Where The Lions Roster Stands: Center

by Sean Yuille on Jul 6, 2011 2:10 PM EDT in Detroit Lions Roster

Previously: Quarterback, Running Back, Fullback, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard

Returning from last season: Dominic Raiola, Dan Gerberry

Currently a free agent: Dylan Gandy (he was tendered as a restricted free agent before the lockout but will likely be unrestricted under the new CBA)

New to the team: None

The Detroit Lions' center position the last couple of years has been Dominic Raiola and Dylan Gandy. Raiola has been the starter since 2002, and Gandy has served as his backup since 2009.

Gandy is set to become an unrestricted free agent under the new CBA since he has been in the league for five years. The Lions tendered him before the lockout began in case he ended up being a restricted free agent, so they have indicated that they want Gandy back. He is a good player to have as a backup offensive lineman because he can play center or guard, and that versatility means the Lions can use an extra roster spot on a different position.

The other center on the roster for the Lions is Dan Gerberry. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009 and has been with the Lions ever since, spending time on the practice squad for the most part. He will try to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster during training camp and the preseason this year.

Need going forward?

If the Lions can find an undrafted free agent who plays center and can serve as a camp body, I wouldn't be surprised if they sign someone. Like the other positions on offense, that's about as big of a need the Lions have at center.

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Gerberry is also the backup long snapper to Don Muhlbach.

Gandy looked pretty good in training camp last year, stepping in when Peterman missed six days of camp.

I don’t think the center market is very robust this year, so Gandy is likely to return.

by mikeyclaw on Jul 6, 2011 4:09 PM EDT reply actions

Muhlbach

I know its rough in this day and age to reserve roster spots for specialists. Especially for a LS, but I’m a big Muhlbach fan and do hope they keep him on as a LS only. I may go buy a Muhlbach jersey.

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by Leonuro on Jul 6, 2011 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I think we're stuck with Dom until his contract runs out

If his play continues to be spotty (especially in the inside running game) it will be interesting to see if the Lions try to make a move.

by WestsideLionsFan on Jul 6, 2011 4:22 PM EDT reply actions

I'd almost be open to Gandy as the starter

At Center or Right Gaurd we need to do something on the inside. Last years run blocking problems can not continue in 2011. Something has to change somewhere IMO.

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by The Profiler on Jul 6, 2011 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

sometimes

The best change is no change…

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by Latif Masud on Jul 6, 2011 9:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Well said.

by mikeyclaw on Jul 6, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll put it like this:

after two seasons of essentially competing with Dom for the starting job, Gandy is still the one coming off the bench. That’s about as strong of an indication as you can get that the Coaching Staff feels Dom is the better of the two.

by motown313 on Jul 8, 2011 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions

That UDFA is Tim Barnes from Mizzou

He might be worth a flyer.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=c

by sJe on Jul 6, 2011 8:45 PM EDT reply actions

+1

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by rames on Jul 6, 2011 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

+2

RIP Robyn Bailey 1961 - 2010. I love you mum.

by Hyperion Ecta on Jul 7, 2011 3:33 AM EDT up reply actions

riolia has been the root of much of our running woes in detroit..emmitt smith said that the center was the key to the running game as it is a backs first key.well riolia is always being manhandled and pushed back into the backfield.i would love to see detroit sign steeler backup doug lagursky to replace gandy and push dom.he played great for pouncey in the afc championship and superbowl but will be looking for a chance to start else where.

by Allen Lindley on Jul 7, 2011 12:42 AM EDT reply actions

Sounds like Daryn Colledge.

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by Omaha Sun on Jul 11, 2011 2:26 AM EDT reply actions

Couldnt agree more

Raiola is a fighter and I appreciate what he has done for the franchise, but two running backs that we drafted within the first two rounds have nearly had their careers ended running behind raiola, and I really dont want the same thing to happen to leshore or best. Center desperately needs to be upgraded on this team.

by big smoove on Jul 12, 2011 8:45 PM EDT reply actions