The first player to touch the ball on any play is the center. He calls out the defenses, has to make a clean snap, whether direct or in shotgun or pistol or whatever, and then instantly pop up and block either for a run or a pass. That’s a lot to handle in a short period of time. The AFC West has some good ones too.
1. Raiders
Starter: Rodney Hudson
Hudson has been the best pass blocking center in the NFL for several years now. He doesn’t give up sacks. He simply doesn’t. Last season, along with once again not giving up any sacks, the three-time Pro Bowler allowed just one quarterback hit and two hurries. He is also the centerpiece of the sixth-best interior in terms of yards per carry up the middle.
2. Chargers
Starter: Mike Pouncey
A four-time Pro Bowler, the only time in the past four years Rodney Hudson wasn’t a Pro Bowler starter, it was Pouncey who went instead.
3. Chiefs
Starter: Austin Reiter
Last season was Austin Reiter’s first as a full-time starter in his four-year career. And he finished as one of the best pass-blocking centers in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s a key position when you’re calling out defenses and blocking for Patrick Mahomes.
4. Broncos
Starter: Lloyd Cushenberry
The center for Joe Burrow and the reigning National Champion LSU Tigers, Cushenberry was selected by the Broncos in the third round.
