The next position under the microscope is this 2026 center draft class. While the group does not feature a true blue-chip prospect, it has solid depth. I have four centers with Day 2 grades, which makes this class stronger than last year’s group that saw only four centers selected in the entire NFL Draft.
I view this class a bit differently than others. My top two centers both come from the Big Ten: Matt Gulbin from Michigan State Spartans and Logan Jones from Iowa Hawkeyes. Both are viewed lower by some draft analysts. Meanwhile, their top-ranked center, Connor Lew, is only fifth on my board.
One team likely to address the position is the Detroit Lions, who met with several of these prospects at the Combine and need to replace Frank Ragnow. The Baltimore Ravens are another team to watch if they decide not to retain Tyler Linderbaum.
2026 NFL Draft: Top Centers you should know
- Top Player: Matt Gulbin, Michigan State
NFL teams looking for a physical, tough, no-nonsense offensive lineman will love Matt Gulbin. He led all centers in PFF run-blocking grade this past season and finished second in the FBS for overall grade. Versatility is another big plus, with over 600 snaps played at center, left guard, and right guard. He might not be the first center off the board this April, but expect him to have the best career of this year’s center class.
- Guy I Would Stand on the Table For: Logan Jones, Iowa
Logan Jones is a day-one NFL starter. The 2025 Rimington Award winner led all centers with an 84 PFF regular-season grade and was the only center in America with top-five marks as both a pass blocker (second) and run blocker (third). He’s an impressive athlete and one of the most mobile centers in the 2026 class, making him an ideal fit for a zone-blocking scheme. If he falls to Day Three of the NFL Draft, he’ll be an absolute steal.
Logan Jones checks every box. Joe Moore Award winner, Duke Slater Golden Gavel recipient, elite communicator up front. Smart, tough, dependable center built for the NFL.
— John Blair (@johnblairjunior) December 27, 2025
- Biggest Risk: Connor Lew, Auburn
I’m not as high on Connor Lew as others, including Mel Kiper Jr., who ranks him as the top center in the class. On my board, he sits closer to a fourth-round value. He’s coming off a season-ending torn ACL, which adds real uncertainty, and his foot speed does not stack up with some of the other top prospects. There are also reps on tape where he struggles to block effectively in space, which limits his overall scheme fit.
- Sleeper: Bryce Foster, Kansas
Bryce Foster is a center who deserved a Combine invite but was left out. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound anchor has not allowed a sack over the past two seasons and gave up just one quarterback hit this year. Beyond football, he was a second-team All-American in track in 2025 in the shot put, which speaks to his raw power. In a power-running scheme, he has a real shot to carve out a long NFL career.
- Overrated: Pat Coogan, Indiana
A center I’m not sold on is Pat Coogan. While he played a major role in Indiana’s championship run, he lacks the high-end traits to consistently thrive at the next level. His mobility is limited, and he struggles to block in space, which likely confines him to a gap-blocking scheme. His power is solid but not dominant, and his pad level too often undercuts it. For those reasons, I have a seventh-round grade on him. Still, don’t be surprised if a team like the Las Vegas Raiders, who have shown interest, pulls the trigger earlier in the NFL Draft.
Overall rankings, 2026 NFL Draft Centers:
1. Matt Gulbin, Michigan State (third round)
2. Logan Jones, Iowa (third round)
3. Trey Zuhn III, Texas A&M (third round)
4. Sam Hecht, Kansas State (third round)
5. Connor Lew, Auburn (fourth round)
6. Jake Slaughter, Florida (fourth round)
7. Parker Brailsford, Alabama (fifth round)
8. Pat Coogan, Indiana (seventh round)
9. Bryce Foster, Kansas (seventh round)