews from the coaches and was going to push for Karras' starting spot, with Karras kicking out to Guard.  At least, that was the case after last season.  Is this not the case anymore?

I have a feeling that you're remembering some poster's wishful thinking. I've not seen, heard or read anything of the sort from any credible source.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(Today, 01:16 AM)BFritz21 Wrote: Seth McLaughlin is an undrafted center out of Ohio State, but I think most draft projections had him going around round five, even with only playing in ten games and rupturing his achilles in November.

Even with his injury, he still won the Rimington award as the nation's top center.

I think there were only four or five centers taken, so it might not be a bad thing that he wasn't drafted, but rather just a lack of demand.

Will he make the team?

Will he push Karras?

Karras was the 21st ranked center last season, so we could use an upgrade, but will Seth be an upgrade?

I think Seth goes to the PS first, but on down the road, he could be a starter. Still think Matt Lee is ahead of him who is a great pass protector
who doesn't get penalties as he has a natural way of keeping his hands inside the chest. Either way, Seth McLaughlin could be a steal. Seth is a 
well rounded Center who can both pass and run block. Lee needs to bulk up to handle the NT's of the North but he can also play Guard.

Seth is purely a Center, 31 inch arms.

[*Synric*]

(3 hours ago)Southpaw Frerotte Wrote: I was under the impression that Matt Lee had glowing reviews from the coaches and was going to push for Karras' starting spot, with Karras kicking out to Guard.  At least, that was the case after last season.  Is this not the case anymore?

Ted Karras snapping/calling protections is one of the the only consistent things Joe Burrow gets from his Offensive Line. I doubt they want to mess with that until they have too. 

[*bfine32*]

(2 hours ago)Synric Wrote: Ted Karras snapping/calling protections is one of the the only consistent things Joe Burrow gets from his Offensive Line. I doubt they want to mess with that until they have too. 

Ted has been a Team Captain since he walked in the door. He has never missed a game in stripes, and last year, he was the 7th-rated C in pass protection. Joe has confidence in him. He's going nowhere until he becomes a liability. 

WTS, he is 32 years old, and 2026 looks to be a great class for Centers. Of course, I'd love to catch lightning in one of these lesser prospects, but I don't see it. 

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(2 hours ago)Synric Wrote: Ted Karras snapping/calling protections is one of the the only consistent things Joe Burrow gets from his Offensive Line. I doubt they want to mess with that until they have too. 

(2 hours ago)bfine32 Wrote: Ted has been a Team Captain since he walked in the door. He has never missed a game in stripes, and last year, he was the 7th-rated C in pass protection. Joe has confidence in him. He's going nowhere until he becomes a liability. 

WTS, he is 32 years old, and 2026 looks to be a great class for Centers. Of course, I'd love to catch lightning in one of these lesser prospects, but I don't see it. 

All true, love Ted. He finally solidified the Center position for us after years of terrible Center play. 

He isn't the best Center in the league but he is solid and this is with bad Guard play around him.

[Truck_1_0_1_]

(3 hours ago)Southpaw Frerotte Wrote: I was under the impression that Matt Lee had glowing reviews from the coaches and was going to push for Karras' starting spot, with Karras kicking out to Guard.  At least, that was the case after last season.  Is this not the case anymore?

1. That has NEVER been uttered by anyone on the staff.
2. That has NEVER been the case lol.

As mentioned a few posts above mine, that talk has only come from fans, no one else.

[*Nate (formerly eliminate08)*]

(2 hours ago)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: 1. That has NEVER been uttered by anyone on the staff.
2. That has NEVER been the case lol.

As mentioned a few posts above mine, that talk has only come from fans, no one else.

Yep, it was just an idea from fans since Ted played LG with the Pats and was decent there.

[XenoMorph]

(4 hours ago)BFritz21 Wrote: He could get stashed for a year but he was the nation's best center pre-injury, IMCO.

Achilles injuries are tough to recover from, but, as an UDFA, the potential payout is more than worth the wait, especially in this division.

just depends on how well his recovering is going if hes not ready yet you stash him on IR and give him a shot again next offseason

[BFritz21]

(2 hours ago)XenoMorph Wrote: just depends on how well his recovering is going if hes not ready yet you stash him on IR and give him a shot again next offseason

I think that's definitely the move because, while Karras may be good with better guards next to him, he's also 32 and has to be on the downside of his career soon.

Give Seth an entire year to get healthy, stronger, and to eventually work on his game and get him even better than he would have been if he hadn't been injured.