In Auto area AF mode, the D7200 picks the focus point automatically, usually choosing objects nearest the camera. This is often the best choice if you don’t have much time to think or you don’t have any particular focus point in mind. The main subject in a picture is often the thing closest to the camera after all.
But if you know exactly what you want to focus on, use the single point AF mode instead. You can then move the focus point around the frame using the multi selector on the back of the camera – and press the central OK button if you quickly want to return the AF point to the centre.