Raiders Draft: Raider Nation Calls for Centers

RealFootball365.com wrote of the Oakland offensive line on Tuesday, and Raider Nation demanded a center.

"Please draft a real center come draft day," pleaded The Shape, and Blat muttered in prose, "center, center, center...we need a damned center...still."

Most agreed similarly; a few wantonly displayed their personal issues with the SHIFT key.

In any case, just for those center-craving Raider backers I've provided this brief rundown of a few top guys available in the draft to fill this position.  Assuming the team goes elsewhere with its first-round selection—like anywhere on the O-line—most of these guys should still be free by pick No. 36 or so.

(And yes, this is wickedly premature, but that's what the offseason is for.)

So tell me, Raider Nation, how about...

Steve Justice of Wake Forest?

Such is the current volatility of most mock draft boards that Justice may be listed as low as No. 4, and as high as No. 1.  But there's no mistaking Justice's potential.  He helped to put Demon Deacon football on the map in his last two college seasons, and he became just the fifth Wake Forester (and only the second since 1976) to be named first-team All-American.

While Justice may be "small" at 6'4''and 284 pounds, just a bit more work against the pass rush could refine his game and earn him a long career in the NFL.

Mike Pollack of Arizona State?

Pollack was monitored closely as a senior with the Sun Devils last season, and his name was on the Outland Trophy, Rimington Trophy, and Lombardi Award watch lists.

The Arizona native fulfilled expectations, starting all 13 games at center, garnering recognition as a First-Team Pac-10 member, and bagging bids to the Hula Bowl, East-West Shrine Game, and the Senior Bowl.

John Sullivan of Notre Dame?

Sullivan has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride lately, rising up and sliding down the mock draft boards. 

After starting in 31 consecutive games, Sullivan succumbed to leg injuries late in the season.  Combined with the generally brutal play of the Notre Dame offense, Sullivan's stock dropped dramatically until the Senior Bowl, when opinions of his potential improved.

Fernando Velasco of Georgia?

Don't be surprised if Velasco's name is called far sooner than the pundits expect.  This guy has been adapting and excelling since 2006 when, after a demotion to redshirt status in 2005, he came back with a roar and started every game at various positions. 

Experimenting before the season began, Georgia tried Velasco at center.  Velasco then started at this position in 12 games, twice recognized as SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. 

Velasco could have one of the greatest work ethics in the league.

Cody Wallace of Texas A&M?

Wallace's 2007 season was almost as impressive as that of 2006, which culminated in his first-team Big 12 membership. 

Wallace's prospects crashed mightily in the short term, however, with his poor play in the Senior Bowl against USC's Sedrick Ellis and other DTs.  The combine could turn things around for him, but the damage may be done with regard to draft status.

On the other hand, Wallace could well surprise someday; an athlete noted for academic excellence should never be hastily discounted.

Front and center throughout the year at RealFootball365.com.