Which Guard Can Make the Transition to Center?

[Chebington]

It is generally accepted that center is a position that warrants improvement this offseason. Since there are no FA centers of note and the center class isn't viewed too highly, suppose the Bucs draft a guard and move him to center. If that were the case and you were the one calling the shots, which guard should the Bucs take?

Heath Benedict from Newberry in the fourth round would be interesting.

[Acacius]

I'd just as soon take a Pollack or Sullivan or Lichtensteiger. It's a weak center class to be certain, but that just means that there are no top prospects at the position. I don't think there's any real reason to prefer a fourth round guard prospect to a fourth round center prospect.

[TeeBeeFan]

The draft isn't weak at just center, but also guard. Not many interior lineman are projected as quality starters (only Albert and Pollack). Albert is likely to be a stud, and Pollack will be a solid starter for years to come. The rest will all be projects, and are not likely to be of much help in the coming season.

[Confuzed Azn]

I have hopes that Buenning can transition center after a few seasons in the system. Badger O-linemen are generally known as maulers not intellects. But Buenning's got alot of talent and I have hope he can take the starting spot and then the line would be pretty solid... besides LT that is.

[Confuzed Azn]

The draft isn't weak at just center, but also guard. Not many interior lineman are projected as quality starters (only Albert and Pollack). Albert is likely to be a stud, and Pollack will be a solid starter for years to come. The rest will all be projects, and are not likely to be of much help in the coming season.
I'd add Chilo Rachal to that list. I think Sullivan might end up being a great starter as well.

[Monty'sCircus]

Pollack or Sullivan will be a buc

[warrensappisgod]

Pollak seems to be a lot better prospect than he is a player.

[Monty'sCircus]

Sullivan is the name that keeps popping up on draft sights. It appears the bucs are very interested in him.

[Phr0z3nBuc]

Wade and Buenning should be our options until next year. No guard is worth converting to a center and the centers this year suck.

[Monty'sCircus]

Wade does not have a contract as of this moment

[Phr0z3nBuc]

Wade does not have a contract as of this moment

Did not know that. I'd re-up him for one year.

[ADisME23]

It is generally accepted that center is a position that warrants improvement this offseason. Since there are no FA centers of note and the center class isn't viewed too highly, suppose the Bucs draft a guard and move him to center. If that were the case and you were the one calling the shots, which guard should the Bucs take?

Heath Benedict from Newberry in the fourth round would be interesting.

Albert hands down...kids a stud...

[maryjanewatson]

This is such a bad year for centers...and moving a guard over is so iffy...

I'm hoping for Jeff Faine...that's all I have to say.

[TeeBeeFan]

Please explain why moving a guard over to center is so iffy... Today, if a guard can't play center, then he isn't as valuable, and vise versa. Most of the interior linemen in the NFL are fully capable of playing at either position, and to have security on the interior the player needs to be versatile. I think that it may be iffy w/ a few prospects, but not all. This question can only be effectively answered case-by-case. But perhaps I'm missing something that says there is a general rule that conversion of interior linemen is iffy... That said, I don't see that as a good option this year b/c the talent pool at all interior positions is limited, and I agree we would be better served in the FA market. I mean no disrespect by my statement, but I need further elaboration to concur with your broad statement that conversion of a guard to a center is iffy.

[deltbucs]

This is such a bad year for centers...and moving a guard over is so iffy...

I'm hoping for Jeff Faine...that's all I have to say.

I thought the Saints slapped the franchise tag on him?

[UMiamiBucFan]

I thought the Saints slapped the franchise tag on him?

Nope.

[maryjanewatson]

I thought the Saints slapped the franchise tag on him?

Not that I can see...post a link if you see one. Unless I'm missing something, they didn't.

[deltbucs]

Sorry, folks. I'll put down the pipe. I could have sworn I read that he got tagged somewhere.