Heads Above the Rest: The 10 Tallest NFL Centers in 2024
In the NFL, where the battle in the trenches is key, the center position holds significant importance. Tasked with snapping the ball and anchoring the offensive line, centers are vital to every play. This article focuses on a unique segment of these linchpins: the tallest centers in the NFL.
After examining Week 1 rosters and analyzing 46 centers, we’ve identified the 10 tallest in the league. These players not only stand out for their height but also for how they leverage it to dominate at the heart of the action.
We delve into the profiles of these 10 centers, revealing how their height shapes their play and contributes to their teams’ success. Their stories highlight the diverse physicality in the NFL and how unique attributes like height can be a significant asset on the field.
Tallest Centers in the NFL
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Ethan Pocic | 6’6″ | Cleveland Browns |
| Graham Glasgow | 6’6″ | Detroit Lions |
| Joe Tippmann | 6’6″ | New York Jets |
| Mitch Morse | 6’6″ | Buffalo Bills |
| Will Clapp | 6’5″ | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Elgton Jenkins | 6’5″ | Green Bay Packers |
| Frank Ragnow | 6’5″ | Detroit Lions |
| Josh Myers | 6’5″ | Green Bay Packers |
| Luke Wattenberg | 6’5″ | Denver Broncos |
| Mason Cole | 6’5″ | Pittsburgh Steelers |
The group of 10 centers, each standing at 6’5″ and taller, presents a subtle yet noteworthy distinction compared to the average NFL center who stands at approximately 6’3 3/4″.
Although the difference in height is not drastic, it can offer these taller centers some advantages, such as a slightly better field of vision over the line, a longer reach for blocking, and potentially more power in their snaps.
However, this height difference is relatively minimal, emphasizing that in the center position, technique, strength, and football intelligence are equally, if not more, important than a few extra inches in height.
Ethan Pocic
Height: 6’6″
Team: Cleveland Browns
Draft Status: 2nd Round, 2017 NFL Draft (Seattle Seahawks)
Ethan Pocic, towering at 6’6″, plays for the Cleveland Browns. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2nd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Pocic brought versatility and height to the offensive line. At LSU, he was recognized as a first-team All-American in 2016, showcasing his skill and leadership.
In the NFL, Pocic’s height provides him an advantage in line visibility and blocking reach. His career has been marked by his ability to play multiple positions on the line, though center remains his primary role. With the Browns, Pocic continues to leverage his size and experience to enhance their offensive line’s effectiveness.
Graham Glasgow
Height: 6’6″
Team: Detroit Lions
Draft Status: 3rd Round, 2016 NFL Draft
Graham Glasgow plays for the Detroit Lions. Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Glasgow has established himself as a reliable and versatile lineman. At the University of Michigan, he was known for his strength and technical proficiency.
In the NFL, Glasgow’s height gives him an edge in both pass protection and run blocking, allowing him to effectively combat taller defensive linemen. His ability to maintain a strong anchor and agility, despite his size, has made him a consistent and valuable player on the Lions’ offensive front.
Joe Tippmann
Height: 6’6″
Team: New York Jets
Draft Status: 2nd Round, 2023 NFL Draft
Joe Tippmann, with his impressive stature of 6’6″, was drafted by the New York Jets in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His collegiate career, marked by strong performances at the University of Wisconsin, showcased his potential as a powerful and skilled center.
Tippmann’s height gives him a noticeable advantage in line visibility and reach, aiding in effective snap delivery and blocking. In college, he was recognized for his ability to anchor the offensive line, demonstrating strong blocking skills both in the run game and in pass protection.
As he transitions to the NFL, Tippmann’s combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a promising addition to the Jets’ offensive line, poised to make an impact in the professional league.
Mitch Morse
Height: 6’6″
Team: Buffalo Bills
Draft Status: 2nd Round, 2015 NFL Draft (Kansas City Chiefs)
Mitch Morse, a 6’6″ center for the Buffalo Bills, was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Morse’s career at the University of Missouri was marked by his strong play and adaptability, playing multiple positions on the offensive line.
In the NFL, his height has been a significant asset, particularly in providing clear line sight and extended reach in blocking. Morse’s move to the Bills solidified his role as a central figure in their offensive line, where he continues to use his size and skills to protect the quarterback and create running lanes.
Will Clapp
Height: 6’5″
Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Draft Status: 7th Round, 2018 NFL Draft (New Orleans Saints)
Will Clapp plays for the Los Angeles Chargers. Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 7th round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Clapp brought with him a record of strong performance from LSU, where he was named a second-team All-American.
In the NFL, his size provides a distinct advantage in handling larger defensive linemen and aids in maintaining visibility over the line.
Clapp’s versatility in playing multiple positions across the offensive line has made him a valuable and flexible asset, particularly in adjusting to various defensive schemes and injuries within the team.
Elgton Jenkins
Height: 6’5″
Team: Green Bay Packers
Draft Status: 2nd Round, 2019 NFL Draft
Elgton Jenkins is a versatile offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Jenkins quickly established himself as a key component of the Packers’ offensive line.
At Mississippi State, he was celebrated for his versatility, playing every position on the line during his collegiate career.
In the NFL, Jenkins’ height and athleticism have been pivotal in pass protection and run blocking. His ability to effectively engage and neutralize defenders has earned him Pro Bowl honors, highlighting his impact on the field.
Frank Ragnow
Height: 6’5″
Team: Detroit Lions
Draft Status: 1st Round, 2018 NFL Draft
Frank Ragnow, a 6’5″ center for the Detroit Lions, was selected in the 1st round of the 2018 NFL Draft. A standout at the University of Arkansas, Ragnow’s college career was marked by his exceptional strength and blocking ability.
In the NFL, his size has been an asset in creating leverage and anchoring the Lions’ offensive line. Ragnow’s ability to consistently perform at a high level has earned him recognition as one of the top centers in the league, including Pro Bowl selections, showcasing his significance to the Lions’ offensive strategy.
Josh Myers
Height: 6’5″
Team: Green Bay Packers
Draft Status: 2nd Round, 2021 NFL Draft
Josh Myers, another 6’5″ center, plays for the Green Bay Packers. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Myers brought with him a reputation for solid play from Ohio State University. His height provides an advantage in both visibility across the line and in handling larger defensive linemen.
Myers’ transition to the NFL has been marked by his adaptability and technical skills, making him a promising addition to the Packers’ already strong offensive line. His early career suggests a bright future, as he continues to develop and refine his abilities at the professional level.
Luke Wattenberg
Height: 6’5″
Team: Denver Broncos
Draft Status: 5th Round, 2022 NFL Draft
Luke Wattenberg, at a commanding height of 6’5″, was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His collegiate career at the University of Washington was notable for his consistent performance and versatility on the offensive line.
Wattenberg’s height provides him with an edge in line visibility and blocking reach, crucial for a center’s role in both pass protection and run blocking. Recognized for his technical skills and football IQ, he excelled in creating effective blocking lanes and maintaining a strong pocket presence.
Wattenberg’s arrival in the NFL with the Broncos is seen as a significant step in bolstering their offensive line, offering the team a blend of size and skill that could prove invaluable in their offensive scheme.
Mason Cole
Height: 6’5″
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft Status: 3rd Round, 2018 NFL Draft (Arizona Cardinals)
Mason Cole is a center for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 3rd round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Cole’s versatility and consistency were well-established during his time at the University of Michigan.
In the NFL, his height has been beneficial for overall line visibility and in gaining upper hand leverage against opponents.
Cole’s ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and his reliability in both pass protection and run blocking have made him a valuable asset to the Steelers’ offensive line, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts.
Final Thoughts
These ten centers, Ethan Pocic, Graham Glasgow, Joe Tippmann, Mitch Morse, Will Clapp, Elgton Jenkins, Frank Ragnow, Josh Myers, Luke Wattenberg, and Mason Cole, illustrate the impactful role height can play at the center position in the NFL.
Standing at 6’5″ and taller, they offer their teams advantages in visibility, reach, and leverage. However, their success in the league goes beyond mere physical attributes; it’s their skill, adaptability, and technical proficiency that truly make them stand out.
These players exemplify the diverse range of talents in the NFL and how unique physical traits, when combined with dedication and technique, can lead to a commanding presence on the football field.
