Atlanta Falcons: 5 centers to consider drafting

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Sep 26, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Jack Allen (66) gestures to the Central Michigan Chippewas during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Falcons need to upgrade the center position this offseason. Here are five centers the Falcons should consider taking in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Ever since general manager Thomas Dimitroff opted to go younger with Peter Konz over the longtime veteran Todd McClure before the 2013 NFL season, the starting center spot has been a mess for the Atlanta Falcons.

While Joe Hawley had some good starts at center in 2013-14, his inability to stay on the field ultimately made Dimitroff part ways with the former fourth round pick by the Atlanta Falcons before the start of the 2015 NFL season.

Though the offensive line greatly improved in 2015 in offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme and the great hands-on teaching methods of offensive line coach Chris Morgan, the Falcons’ weak point on the offensive line was at center.

Botched snaps, awkward exchanges with quarterback Matt Ryan, and unnecessary pressure coming from a collapsing pocket at center last season means that the Atlanta Falcons have to look for a long-term solution at center this offseason. Expect the Atlanta Falcons to do this through the 2016 NFL Draft. Here are five players the Atlanta Falcons could look at to make their next starting center.

Next: 5. Austin Blythe, Iowa Hawkeyes

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