Would the Cowboys draft a wide receiver in the first round?
Could the Cowboys consider a WR in the first round of the draft?
The Ravens are evaluating potential center options for the 2026 draft, highlighting players like Sam Hecht from Kansas State, who has shown elite pass-blocking skills and strong run support.
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MANHATTAN, KS - NOVEMBER 29: Center Sam Hecht #75 of the Kansas State Wildcats gets set on the line of scrimmage against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) | Getty Images
1. Sam Hecht (Kansas State)
Over his last two seasons at Kansas State, Hecht allowed zero sacks and just 16 pressures across 787 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing elite consistency in protection. Heâs a high-level post-snap processor who quickly diagnoses movement and can peel off blocks to pick up late threats and blitz alerts. His hip mobility stands out, allowing him to efficiently reach and sustain reach blocks in space, while his adequate play strength enables him to stay attached and generate movement on contact. Overall, he projects as a reliable, assignment-sound lineman with strong spatial awareness and functional movement skills in both pass pro and the run game. In Doyleâs scheme, he would be a weapon in the run/screen game. He has the highest upside to develop as a pass protector and brings immediate run support.
2. Trey Zuhn (Texas A&M)
Over the past two seasons at Texas A&M, Zuhn allowed just 25 pressures across 872 pass-blocking snaps, underscoring his consistency and reliability in protection. He plays with outstanding core strength and is a âquick-set king,â using sharp punch timing and precise hand placement to consistently win early in reps. Technically sound with refined mechanics, he excels at engaging and latching onto defenders, maintaining control throughout the rep. His elite 9.96 Relative Athletic Score further shows up on tape, giving him the movement skills to execute across a variety of concepts while holding up against speed and power. While some question his ability to play center, his pass protection is some of the best in the class and has the easiest transition road among the tackle-to-center converts. His phone-booth playstyle would translate to a smaller area for him to be responsible for. In a pinch he can play left tackle for the Ravens and the line wouldnât crumble.
The top center prospects include Sam Hecht from Kansas State and Trey Zuhn from Texas A&M.
Sam Hecht is known for allowing zero sacks and just 16 pressures over 787 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing elite consistency and strong spatial awareness.
While the article does not detail Trey Zuhn's performance, he is listed as a notable center option for the Ravens in the 2026 draft.
Hecht's elite pass protection and ability to support the run game could make him a valuable asset in the Ravens' offensive scheme.
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3. Jake Slaughter (Florida)
If I asked myself Day 1, âwho in this center class would be able to block Dexter Lawerence?â, 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 ârun the train tracksâ 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 Doyleâs scheme, almost 1-for-1 replacing Tyler Linderbaumâs 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 Indianaâs 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 âdie slowlyâ 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 ârun the train tracksâ 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.