Ranking the Ravens’ options at center in the 2026 draft class

3. Jake Slaughter (Florida)

If I asked myself Day 1, ‘who in this center class would be able to block Dexter Lawerence?‘, the answer would be Slaughter. His pass protection is pro ready; he drops a firm, synchronized anchor and keeps his head on a swivel for loopers. In the run game, he has the requisite athleticism to ‘run the train tracks’ in a zone scheme. His experience at center (2,048 snaps over the past three seasons) is also a major plus for a Ravens team that needs an immediate starter.

4. Parker Brailsford (Alabama)

While Brailsford might not be the biggest center, he has shades of Aaron Brewer in his game. He is with his hands and dominates smaller defenders in space while maintaining strong momentum on zone runs and punishing over-aggressive leaners. He is a high upside athlete that is the best zone/second-level center in the class.

5. Logan Jones (Iowa)

Jones is a space-eating presence in a zone blocking scheme who consistently climbs to the second level and erases angles as a run blocker, creating clear lanes for ball carriers. In pass protection, he shows an excellent mirror with the ability to stay square and sustain blocks, allowing just one sack and three pressures in 2025. He would fit seamlessly into Doyle’s scheme, almost 1-for-1 replacing Tyler Linderbaum’s skill set at center.

6. Jager Burton (Kentucky)

Burton fits the athletic profile that the Ravens are looking for at center. He can reach any gap as a run blocker and seals backside linemen effectively. He also consistently executes combo blocks and looks for work at the second level. . In pass protection, he has an initial solid hand strike and shows an initial baseline to further develop in the NFL.

7. Connor Lew (Auburn)

Lew

8. Brian Parker (Duke)

Parker has the zone blocking skills to transition to center at the next level and would be a threat as a screen game contributor in the Ravens offense. He combines excellent hand placement paired with rapid initial strike speed, consistently gaining early control of reps. His quick first step allows him to establish leverage immediately and angle defensive linemen out of their gaps with efficiency.

9. Matt Gulbin (Michigan State)

If the Ravens plan on staying multiple in their offensive attack, Gulbin would be a good fit and refine their pass protector up front. He is a physical downhill blocker who consistently displaces defensive linemen to open clear rushing lanes, generate movement at the point of attack, and punishes smaller defenders at the second level. In pass protection, he shows a strong anchor with the ability to absorb and redirect momentum.

10. Pat Coogan (Indiana)

The Ravens value team captains and accolades, and Coogan fits the bill. He was the team captain in 2025 during Indiana’s playoff run and was named the Rose Bowl MVP, a Joe Moore Award semi-finalist, and second-team All-Big Ten. He is a hard-nosed center who plays with relentless effort as both a pass protector and run blocker, consistently finishing reps and embodying a ‘die slowly’ mentality. He anchored the interior with discipline and toughness, allowing zero sacks in 2025 while providing steady, assignment-sound play at the point of attack.

Additionally, Spencer Fano and Keylan Rutledge have been mentioned as potential center converts. Here are brief reports on their potential at center:

Spencer Fano (G/C, Utah, No. 9)

Fano took snaps at center at the Combine and projects best on the interior, where his functional athleticism and core strength give him a solid foundation to handle the position at the next level. He has the mobility to operate in space and the base strength to hold up against interior power, offering encouraging versatility as he transitions inside. With continued technical development and the right coaching staff, he carries notable upside as a long-term starter at center.

Keylan Rutledge (G/C, Georgia Tech, No. 60)

Rutledge has the physicality the Ravens have been wanting on the interior and would allow them to be multiple in their run concepts. There have been growing rumors that teams are targeting him at center, where his functional strength and ability to consistently ‘run the train tracks’ make him a viable interior projection at the next level. He offers the toughness and base power needed to handle the physical demands of the position, with enough movement ability to stay attached and work in a phone-booth style role on the interior.