The center is the quarterback of the offensive line. It is one of the more underrated positions in all of football, given all of the responsibility it has. The center must not only be powerful but smart. Between calling out pass protection, identifying blitzers, and knowing where the weak spots of the defensive front are, the center and quarterback must always be on the same page.
Maryland’s Spencer Anderson is a center prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. He will have an uphill climb to hearing his name called on draft night. Below is everything you need to know about Anderson in his scouting report.
Spencer Anderson NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Center
- School: Maryland
- Year: Fifth-Year Senior
Anderson played in only two games during his freshman year at Maryland in 2018. As a redshirt freshman the following year, he appeared in 11 out of 12 contests, making one start at right tackle. In the COVID-shortened season in 2020, Anderson started in all five games on the offensive line (four at left tackle and one at center).
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As a junior in 2021, he started all 13 games on the offensive line, making nine starts at right tackle and four at center. In his final season, Anderson continued to bring leadership and versatility to the Terps’ offensive line, cementing himself as a team leader and consummate teammate.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Spencer Anderson
Strengths: Hard-working center who gets the most from his ability. Fires off the snap, is explosive at the point, and always looks for someone to hit. Sets with a wide base, starts with good knee bend, and stays square. Keeps his head on a swivel and works well with teammates. Strong, anchors in pass protection, and smothers opponents.
Weaknesses: Not light on his feet and struggles blocking in motion. Lacks footwork in space and cannot slide. Limited upside.
Overall: Anderson is a tough, intelligent lineman who plays nasty football, yet he’s an average athlete. He’s a small-area blocker who has experience at both center and guard, which enhances his next-level potential.
Spencer Anderson Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 309 pounds
- Arm: 32 1/8″
- Hand: 10 1/2″
- Bench Press: 29 reps
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.18
Spencer Anderson Current Draft Projection
According to Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Anderson has a UDFA grade. This does not mean he will go undrafted. Many things impact what happens to a prospect on draft night. This year, many teams are desperate for center help, and a run on the position could push certain players up the board.
For Anderson, his Relative Athletic Score of 9.37 is considered “great.” He has good size for the position, even if he is a little undersized relative to his weight. He played tackle in college and played at a much lighter weight than what he measured at the Combine. His speed was considered great, and he had a good 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash.
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In terms of explosiveness, Anderson tested as elite. His vertical jump and broad jump numbers are fantastic for the position. He does have limited agility, however, with a poor three-cone drill. His agility is likely contributing to why teams see him as a center at the next level rather than as a tackle, which he played a lot of.
It is likely Anderson goes undrafted during the draft. He is Pauline’s 477th-ranked prospect overall and 15th-ranked center. Pauline has ranked six centers better than him, and they also have UDFA grades. A team Anderson could latch on to following the draft could be the New York Jets. They are widely expected to select a center during the draft, but getting insurance is never a bad thing.