Should the Commanders Consider Drafting Center Seth McLaughlin?

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Seth McLaughlin, C
School: Ohio State | Conference: Big Ten
College Experience: Senior | Age: ?
Height / Weight: 6’4” / 305 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd-4th Round

Player Comparison: Creed Humphrey

Player Overview

As one of the top center recruits in the country, Seth McLaughlin helped his high school football team in Buford, Georgia, win a state title. He received offers from numerous schools including Texas, Clemson, and Michigan, ultimately choosing to stay somewhat close to home and play for Nick Saban at Alabama.

McLaughlin was a freshman when Alabama won the championship in 2020, but he did not see the field. 2021 was the year that he got his first chance to start in the middle of the Crimson Tide offensive line, opening up holes for Brian Robinson, Jr. in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. He saw his playing time increase in 2022 and 2023, but with Saban stepping down as coach, McLaughlin decided to enter the transfer portal, ending up at Ohio State. McLaughlin had arguably his best season while in Columbus. He started the majority of the season for the 2024 national champions, won the Rimington Trophy for the best center in the country, was named All-Big Ten, an All-American, and an Academic All-American.

Strengths

• Stout build is difficult for defenders to get around
• Walls off defenders that manage to get outside his frame
• Strong at the point of contact thanks to good leverage
• Good mobility to pull and make blocks at the second level
• Awareness of rushers in pass pro a plus
• If he loses a block initially, can recovery quickly

Weaknesses

• Lacks flexibility and can end up on the ground
• Short arms can lead to defenders getting into his body
• Doesn’t just blow defenders off the ball
• Can struggle with very quick defenders
• Recovering from an Achilles injury

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

The Commanders offensive line got by in 2024 with Tyler Biadasz being arguably its best performer. Injuries caused him to miss time and it was clear how much he was missed when backup Michael Deiter stepped in for him. Deiter’s struggles made it clear the Commanders need better options at center off the bench.

As centers go in this draft, Seth McLaughlin may be the best. He can handle all the responsibilities necessary for the position and is scheme diverse. His value goes up if he can show teams he can also play guard. If the Commanders fill a lot of needs in free agency, they can approach the draft focusing not on needs now, but future needs. McLaughlin might need to redshirt this season, but he can serve as depth to Biadasz once fully recovered and potentially replace him once his contract ends. If McLaughlin can play guard, he might be Nick Allegretti’s long-term replacement. The team may go in a different direction, but McLaughlin is available in a place that makes sense, they should consider him.