Pro Football Focus has graded and ranked Cleveland Browns JC Tretter as the best center in the AFC North and eighth best in the league.
Pro Football Focus is a useful tool when evaluating NFL talent. When PFF put out their rankings and grades for centers, some may have been surprised when discovering the final rankings for the AFC North. Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter came out as the best in the division.
Pro Football Focus graded JC Tretter as above average with a numerical score of 72.3. In addition to ranking as the best center in the division, Tretter ranked eighth overall in the entire league.
When evaluating Tretter’s performance last season there is something to keep in mind. Tretter started all 16 games while injured. Granted most players end up playing hurt or injured, but considering Tretter was dealing with an ankle injury is a bit impressive. (A high ankle sprain to be more specific). Playing the center position and succeeding with an ankle sprain is no small feat. Performing as the best center in the division and eighth-best in the league is quite the accomplishment. Not many players are capable of performing this well in all 16 games while dealing with an injury for most of it.
When JC Tretter initially signed his three-year $16.75 million deal before the 2017 season, there were mixed opinions. Some applauded the signing while others viewed this as an overpay. Add in the fact the team drafted Austin Corbett in the second round last year, many viewed Tretter as on the way out. It is possible that Corbett’s presence could have played into Tretter’s performance this past season. Although it is worth noting that Tretter performed as one of the NFL’s best centers. Tretter will make $6.75 million in 2019, 11th most in the NFL. Considering that others may eclipse this mark that are not necessarily of the same quality as Tretter only makes this deal better. JC Tretter is a quality center with good contract value. The Browns offensive line is in a good spot moving forward.
