A Zietlow (observer) 3 centers to consider for draft

[raleigh-panther]

In response to mailbag questions about drafting a center from Observer, Zietlow gives this infO 

From Alex

The Panthers, after all, aren’t going to be as stacked with interior offensive linemen who can be converted into centers as they were last year. Cade Mays is already gone to Detroit. Austin Corbett moved on to Buffalo. Brady Christensen might still come back, but his future is murky too … and he ruptured his Achilles five months ago.
 

Keylan Rutledge. The guard out of Georgia Tech has received high marks in the pre-draft process, and if he drops to the Panthers at No. 51 somehow, they should take him. He worked at guard and center during the 2026 Senior Bowl.
 

Jake Slaughter. The 6-foot-5, 303-pound center out of Florida really impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, notably with a 5.1-second 40-yard dash time. He’s a center by trade, and coach Dave Canales likes athletic centers who can get to the second level of the defense. Slaughter is projected to be a third- or fourth-round pick.
 

Billy Schrauth. Another draft, another Notre Dame draft pick?At least, it’s possible with Schrauth, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound interior offensive lineman and team captain. He spent most of his college career at guard, but reports indicate a transition to center would be easy for him. He’s projected to be a Day 3 pick.
 

 

[Khyber53]

Grab the smartest of the bunch and lock down your o-line for the next decade. Slaughter would be my choice since he has the most experience at the highest level in the position. Schrauth has leadership experience, though, and that sure could be a help. 

 

[MHS831]

I gotta say, I am not happy about the idea of drafting a guard/center in round 2--I am about 54.4% sure we will be drafting a LB then, but the player is solid.

[45catfan]

Rounds 4-5 for center.  There's no dominant guy for an early selection, but a good group of solid guys later on.  Be patient.

[SmokinwithWilly]

3 hours ago, Khyber53 said:

Grab the smartest of the bunch and lock down your o-line for the next decade. Slaughter would be my choice since he has the most experience at the highest level in the position. Schrauth has leadership experience, though, and that sure could be a help. 

 

I honestly wouldn't mind taking them both. We need bodies and depth at the C/G position is certainly something we haven't had in a very long time. 

[shaqattaq]

4 hours ago, Khyber53 said:

Grab the smartest of the bunch and lock down your o-line for the next decade. Slaughter would be my choice since he has the most experience at the highest level in the position. Schrauth has leadership experience, though, and that sure could be a help. 

 

I have Slaughter in my mock in the 3rd. I also like Sam Hecht from Kansas State in rd 3.

[MHS831]

I think I have it figured out....

The Panthers are going to wait to see if Caleb Downs falls close enough to them to move up.  Safeties tend to fall for QBs, Edges, OTs, WRs....If he is not there, they could take Thieneman, or they could take a top CB and move Smith-Wade to FS.  Jackson will be 30 and an UFA in 2027, so it makes sense. 

In round 2, LB

In round 3, DT

On day 3:  C, T, etc

If you look at it, this process nearly guarantees a starter in the defensive backfield, a starting LB, a rotational DT, and developmental depth at C and T.