Centers in the 2026 NFL Draft

Phoenix49ers · 2026-01-27T13:57:50-08:00

I know OTC will make a general OL thread but I wanted to have a thread specifically for centers since I don't want to make one for every single prospect. There's a pretty decent crop of centers coming out this year, some very good talent out there and I'm hoping the 49ers end up with one of them. Yes I know its unlikely that Shanahan goes with a rookie center but I'm trying to be optimistic here. Jake Slaughter-Florida-6'4", 305 Very experienced with 51 starts total under his belt. Has steadily improved as both a pass and run blocker where he's quite proficient in both after some major struggles earlier on in his career. Has performed well against some of the best college defenses in the country. Awareness and blitz pickup are top notch and he's a well respected leader on that offense. I expect him to hit the ground running as an NFL rookie, very similar to Creed Humphrey in that regard. Florida C Jake Slaughter in 2025:(422 pass blocking reps)• 1 sack allowed• 1 QB hit allowed• 87.1 PFF pass block grade (#1 in SEC)Slaughter did this vs defenses in Miami, LSU, Georgia, Texas, Texas a&m, Ole Miss and Tennessee 👀 pic.twitter.com/hy0cwgqE7I— Bengalscentre (@benga1scentre) January 23, 2026Jake Slaughter has been a stalwart at Florida, allowing just 22 pressures in 3 seasons as a starter!The film is solid and he may very well be a top 50 pick with a strong Senior Bowl and Combine. https://t.co/7xfaWSuE7u pic.twitter.com/EJORcbGGEj— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) December 9, 2025Connor Lew-Auburn-6'3"-300 Probably the best all around center in this draft class but will be coming off a torn ACL that he suffered early in the season. A complete center in every way, tremendous agility, blocks very well on the move, a reliable pass blocker, more of a pure technician than a mauler but has held up and even been dominant against some top level competition. He really might be closer to an Alex Mack level of center if all the medicals check out. Auburn OC Connor Lew was MY GUY pre-October ACL tear. Like Top 30 player.🐅6'3, 302, technically sound, athletic as all get out. Lew can move and he is mean.🐅Such a mobile killer with a perfect body habitus for the modern NFL.WOW 🔥🎥 @hailmarysportss https://t.co/UFXlBg75ue pic.twitter.com/FVVGAMztMU— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) December 28, 2025Connor Lew - C, Auburn- Fundamentally sound pass protection - High Football IQ from his knowledge of defensive stunts and blitzes to his hand placement and controlled demeanor - Nimble and exceptional lateral quickness - Anchor has shown continual improvement - Experienced pic.twitter.com/18AvB9kXGx— Cønnør (@DTownCnnrBrown) January 26, 2026Logan Jones-Iowa-6'3"-305 Former DL that switched over to the OL a couple years ago and has really come on, picking up the nuances of the position quickly. His success is a testament to just how good of an OL coach George Barnett is. Much better run blocker than pass blocker, a lineman who uses leverage extremely well and has ridiculous power for his size. One of Feldman's athletic freaks. He's still very much developing his technique and has a lot more work ahead of him compared to some of the guys coming out but he has the power and athleticism to fit into any scheme in the NFL. Logan Jones - C, Iowa- Tremendous athlete for his position - Can squat 700+lbs which shows his anchor strength - Nasty mean streak when finishing blocks- Very durable and dependable - Adapted to playing Center extremely fast- Versatility to fill in at Guard if needed pic.twitter.com/nlhzVAdF6N— Cønnør (@DTownCnnrBrown) January 19, 2026Love this play from Iowa Center Logan Jones. Someone I think will test well, 4 year starter and could be had in the late 3rd Round. pic.twitter.com/ZUfzfJ01dr— Shifty's 49ers Talk (@Shifty49ersTalk) January 27, 2026

Jan 27, 2026 at 3:08 PM

Brucey72
Veteran
Posts: 1,250

Logan Jones makes a lot of sense bc he is likely a 3rd or 4th pick guy and we all know Brendal is starting this year but he is a free agent next year. Draft Jones and develop him. I also really like his teammate

Jan 27, 2026 at 3:36 PM

OnTheClock
Hall of Fame
Posts: 38,432

I wanted Logan last year and was devastated he didn't enter. Not that we would've taken him anyway. I desperately wanted Grey Zabel too. We didn't take him either.

Jan 27, 2026 at 4:25 PM

jersey49er
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Posts: 7,665

Logan Jones in the 4th or Pat Coogan from Indiana is intriguing to me.

Jan 28, 2026 at 7:15 AM

49ers808
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Posts: 16,411

I really really like Lew. That ACL might be the reason we actually have a shot at him as a long term plan behind Brendel. We all know Brendel is starting again but hopefully it's his last time as his contract expires

Jan 28, 2026 at 5:17 PM

OnTheClock
Hall of Fame
Posts: 38,432

Phoenix, I was thinking of just making an IOL thread. Why not have this be it? C/G only.

Jan 28, 2026 at 5:56 PM

ChaunceyGardner
Q46 Draft Winner
Posts: 23,746

Late in the draft or UDFA I think Jager Burton would be a nice backup to add

Jan 28, 2026 at 6:48 PM

m_brockalexander
Veteran
Posts: 13,376

If CBS Sports and the Niners history are any indication, the Niners could break the bank for Tyler Linderbaum as a free agent like they did for Alex Mack and others. That's my hope but these three prospects are the next best options.

Jan 28, 2026 at 7:36 PM

GEEK
Veteran
Posts: 19,410

Solid list. Brian Parker II is another one that projects as an iOL in the NFL and could play well at Center.