We have made it to the final position ranking for the offense in the AFC West -- Center. The incredibly difficult and specialized position is one that can be hard to find. Mainly because of all the duties they have. Calling out the defense pre-snap, snapping the ball with accuracy and timing, and then blocking with the rest of his linemates.
Here is how the AFC West stacks up at the center position:
1. Oakland Raiders- Stefen Wisniewski
Not many positions in the AFC West do the Raiders stand atop. This is one of them. Wisniewski is the only real sure thing on the Raiders' offensive line with Jared Veldheer out half the season. Wisniewski was drafted as the team's next great center in 2011 and has made his uncle Steve - Longtime All Pro left guard for the Raiders - very proud.
2. San Diego Chargers -- Nick Hardwick
Hardwick has been the full time starting center for the Chargers his entire nine-year career. He was a Pro Bowler in 2006 but is a long way removed from that. He is still the unquestioned starter for the Chargers but grades out as being just about average.
3. Kansas City Chiefs -- Rodney Hudson
The Chiefs have not been too pleased with the play of Hudson this camp. They've been giving snaps to second round rookie Jeff Allen to see if he can be an upgrade. As it stands now, however, it appears Allen will be needed at left guard so Hudson remains at center.
4. Denver Broncos -- JD Walton Dan Koppen Ryan Lilja Manny Ramirez
If I were a center, I would stay far away from Denver right about now. The Broncos are so desperate they have signed a baseball player to play center for them. Oh, wait... Well, this Manny Ramirez has started just as many NFL games at center as the baseball player has (zero). JD Walton is expected back from the PUP list midway through this season but even he is not all that great. Until then it's just Manny bein' Manny.
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