WEEI.com will continue to offer daily insight and analysis regarding options that may be available to the Patriots when it comes to the 2012 NFL draft. Here is one is a series of profiles of players who could be on the board when it’s time for the Patriots to make a selection.

Peter Konz was in demand after helping Wisconsin reach the Rose Bowl this past season. (AP)

PETER KONZ

Position: Center

School: Wisconsin

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 314 pounds

Achievements: Rimington Award finalist (2011), AFCA All-America first team (2011), Media All-Big Ten first team (2011), All-Big Ten academic team (2011)

What he brings: Another monster, NFL-ready lineman from the Wisconsin program, Konz comes into the draft as the consensus No. 1 center prospect. At 6-foot-5, Konz is taller than most centers and could move to either guard position if necessary, but he possesses the proper technique and flexibility to use his large frame in the interior the offensive line.

While at Wisconsin, Konz was the leader of the elite Badgers offensive line and excelled in communication, making calls at the line while diagnosing defensive looks. A technician, Konz flourished in Wisconsin’s man-on-man power-running system, displaying excellent footwork, hands and power, though he remains a question mark in a zone running system like the one used by the Texans.

While his strength and power are solid, Konz severely disappointed in his bench press at the combine, recording only 18 reps of 225 pounds, a far cry from the 41 posted by Michigan center David Molk. Of course, if scouts are genuinely concerned about Konz’ strength, they should direct themselves to the game tape of this year’s Wisconsin-Michigan State game, when the center went toe-to-toe with projected first-rounder Jerel Worthy.

Where the Patriots could get him: Round 1

Notes: Konz was a favorite to win the Rimington Trophy (nation’s best college center) this past season, but that pursuit was derailed by a late ankle injury that forced him to miss three games, adding to his spotty durability. Konz missed multiple starts during all three years in which he was a starter.

Should he be drafted in the first round, Konz will be the first interior offensive lineman taken in the first round to put up less than 20 bench press reps at the combine in the past five years, according to Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.

Related articles:

Baltimore Sun: Potential Ravens target Peter Konz enjoys being center of attention

AnnArbor.com: Wisconsin’s Peter Konz says David Molk’s criticism doesn’t bother him, ’cause I’m sexy and I know it’

Appleton Post Crescent: Former University of Wisconsin Badgers center Peter Konz of Neenah looks like good prospect for NFL Draft

Video: Here’s a highlight package of Konz in Wisconsin’s game against Ohio State during his final season.