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2012 NFL Draft: Eagles Host Center Prospects Ben Jones & Gino Gradkowski

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 29:  Ben Jones #60 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after winning the game against the Florida Gators 24-20 at EverBank Field on October 29, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 29: Ben Jones #60 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after winning the game against the Florida Gators 24-20 at EverBank Field on October 29, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
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The Eagles have reportedly held private workouts with two guard/center prospects in recent weeks, Ben Jones from Georgia and Gino Gradkowski from Delaware.

The interior of the offensive line is certainly an area where the team could use some depth and competition, so it stands to reason that the Eagles will stock it with at least one, if not more picks in the upcoming draft. The higher rated guy of the pair they hosted is Ben Jones, who is seen by some scouts as a potential second round pick. Here's what CBS Sports had to say about him.

Started 48 games over his career -- all of them at center. He was twice named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week in 2011, earning it in back to back games against Auburn and New Mexico State. Was named to Georgia's Team of the Decade. Has been recognized throughout his career for leadership and toughness, including earning the offense's True Grit award at the conclusion of 2011 spring practice. Graduated early from high school to enroll at Georgia in January, 2008.

Obviously an extremely experienced guy, but one note I found interesting in researching him was that he was rarely if ever asked to pull in the scheme Georgia runs. As we know from the whole benching Jamaal Jackson and starting rookie Jason Kelce deal, Howard Mudd prefers his centers to be able to move. It's not that Ben Jones can't necessarily, just that he didn't do much of it in school.

The other guy is Gino Gradkowski, whose name should probably be familiar to you. He's the younger brother of former Bucs, Raiders & Bengals QB Bruce Gradkowski. Gino says that his athleticism is what sets him apart as a prospect.

"I definitely take pride in being athletic. I played basketball in high school. That's where I got my athleticism from. I'm good in space at blocking the secondary guys. I take a lot of pride in my ability to understand offenses and defenses. Mentally-wise, I bring a lot to the table."

"It's good that I played all three inside positions at Delaware. My versatility, bouncing around the inside, obviously helps. Anybody that goes to the NFL wants to be a starter. That’s my goal. If I need to be that
swing man as a backup my first year, that's fine. I want to compete for a starting job."

Athleticism and the ability to play multiple positions should make the all America very attractive to the Eagles in the mid to late rounds.

Related: See news about all the rumored prospect visits the Eagles will host this season.

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