PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

2. Brian De La Puente

2013 Grade: +6.1
2013 Snaps: 1305

Summary: De La Puente is a good pass-blocking center; in his three seasons as a starter he has never posted a Pass Blocking Efficiency under 98.2 and has given up a total of 46 pressures in 2144 passing snaps. In his best season has a pro, 2012, De La Puente managed to take his pass-blocking skill set and add to it by drastically improving his run blocking. In 2011 and 2013 he put up a poor combined run blocking grade of -8.5, but showed in 2012 what he was capable of by recording a +13.6.

With De La Puente turning 29 before the season, interested teams will either have to accept the idea that he is simply good pass blocker who struggles in the run game, or bank on him regaining his form from 2012. The team that adds De La Puente to their roster will be getting a reliable player who, in the past three seasons, has not missed any time due to injury.

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...gents-centers/

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

I wonder what his grade would be without two Pro Bowl guards beside him?!

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

Wow, I was about to post the exact same thing

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

Stats are easily manipulated to read as you want them.

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

I wonder if those two Pro Bowl guards would have made the Pro Bowl if not for the #2 rated Center. :)

If you check out their evaluation of Mack, not stellar.

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

With DLP I think the disconnect is two-fold.

One, he gets pushed back in to the pocket too far for Brees to comfortably step up as he has in the past. This means the outside pass rush has an easier time getting a hit on him. It doesn't register as a sack, or even a hurry, but it takes Drew out of his comfort zone.

Two, as previously mentioned, playing next to pro-bowl OG's will make just about any decent OC look a lot better than they actually are.

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

I have a feeling some team handing him a fat contract in the hopes of getting an excellent anchor for their O-line is in for a rude awakening.

And that middle push along with below average signal calling is something I was very disappointed at in his game this past season.

Nevertheless, with the salary cap the way it is, I'd be more than happy to have him back on an affordable but fair contract.

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

We could do better but we could also do a lot worse. I'd love to get Mack but he'll be expensive as hell.

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

Agreed with danno, Brees is most used to stepping up in the pocket when outside pressure gets around the tackle or they send an extra blitze

if brees tries to step up and DLP is getting pushed backwards (which happens quite often regardless of 2 pro bowlers at his sides) the pocket completely collapses and brees tucks the ball and prepares to get hit

Re: PFF evaluation of FA Centers
 

Two pro bowl Gaurds and a stud Center, lots of time to step up it would do our run game wonders.