ESPN NFL mock draft sees Iowa football star Logan Jones stay local

It is simply a matter of when Logan Jones hears his name called in this year's NFL draft, not if. The standout center is another one of the Iowa Hawkeyes' offensive linemen, ready-made to plug into an NFL starting lineup and make the team that selects him very happy.

With the 2026 NFL Draft looming, Jones is continuing to make an appearance high on draft boards and within mock drafts. He figures to play center at the next level, which is a position that often doesn't go in the first round, but should see him soon after.

In ESPN's latest mock draft from draft analyst Mel Kiper, he has Logan Jones staying local for Iowa fans, going in the second round to the Chicago Bears.

60. Chicago Bears (via BUF)

Logan Jones, C, Iowa

The Bears quickly found a new center in Garrett Bradbury after Drew Dalman retired, but Bradbury is a free agent after this season. Jones has started 51 games, all at center. - Mel Kiper, ESPN

The pick makes sense. The Bears are a young team building an offenisve line for years to come with their franchise cornerstone quarterback, Caleb Williams, under center. Jones gives Williams instant knowledge and talent at one of the most important positions in the game.

Logan Jones won the Rimington Award in 2025 as the nation's best center, was part of Iowa's offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award as the nation's best offensive line, was a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025, and joined the Hawkeyes' storied tradition of becoming a Unanimous All-American in 2025.