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2018 NFL Draft: Frank Ragnow called “top center” in class

By Matt Conner

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Arkansas offensive lineman Frank Ragnow speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Arkansas offensive lineman Frank Ragnow speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports is calling Frank Ragnow the best overall center in this year’s draft class, which could shake up expectations for teams like the Chiefs.

Frank Ragnow picked the right time to get hot, if he’s even in control of such things. In the days leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft, the offensive lineman from the University of Arkansas is finding his stock rising—a recipient of perfect timing.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports is reporting the latest draft news and rumors, which include the line that Ragnow is now considered the “top center” in this year’s draft class. That’s a huge leap forward for Ragnow, who has always been considered among the draft’s better interior lineman but certainly not a player worthy of Day 1 consideration and often mocked in later rounds given his position and lack of buzz. Those days are likely long gone.

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If Ragnow finds his name called much earlier than most expect this weekend as the draft unfolds in Dallas, it means that other interior linemen will be pushed down to teams like the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs will certainly be on the lookout for one offensive lineman in this draft and maybe more. Remember last week during his press conference, general manager Brett Veach said, “I think versatility is a premium and that is why linemen go high, and that is why you have to draft a few every year.” Last year the Chiefs didn’t draft a single lineman, so would it surprise anyone if they grab at least two?

The Chiefs lost Zach Fulton in free agency last month and already had issues exposed along the interior last season when injuries to Mitch Morse and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif arose. Bringing in young, cheap, versatile help makes plenty of sense for the Chiefs at this point.

If Ragnow goes early now, it could mean that other heralded prospects like James Daniels, Billy Price, Braden Smith, Will Clapp and so on could slide a bit more than expected. Of course, all of this is dependent on scheme fit and much more, but at the least it could mean that Ragnow is now out of K.C.’s reach if they were interested. It could also mean that another prospect is now sliding into view.

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