Michigan's David Molk believes he is draft's top center, blasts critics who say otherwise
INDIANAPOLIS -- David Molk doesn't pay attention to draft projections. That's not to say he doesn't hear what is said about him.
He hears, and he disagrees. Strongly.
Most analysts rank Molk, the former Michigan captain who won the Rimington Award last year as the country's best center, somewhere between No. 3 and No. 5 at his position. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranks him as high as No. 2 and CBS Sports pegs him as low as No. 6.
Molk is believed to be a mid-round pick. He is of a different opinion.
"The fact they could consider any center better than me is pretty stupid," Molk said during an interview at his Indianapolis hotel during the NFL Scouting Combine.
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said this weekend that Molk helped himself at the combine by beating every other offensive lineman in the bench press with 41 repetitions (of 225 pounds). It was the second-best performance overall.
David Molk
But Mayock also said Molk is too much of a "finesse" player for some teams, which will hurt his stock. Molk disputes that.
"He never played against me," Molk said. "I don’t think a finesse player has ever had defensive linemen quit during a game; quit and give up because you’re hurting them. I don’t think a finesse player has ever done what I do, which is just ground kids out of the hole.
"I think the fact he called me a finesse player is because he hasn’t watched me on film. And if he has? Well ..."
Mayock, along with pretty much everyone else, lists Wisconsin's Peter Konz as the No. 1 center in the draft. He's giant for the position at 6-foot-5, 314 pounds, and is slotted as a late first-round pick.
But Konz shocked some at the combine by posting only 18 reps in the bench press. For comparison, that's three fewer than Michigan receiver Junior Hemingway. Or, reaching further back, the same number as former Wolverines punter Zoltan Mesko in 2010.
For that reason, and others, Molk says it's "uninformed" to rank Konz ahead of him.
"No doubt about it," he added. "I have skills he doesn’t have. Obviously, my strength is far better, I’m faster, I would say I’m smarter. Obviously, he’s an intelligent person, I’ve talked to him, but I just think I have a technique that’s unmatched (by him)."
Molk said during a recent interview he still is upset coaches voted Konz their first-team All-American center. Molk was the first-team selection by The Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America All-America, The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Foundation.
"The fact that I wasn’t a ... consensus All-American pisses me off," he said. "Well, maybe (the coaches) should have checked in to who was All-Big Ten and the lineman of the year in the ... Big Ten before they did some stupid (crap) like that. Its just, stuff like that pisses me off."
Molk had similar thoughts regarding Ohio State center Mike Brewster, who is ranked ahead of him according to nearly every national analyst not named Kiper.
"He is no where near me as a player," Molk said.
Molk said 11 teams have contacted his agent searching for a center, and expects to be taken late-first round to early-third round.
He's back at his apartment in Novi now, and will continue to work out with former Michigan strength and conditioning coach Mike Barwis. He will attend Michigan's pro day March 15 and hopes to run a 40-yard dash after missing that event at the combine while recovering from foot surgery.
Molk said it also is possible he will hold a private workout between an April 13 checkup and the start of the draft April 26.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Tom
Sat, Mar 3, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
If David Molk quit playing football tomorrow nobody would miss him. How many sacks did MSU have vs. the Walverines? 8! Jerel Worthy ran all over him in East Lansing! Wasn't it 1.6 yards per carry vs. Virginia Tech? This guy is delusional...like most of you here!
umgoblue47
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
ted. . . i know you are very disturbed about how MICHIGAN'S GREAT RECRUITING CLASS FOR 2012 is a 10.9 earthquake coming at your 5.9 earthquake (ohio), but trust me it will all be over by the time you pick yourself up off the turf! just ask albee he know's what's coming!! GO BLUE!!!!!!
Kal Kelley
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
I like Molk but how has he watched film of all the games the top centers have played? There's nothing wrong with being confident in oneself, but to mouth off about other players reminds me of the Republican presidential campaigns.
stunhsif
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
One word comes to mind, "narcissist" ! ABO
ralph mcgraw
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 1:50 a.m.
Yup, sure sounds like a soon to be rich professional athlete: arrogant, mouthy, with the perfect "look-at-me-I-did-it-all-on-my-own" selfish attitude. Sounds more like the recent cache of NFL wide receivers than a center.
Albee Macaw
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
scott at 7:46 PM on February 29, 2012 This comment is hidden because you have chosen to ignore scott . Show DetailsHide Details You haven't beaten Michigan since the 1900's......last century.... Huh? Put the glass pipe down or get you money back on the michigan education. Look at the Vest record. Think it was 9 of 10 or close.
Albee Macaw
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
Ted . Middle eastern buffets? Okay your comments are always comical, but this pushes it over the top. I'm not even sure why you would say that, Dearborn isn't exactly a recruiting hotbed hahahaha. Ted My mechanic out her in San Diego is Iraqi and all his wife's family lives in michigan (Bloomfield something) and they rave about the buffets. That is where that came from. Plus I am pretty sure michigan is a known place of residence for Arabs. They play soccer so it makes no difference to me. Like I said I am glad you can see where the recruiting is going. Hoke has done well for so early but the kids he got are well below the level of talent the Urbanator has claim to. I am a realist and would say the same thing if it were the other way. Just like the kid from St Eds (Kalis} is better then any O lineman the bucks got in 2012 that is how it is. But obviously you are knowledgeable about recruits and they will need much more then Kalis to hold back the D line they signed in 2012. By far the best in the country. I always took Urb as an offensive genius yet the majority of his recruits have been on the D side of the ball. Who am I to question a guy w. two National Championships? Coaching against Urb is a big step up from SDSU and Ball State for the jokester. It would not surprise me if Urb embarrassed the jokester down the road and knowing the Urbs flair for running it up he will take great pride in rubbing Mr. Jokes face in it. He has that killer instinct. Also remember there are many hard feeling out here w/ the SDSU players I know that the jokester bailed on. He informed them he was departing w/ a text and did not even tell him them in person. People can dis on Urb all they want but he never been labeled as being disloyal to his players like Hoke. The players I know really despise the man and for good reason.
Albee Macaw
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 1:27 a.m.
Ted . Middle eastern buffets? Okay your comments are always comical, but this pushes it over the top. I'm not even sure why you would say that, Dearborn isn't exactly a recruiting hotbed hahahaha. Ted My mechanic out her in San Diego is Iraqi and all his wife's family lives in michigan (Bloomfield something) and they rave about the buffets. That is where that came from. Plus I am pretty sure michigan is a known place of residence for Arabs. They play soccer so it makes no difference to me. Like I said I am glad you can see where the recruiting is going. Hoke has done well for so early but the kids he got are well below the level of talent the Urbanator has claim to. I am a realist and would say the same thing if it were the other way. Just like the kid from St Eds (Kalis} is better then any O lineman the bucks got in 2012 that is how it is. But obviously you are knowledgeable about recruits and they will need much more then Kalis to hold back the D line they signed in 2012. By far the best in the country. I always took Urb as an offensive genius yet the majority of his recruits have been on the D side of the ball. Who am I to question a guy w. two National Championships? Coaching against Urb is a big step up from SDSU and Ball State for the jokester. It would not surprise me if Urb embarrassed the jokester down the road and knowing the Urbs flair for running it up he will take great pride in rubbing Mr. Jokes face in it. He has that killer instinct. Also remember there are many hard feeling out here w/ the SDSU players I know that the jokester bailed on. He informed them he was departing w/ a text and did not even tell him them in person. People can dis on Urb all they want but he never been labeled as being disloyal to his players like Hoke. The players I know really despise the man and for good reason.
Ted
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 4:15 a.m.
I appreciate the personalized response. And while I agree that Meyer is an exceptional coach, I'm of the opinion that it's going to be a very good rivalry for a while. 5-star recruits are great, and one generally prefers them to 3-star recruits, but looking at players like Will Campbell, who was a 5 star or Marcel Dareus, who was a 3 star, stars really don't make a difference, what one accomplishes on the field is what matters. And I'm not exactly sure what SDSU has to do with Michigan, Hoke's players adore him, it's not like Hoke is going to leave his dream job anytime soon.
robert1
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
This guy sounds insufferable. Yes, I'm sure that every objective evaluator of talent is wrong, and you're right.
Albee Macaw
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.
One mans gold (Michigan) is another mans garbage (OSU ). The majority of the Michigan recruits are in the 50 to 100 top of the country. The 5 players the Urbanator recruited are all in the top 50. Plus they are all from Ohio. After seeing the killing Urb made from out of state recruits for 2012 the 2013 OSU class will AGAIN be top 3. The fat man better kick it in gear. He is no longer recruiting against Fickell. This guy is going to bury everyone in his path and michigan will again become a joke (led by hoke) like it was during the Vest years. What was it 9 out of 10? Only chance you have of winning under Urbs era is this year then forget it.
rej73
Sun, Mar 4, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
We'll see how well Oscar Meyer does when recruits get wise to his oversigning, lying and arrogance, and when Miller turns out to be not another Tebow but another Pryor-like bustout.
Kal Kelley
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
I used to have a macaw named Albee. Weird coincidence, I guess...
scott
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 12:46 a.m.
You haven't beaten Michigan since the 1900's......last century....
observer
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
talk is cheap.....everyone looks good in shorts and shirts....did he ever consider not saying a thing and proving that he is the best on the field......no chance of that.......he appears very arrogant......big surprise.....
Steve McQueen
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
Dave Molk already "proved it" for 4 years at Michigan ON the field. He was voted the BT lineman of the year, won the Remington trophy for CF outstanding lineman and was on many All American teams. For NFL scouts to rank a weak Wisky kid and a mediocre Ohio kid above Dave Molk who performed better than both of those kids for 4 years and now is getting dissed by some NFL analysts.... well Dave Molk spoke the truth. Arrogant? lol whatever...go watch some football before you form your opinion "observer" lol
Steve McQueen
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
Molk is 100% correct and I applaud him standing up for himself. He is a FAR better center than both of those guys....the weak 18 reps at 225 Wisky kid...who is only getting pub because he played on a Wisky OL....and the Ohio kid who is FAR overrated and got dominated by Martin during The Game and also at the Senior Bowl. Keep defending yourself Dave...you are the best center in this draft.
A2comments
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
While I think Molk is good, some of his comments will do him a disservice, especially when teams that might be considering him read them....
deres
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
Wow, if this was a MSU player complaining about not getting respect, and calling people stupid, the comments for this story would fill up all the available AnnArbor.com server space. Molk is pretty good, but he's not a pro yet. :-)
Terry Star21
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
I would love to see Molk go to the lions....wish we had him back, the time went to fast. But I agree with his assessment, nobody is better right now. Good Luck David ! Funniest line of the year so far, "....Holk may not be up for the challenge..,". Thanks ted, you are just too funny !
Tom
Sat, Mar 3, 2012 : 1:47 a.m.
Where'd you go to school, Terry?
discgolfgeek
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
if he's available late, the Lions will take him as Raiola is near the end and he is would be a definite bargain.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
I never thought I would see the word "finesse" be used to describe any Offensive Lineman ever...
Steve McQueen
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
welcome to Mike Mayock.... overrated but entertaining analyst
ted
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:34 p.m.
I know I'm changing the subject, BUT I'm very disturbed about recent recruiting events. Ohio St. just had a 5.9 recruit commit yesterday. I feel like things are now slipping away and that Hoke may not be up for the challenge.
Tom
Sat, Mar 3, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.
Hey Terry. Where did you go to school? You seem to be AVOIDING the simple question!
Albee Macaw
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
Ohio State will toss you the 2, 3 and 4 star recruits and keep all the 5 start kids. I give Ted credit for being honest and seeing how things really are.. Urb does not waste his tome w/ the quality of kids that the fat man can only get. Our garbage is your gold.
heartbreakM
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
And again, ted has me shaking with fear. I can hardly type.
Albee Macaw
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 11:27 p.m.
One mans gold (Michigan) is another mans garbage (OSU ). The majority of the Michigan recruits are in the 50 to 100 top of the country. The 5 players the Urbanator recruited are all in the top 50. Plus they are all from Ohio. After seeing the killing Urb made from out of state recruits for 2012 the 2013 OSU class will AGAIN be top 3. The fat man better kick it in gear. He is no longer recruiting against Fickell. This guy is going to bury everyone in his path and michigan will again become a joke (led by hoke) like it was during the Vest years. What was it 9 out of 10? Only chance you have of winning under Urbs era is this year then forget it.
Terry Star21
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
Ted's very funny, you have to appreciate that. Don't get mad that he comes over to our site to spread humor, he just likes to be funny - no insult intended. I for one enjoy a bit of humor. "....Holk may not be up for the challenge.." - Ted that is just too funny !
lionsfan21
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
Look at the quality!!! That is insane. We have a few four star guys that could easily be bumped up to five star rating. Also, since we have such a good jump on ohio and everybody else in the country, we can no be very selective in bringing in the final recruits. The momentum is far on the wolverines side.
ted
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
I think not Lionsfan21. The issue is quality , not quantity. I am only acknowledging that momentum has clearly swung back in favor of Ohio State with their latest aquisition.
lionsfan21
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
Ted you cannot be serious. Have you looked at Michigan's current class for 2013? Number one in the country according to 247 Sports. Ohio has 5 commits right now to Michigan's 13 and 11 of Michigan's 13 are ranked 4 stars by 247. Your last statement is a joke.
appleuofmfan
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 3:06 p.m.
If i'm a NFL team I want the center that not only has the talent to do the job but also thinks he is the baddest son of gun on the field. You can't coach attitude, you can't teach playing with passion.
Albee Macaw
Thu, Mar 1, 2012 : 12:15 a.m.
Soft player. That is why he is rated low.
zigziggityzoo
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.
Zoltan is great, and he doesn't generally need the upper body strength, but I would hate to be the center that's compared to Zoltan, the kicker - for that very reason. When you compare yourself to Michigan, you just fall short. Go Blue! (I'm a bit biased)
RJ12688
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
Konz tied Mesko on the bench? Thats hilarious.
RJ12688
Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 12:17 p.m.
You tell em Molk!