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A look at centers in the draft

INDIANAPOLIS – ESPN.com Dallas Cowboys reporter Calvin Watkins recently gave a little background information on new Indianapolis Colts center Phil Costa.

I reached out to ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson to get his perspective on the Colts’ situation with Costa and Khaled Holmes, the two players expected to come for the starting position.

“I would classify Costa as a low-end starter that is best off as a backup,” Williamson said.

Costa has a little bit of history, having started every game in 2011. The same can’t be said about Holmes. He’s the mystery player everybody is waiting to find out about after he only played 12 snaps last season.

Williamson also noted that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Colts drafted at that position next month.

Here are the top 10 centers in the draft, according to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.:

1. Marcus Martin, USC

2. Weston Richburg, Colorado St.

3. Russell Bodine, North Carolina

4. Travis Swanson, Arkansas

5. Jonotthan Harrison, Florida

6. Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma

7. James Stone, Tennessee

8. Bryan Stork, Florida St.

9. Corey Linsley, Ohio St.

10. Tyler Larsen, Utah St.

Kiper doesn't have any of those players being selected in the first round of his mock draft 4.0Insider. Martin is the first center selected, going to San Francisco at No. 61 in the second round.

I’d be surprised if the Colts used their second-round pick on a center because Holmes is headed into just his second season and there is a sense that they hope he’s their starter next season. There's a possibility that the Colts could draft a center in the later rounds.