Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joe Thomas believes that center Alex Mack is one of the most important players at the club.

Mack's contract is up at the end of the season and there could be doubt over his future with the Browns, who are in rebuilding mode with new owners and a new general manager at the club.

Thomas told reporters: "Very few people really understand how many things the center is actually responsible for. Obviously the quarterback has the ball in his hands and he's the guy who ultimately makes the decisions.

"But when it comes to setting the protections and setting the blocking in the run game, nobody has more on their plate than the center.

"[Mack is] probably the best that I've seen and has to be one of the best in the NFL at understanding the mental side of the game and getting everybody on the same page blocking wise."

The Browns face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their week 17 clash.