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One area of focus for the New England Patriots' draft plans figures to be on adding interior offensive line reinforcements, especially on the final day of festivities. The team will have a new starting center in Jared Wilson, who struggled at times manning the guard spot last season. New England also retained backup Ben Brown on a new two-year extension at the end of December. While the Patriots would appear to be set at center, adding to the depth and having multiple options is always beneficial.
With an abundance of selections on Day 3 of the draft (eight), there figures to be plenty of remaining talent in what is a rather deep center class. New England could also seek a utility role backup player, able to play all three inside spots. Lastly, having a contingency plan should Wilson fail to hold up or should an injury occur is the best way to solidify roster depth.
Based on recent draft trends, NFL teams typically tend to hold off on selecting centers, which could create some late-round value. Several center prospects also have extensive experience at guard, which would make the most sense for New England. A player such as Pat Coogan of the national champion Hoosiers, or Matt Gulbin of Michigan State, would provide depth at both center and guard. Meanwhile, local product Delby Lemieux of Dartmouth is attempting to make the switch from left tackle to center and could also be a candidate for the Patriots.
When it comes to the offensive line, players who have added versatility allow for additional flexibility when finalizing the 53-man roster, something that executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf must weigh come draft day.
Patriots C Depth Chart: Jared Wilson, Ben Brown
Please find our BSJ 2026 Center Preview below, filled with an overview, rankings and in-depth player evaluations on the top 25 draft-eligible center prospects. [Next Up: Defensive Tackle]
2026 BSJ NFL DRAFT TIGHT END CLASS OVERVIEW
What’s it like to be the center of attention? A top-end center needs to be cerebral, plus serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for his quarterback. He also needs to be able to communicate pre-snap as the leader of the offensive line. In addition, he must be agile enough to pull block and climb the second level. The NFL happens to be in luck, as the center Class of 2026 is a deep group.
With the quality of depth, it can be a ‘catch-22’ proposition, as NFL teams could opt to take a wait-and-see approach. There are a handful of players who should compete immediately for a starting position, including Sam Hecht of Kansas State, Parker Brailsford of Alabama and Jake Slaughter of Florida.
A few collegiate offensive tackles have decided to make the position switch to center, as they transition to the pros, including Brian Parker II of Duke and Delby Lemieux of Dartmouth, two highly intelligent players who have made the move look easy based on early impressions.
While the center spot might be one of the last positions drafted, it’s very possible that more are drafted than usual due to the abundance of depth.
2026 BSJ CENTER BIG BOARD
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | PROJECTION [# = indicates combine invite]
#Sam Hecht, Kansas State, Rd3
#Parker Brailsford, Alabama, Rd3
#Jake Slaughter, Florida, Rd3
#Connor Lew, Auburn, Rd4
#Brian Parker II, Duke, Rd4
#Logan Jones, Iowa, Rd5
#Pat Coogan, Indiana, Rd6
#Jager Burton, Kentucky, Rd7
Delby Lemieux, Dartmouth, HPFA
#Matt Gulbin, Michigan State, HPFA
James Brockermeyer, Miami, HPFA
Bryce Foster, Kansas, HPFA
Mason Rudolph, Boise State, HPFA
Greg Crippen, Michigan, HPFA
Pete Nygra, Louisville, HPFA
Ryan Linthicum, Clemson, HPFA
Luke Petitbon, Florida State, HPFA
Nick Dawkins, Penn State, HPFA
Jordan White, Vanderbilt, HPFA
Connor Tollison, Missouri, HPFA
Gavin Gerhardt, Cincinnati, PFA
Jaren Kump, Utah, PFA
Jim Bonifas, Iowa State, PFA
Jack Walsh, Wyoming, PFA
Brock Dieu, Washington State, PFA
BSJ TIGHT END SCOUTING REPORTS
PLAYER PROFILE KEY (How to read the prospect header):
LAST NAME | FIRST NAME | SCHOOL | POSITION | YEAR | JERSEY # | HOMETOWN | PROJECTION
ABBREVIATIONS: HT = Height | WT: Weight | HD = Hand | ARM = Arm | WS: = Wingspan | 40-YD = Forty-Yard Dash | BP = Bench Press | VJ = Vertical Jump | BJ = Broad Jump | SHTL = Short Shuttle | 3C = Three-Cone
**Note**Heights of players are measured to the nearest eighth of an inch – for example, “6003” would stand for 6 ft. and 3/8 inches tall. (The first number refers to the feet, the second two numbers refer to the inches, and the last number refers to eighths of an inch). Arm, hand, and wingspan are written differently – 3012 would mean 30 1/2 inches, 0934 would mean 9 3/4 inches, and 7558 would mean 75 5/8 inches.
1. HECHT, SAM | Kansas State | C | rSr | #75 | Shawnee, KS | Day 2
Combine: HT: 6041 | WT: 303 | HD: 0978 | ARM: 3158 | 40-YD: 5.10 (1.73) | VJ: 28” | BJ: 8-5 | SHTL: 4.71 | 3C: 7.75
Evaluation: An anchor for the Wildcats offensive line, Hecht possesses a strong base and great leverage to keep his defender under control and away from the ball. He owns quick feet, which shows up in his lateral quickness and ability to mirror pass-rushers. In addition, Hecht displays great fundamentals and discipline in his snap delivery, never having a fumble due to his snap, while displaying great awareness and football IQ in his protection calls. A mauler as a run blocker, Hecht drives defenders off the ball with his strength, leverage and violent hands. He excels at climbing to the second level and sustaining blocks, as well as combo blocks and pulling in zone schemes. K-State coaches have noted his wrestling background as aiding his sound hand placement, balance and low center of gravity. Has a high motor finishing every play. In addition, he possesses the versatility to move to guard in jumbo sets. Hecht has struggled in pass-protection at times, as bull-rushes from bigger defensive tackles can cause him to get upright. His short arms can lead to overextending, resulting in him getting off-balance. Overall, Hecht has proven durability and leadership, both on and off the field, as he mentors younger offensive linemen, per staff. Hecht is a solid mid-round prospect who could be an immediate plug-and-play starter and can immediately help upgrade the run game.
Background: Senior Bowl Participant. Appeared in 42 games; started his final 25 games at center. Originally a walk-on at Kansas State in 2021; was awarded a scholarship in 2023 and became the starter in 2024. Named to the 2024 All-Big 12 Second team and is on both the Rimington Trophy and Outland Trophy watchlist in 2025. Awarded academic honors every year in college. Majored in construction science and management. A three-star prospect out of Mill Valley High School where he won two consecutive state championships and earned all-state honors. Prioritized football over Ivy League academics, turning down full scholarships to elite schools like Yale and Princeton. Son of Jon and Shelley Hecht; has three siblings, Ben, Will and Andrew.
2. BRAILSFORD, PARKER | Alabama | C | rJr | #72 | Mesa, AZ | Day 2
Combine: HT: 6020 | WT: 289 | HD: 0948 | ARM: 3200 | 40-YD: 4.95 (1.70) | VJ: 32.5” | BJ: 9-10 | SHTL: 4.72
Evaluation: A battle-tested, two-year starter, Brailsford brings a bulky, physical frame, along with a rare combination of nasty demeanor, elite football IQ and surprising athleticism to the pivot position. He excels at quarterbacking the offensive line, confidently communicating fronts, blitzes and twists pre-snap to keep the unit aligned. In pass protection, Brailsford showcases quick feet on jump sets, elite mirroring ability to handle a wide array of rushers and stout anchoring against power moves, bull rushes and speed-to-power threats. As a run blocker, he possesses tremendous foot speed to pull effectively on gap schemes, maintains active feet through contact, and has a knack for staying square in a phone booth. However, Brailsford can be slow to adapt to defensive stunts and twists, occasionally ending up off-target when a defender crosses his face. His biggest area for growth is hand placement and punch timing, as he needs to refine his initial hand positioning and counter more efficiently against savvy inside moves to limit vulnerabilities. Overall, Brailsford is a plug-and-play NFL starter with early-to-mid Day 2 draft upside, projecting as a high-floor, high-IQ center who thrives in pro-style or gap-heavy schemes that value communication, leverage wins and physical presence at the point of attack. Continued polish on hand usage and stunt recognition could push him toward All-Pro potential.
Background: A transfer from Washington, where he started 15 games in 2023 as an All-Pac-12 Second Team member, a Freshman All-American First Team selection (College Football Network, College Football News, PFF, AFCA, and FWAA), and a Shaun Alexander Award Semifinalist. He missed one game in 2025 due to a high ankle sprain. A four-star recruit from Saguaro High School, where he was a state champion in 2021 and named to the Arizona 5A All-State First Team and the All-5A San Tran First Team.
3. SLAUGHTER, JAKE | Florida | C | Sr | #66 | Sparr, FL | Day 2
Combine: HT: 6050 | WT: 303 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3238 | 40-YD: 5.10 (1.74) | VJ: 32.5” | BJ: 9-2
Evaluation: An experienced, true center who thrives in tight spaces, Slaughter shows strong positional awareness and quickness. He sets a firm anchor using excellent lower-body drive and core strength to stonewall bull-rushers and maintain pocket integrity. He consistently stacks and controls defenders, rarely getting walked back. In pass protection, he deploys violent, well-timed hands with solid punch timing to disrupt rushers early and keep them off balance. An aggressor, Slaughter likes to play through the whistle with good balance, rarely losing his footing during engagement, while demonstrating the ability to shed his initial man and climb to the second level with purpose. As a run blocker, he brings power to engage, displace and finish defenders, creating clear lanes. He displays impressive lateral agility when pulling in gap or zone schemes, effectively reaching the second level or sealing edges. A high-football-IQ leader, he reads defenses pre-snap, communicates adjustments effectively along the line and plays with a relentless motor. Slaughter consistently leverages proper technique and positioning to win battles, rather than relying solely on raw size. On the downside, his leaner frame limits his ability to dominate heavier interior defenders. Occasional over-aggressiveness has led to discipline issues, including a career-high seven penalties in 2025 (matching his combined total from the previous two seasons), which could hinder reliability if not addressed. Overall, Slaughter projects as a smart, tough, high-effort starting center with starter traits in technique, instincts and competitiveness, provided he bulks up and refines his discipline.
Background: Senior Bowl participant. Appeared in 51 games (33 starts) at Florida. A team captain and two-time All-SEC selection. Member of the National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society. Earned a degree in Agricultural Education and Communications (Spring 2025). Played high school at Trinity Catholic.
4. LEW, CONNOR | Auburn | C | Jr | #75 | Kennesaw, GA | Day 3
Combine: HT: 6034 | WT: 310 | HD: 0900 | ARM: 3238
Evaluation: A multi-year starter who has shown superb leadership in the Auburn offensive line room, Lew has sharp football intelligence, particularly in identifying fronts and exchanging twists through simple communication. At the snap of the ball, he false-steps on his first two steps. Although he tends to respond late, especially in blitz recognition, he still ducks his head. In pass protection, he has solid lateral movement to mirror any rusher and firm up his anchor against speed-to-power and straight power. When uncovered against a four-man rush, Lew continues to look for work to give his quarterback enough time to throw. The key concern is that he loses his balance on quick sets, allowing defenders with superb inside counters to exploit his vulnerabilities. In the run game, he has a knack for walling off defenders on down blocks in gap schemes. Lew has demonstrated adequate athleticism on the second level of the track, climbing to block linebackers in zone schemes and coming off double teams. The primary concern in the run game is that he tends to have a high hat rather than firing out low to maintain leverage. In addition, he struggles to maintain his footwork on reach blocks when a defender crosses his face. The primary area for development is hand placement, as his hands are outside the breastplate, which prevents him from cleaning up his punch in pass protection and the run game. Lew might be better suited at guard, rather than center in the pros, where he can excel in a pro-style offense with gap schemes.
Background: Currently studying at the College of Liberal Arts. A team captain who started seven games in 2025 before missing the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. During his time at Auburn, he was a back-to-back SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient (2023-2024) and a Preseason Rimington Trophy watchlist selection in 2024. As a true freshman, he earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors after his first start against Mississippi State. He was also named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, earned freshman All-American honors (247 Sports and PFF), and was named to the AD Honor Roll. He was a four-star prospect from Kennesaw Mountain High School, where he received an invitation to the All-American Bowl and earned AJC first-team all-state, all-region, and all-county honors. In addition to football, he lettered in wrestling. He is the son of David and Rebecca Lew and has one brother, Carson. Did not test at the combine or pro day due to a knee injury.
5. PARKER, BRIAN | Duke | OT | C | rJr | #53 | Cincinnati, OH | Day 3
Combine: HT: 6052 | WT: 309 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3278 | 40-YD: 5.14 (1.78) | BJ: 9-1 | SHTL: 4.80 | 3C: 7.66
Evaluation: A high-character, versatile and physical lineman who is elite in run blocking, Parker is a physical finisher who can sustain blocks, drive defenders and open lanes. He is a solid anchor in pass protection, rarely getting pushed back. His strong lower body allows him to maintain his ground against rushers. He has good hand usage and pad level and shows good mental toughness against elite edge rushers. In addition, Parker plays with great leverage and awareness, sticking to his assignments well and being able to adjust quickly. The Blue Devils product created a bit of a buzz for himself during East-West Shrine Bowl week, making a seamless transition from tackle to center, a position he played in high school. Kudos to Parker and his camp for recognizing that his short arms (3228) could be an issue for NFL decision-makers. His shift to the interior is the best move for his long-term pro outlook. He also boasts experience at guard, making him capable of filling in at all five positions along the offensive line. Parker has been credited for helping to change the culture in Durham, as part of a departing class that guided the Blue Devils to 35 wins and four bowl appearances in four seasons. When you factor in his experience, smarts and versatility, Parker could very well wind up being one of the more immediate impact prospects from this year’s draft class.
Background: Played in 40 games at Duke; started 33, 32 at right tackle and one at left tackle (played 2,400 career snaps. Named 2025 Walter Camp Foundation and ESPN.com Second Team All-America the as well as Associated Press Third Team All-America; was second team All-ACC selection in 2024 and 2025 as well as an Associated Press First Team All-ACC honoree in 2025. An Academic All-ACC pick in 2023 and 2024. Majored in economics. A three-star recruit out of St. Xavier High School; named team captain as a senior and garnered back-to-back Greater Catholic League (GCL) Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades; also lettered two seasons in lacrosse, helping the team to a 2021 regional championship. Son of Brian and Elizabeth Parker Sr.
6. JONES, LOGAN | IOWA | C | rSr | #65 | Council Bluffs, IA | Day 3
Combine: HT: 6027 | WT: 299 | HD: 0928 | ARM: 3068 | 40-YD: 4.90 (1.75) | VJ: 32” | BJ: 9-2 | SHTL: 4.59 | 3C: 7.46
Evaluation: A permanent team captain, Jones has vast experience, along with top-notch lateral mobility, and provides tremendous leadership. His efforts were at the forefront of the Hawkeyes offense, which posted 360 points a year ago, the most since 2018. The First-Team All-Big Ten selection enters the year with 38 consecutive starts. While he’s viewed as the premier center prospect in the nation, Jones does possess the flexibility to play all three interior positions and is expected to test extremely well. In fact, he can squat 695 pounds, a school record. Where Jones thrives most is in run blocking, where he has been known to maul over opponents and demonstrates great second-level quickness. Considered a potential first-round pick, Jones is a perfect blend of smarts, technique, and athleticism. He can tend to struggle at times against some of the larger, stronger defensive linemen, but he is one of the more polished draft-eligible prospects overall. He did suffer a bone break in his snapping right hand late in the year. However, Jones is expected to be ready to go for training camp.
Background: Racked up the accolades in 2025 as recipient of the Rimington Trophy (top center), was named Outland Trophy finalist, unanimous consensus All-American, plus Walter Camp, AP, AFCA, Sporting News, FWAA, USA Today, The Athletic, and PFF first-team All-America. A fifth-year senior and three-year starter, in addition to a three-time All-B1G selection. Suffered a right-hand injury, which required a cast in 2024. Endured a high ankle sprain in 2023. Missed all of 2021 due to a knee injury that required surgery. Was a redshirt in 2020. Earned a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management with a focus on coaching and sport instruction. A four-star recruit out of Lewis Central High School, where he was a state champion in shot put for the track team and also starred in basketball. Son of Larae Jones.
7. COOGAN, PAT | Indiana | C | rSr | #78 | Palos Heights, IL | Day 3
Combine: HT: 6050 | WT: 311 | HD: 0928 | ARM: 3118
Evaluation: A high motor, physical blocker, Coogan came over from Notre Dame, where he previously played guard and quickly established himself as the best option at center after a position switch in Bloomington. A gritty, malicious middleman, Coogan utilizes great bend and technique to win the point of attack. He owns smarts, instincts, and anticipation to communicate during pre-snap audibles, plus experience at all three interior positions. In addition, Coogan possesses powerful leg strength, along with nimble agility, which he utilizes in the run game and can climb to the second level effectively. In pass protection, he understands angles and does a superb job staying in front of oncoming pass-rushers. His adaptability and effectiveness in zone schemes as run blocker and in pass protection should bode well for his draft stock. Due to his intelligence, experience and position flexibility, Coogan stands a strong shot to hear his name called in the draft and could even develop into a starter down the road.
Background: Appeared in 45 career games with 41 starts (Started 15 games for Indiana in 2025); played in 30 games with 26 starts over four seasons at Notre Dame (2021-24). Earned an undergraduate degree in American studies from Notre Dame. A three-star recruit out of Marist High School. Son of Mary Beth and Michael Coogan; has three siblings: Megan, Brigid and Michael.
8. BURTON, JAGER | Kentucky | C | rSr | #62 | rSr | Lexington, KY | Day 3
Combine: HT: 6040 | WT: 312 | HD: 1018 | ARM: 3248 | 40-YD: 4.94 (1.76) | VJ: 28” | BJ: 9-3
Evaluation: After a strong freshman season earning All-SEC honors at left guard, consistency has been an issue for Burton, but he possesses the physical tools to develop into a solid backup with starter potential. He possesses mauler-like instincts in a big, dense frame with heavy hands at the point of attack, quick feet, and strong—but inconsistent—leg drive. He displays his versatility with excellent knee bend and weight transfer in close quarters. After a promising freshman year, Burton shifted to center for the first three games of his sophomore season but struggled with performance and inaccurate snaps, forcing a move to right guard for the remainder of the season. After two seasons rebuilding confidence, he returned to center as a senior and showed vast improvement. He climbs to the second level with fluid footwork, pulls on time with good flexibility, but lacks body control and high, inaccurate hand placement, resulting in a weak latch and inconsistent finishes. Best projected as a center in a gap-scheme rushing attack or a guard in a multi-zone scheme while strengthening his anchor.
Background: Last name pronounced (jag-ger). East-West Shrine Bowl participant. Made 47 consecutive starts in 51 career games at Kentucky (2021–25). He became the first Wildcat since Logan Stenberg (2016) to earn freshman All-SEC honors. A communications graduate and a blue-chip recruit—the top prospect in the state of Kentucky from Frederick Douglass High School—A two-way player and Co-Mr. Football award winner. Nicknamed “Moose,” he is the son of Teresa and Jeff Burton (who played football at Morehead State) and has a brother, Drayden. Post football, Burton aspires to own his own restaurant.
9. LEMIEUX, DELBY | Dartmouth | OL | Sr | #75 | Duxbury, MA | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6050 | WT: 309 | HD: 0878 | ARM: 3138 | WS: 7778 | 40-YD: 5.04 (1.71) |VJ: 26” | BJ: 8-9 | BP: 25 | SHTL: 4.79 | 3C: 7.52
Evaluation: An experienced FCS tackle, Lemieux is a physical specimen in the run game and capable of playing every position at the next level. He has an outstanding football IQ, evident in his ability to take control, communicate effectively and make sound calls when reading fronts. In pass protection, he excels at quiBOck sets to mirror any rush. Lemieux is active in pass pro, delivering a firm punch with his hand placement inside the breastplate. Although he needs to rewrap his hands in the run game, he also constantly looks for extra work in pass pro when uncovered. One main area of concern is that he is a hip bender rather than a knee bender, which leaves him at a disadvantage against power rushers. In the run game, he fires off the ball with leverage, keeping his back flat. Lemieux has a wide base while moving his feet on contact. On base blocks, he stays square enough to get into a phone booth. On double teams, as shown in Senior Bowl practices, he was able to get hip-to-hip, although his footwork on down blocks is choppy. The main area for development is his second-level track, as he tends to be sluggish when climbing to block a linebacker and get off a double team. During his week of practice in Mobile, Lemieux drew rave reviews for how well he handled the center position, which would seem to be where he projects in the pros.
Background: Senior Bowl participant. Missed two games in 2025 due to an unspecified injury. All-Ivy League First Team in 2024, along with All-ECAC, FCS Football Central All-America Second Team, Phil Steele FCS All-America Third Team, AP All-America Honorable Mention, and the Jake Crouthamel Award. In 2023, he earned All-Ivy League Honorable Mention, Phil Steele All-Ivy Second Team, and FCS Football Central All-Ivy Second Team, and received the Charles “Stubby” Pearson Award (2023 team award). A zero-star recruit from Duxbury High School, he was a Division IV All-State team selection as a senior, team MVP, National Football Foundation Jack Grinold EMass Chapter Scholar-Athlete Award recipient, an All-Scholastic, a first-team selection by the Boston Globe and Boston Herald, and team captain in his senior year. In addition to football, he lettered in lacrosse and served as a team captain.
10. GULBIN, MATT | Michigan State | OC | rSr | #51 | Wilton, CT | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6035 | WT: 305 | HD: 0948 | ARM: 3168 | WS: 7828 | BP: 21 | VJ: 28” | BJ: 8-5 | SHTL: 4.96 | 3C: 8.33
Evaluation: A team captain in his lone season with the Spartans, Gulbin brings elite strength, versatility and an NFL-ready size/frame to the center position. In his first season as a full-time center, he showed elite ability to anchor, run block and a powerful leg drive to wash defenders. He climbs to the second level effectively. A stout pass protector, recovering quickly from punches and maintaining his balance to anchor against power. Gulbin possesses the versatility and experience to also play at both left and right guard, a testament to his high football IQ. The Connecticut native displays sound technique, with accurate, consistent reps, staying square and tight to reduce any length disadvantages. His average athleticism and mobility make him better at climbing vertically, rather than sealing edges. As a first-time center, he still has room for development in the position. Overall, Gulbin projects as a Day 3 prospect with developmental backup-to-starter potential.
Background: Last name pronounced (gull-bin). Transferred from Wake Forest after four seasons to Michigan State as a graduate student, playing in 52 career games. In 2025 he was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List for the nation’s top center while missing the regular-season finale due to an injury. Earned honorable mention All-ACC accolades in 2024 and 2021 All-ACC Academic Team. a three-star recruit from Wilton High School where he earned all-state honors. Son of JoAnn and Jeff Gulbin. Graduated from Wake Forest with a bachelor’s degree in communication in December 2024.
11. BROCKERMEYER, JAMES | Miami | C | rSr | #52 | Fort Worth, TX | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6030 | WT: 298 | HAND: 0938 | ARM: 3200 | WING: 7800 | 40-YD: 5.31 (1.80)| VJ:28.5”| BJ: 8-5 | BP: 26 |SHTL: 4.72 | 3C: 7.98
Evaluation: A player who has jumped right into the starting center role since arriving in Coral Gables, Brockermeyer possesses sharp football intelligence. He’s adept at identifying fronts and blitzes pre-snap, while adjusting his angles against stunts and twists. He fires off the ball with leverage but tends to false-step on the first two steps, which knocks him back. In the run game, he brings a physical presence as a mauler, driving defenders off the ball with wide-base, down blocks and using his hands inside. In zone schemes, he climbs to the second level and latches onto the defender. However, he must adopt a more consistent approach, especially in gap schemes and on screen passes. In pass protection, Brockermeyer has tip-top lateral movement on quick sets and jump sets and he gives a firm, jolting punch, which enables him to mirror any rusher. However, he tends to be more of a waist bender than a knee bender when going up against power/speed-to-power rushers. A sound player with NFL bloodlines who lacks ideal measurables, Brockermeyer has quietly moved up draft boards as one of the more polished centers in the class.
Background: Senior Bowl participant. A double transfer from Alabama via TCU, where he played in 28 games, starting 12. A four-star recruit from All Saints’ Episcopal School, he was the top-rated center in the nation. Twin brother of former TCU offensive lineman Tommy Brockermeyer. His father, Blake, was an All-American tackle for Texas and played nine seasons in the NFL.
12. FOSTER, BRYCE | Kansas | C | rSr | #61 | Katy, TX | Day 3
Pro Day: HT: 6045 | WT: 310 | HD: 1000 | ARM: 3138 | WS: 7648 | 40-YD: 5.46 (1.95) | BP: 33 | VJ: 26.5” | BJ: 10-6 | SHTL: 4.78 | 3C: 7.88
Evaluation: With a blue-collar mentality to the trenches, Foster brings a relentless work ethic and competitive drive evident year-round. Foster showcased a strong presence at the American Bowl with a thick lower body and stout anchor. He demonstrated versatility in the interior, thriving in close quarters. Primarily a center during his collegiate career with significant starting experience on coordinating blocking assignments, he lacks a quick initial step off the snap and often gives ground in lateral movements. He held his own against a rugged Texas Tech defensive line in 2025—facing top DT prospect Lee Hunter—establishing heavy hands, a strong latch, and sustained blocks at the point of attack. Capable of climbing to the second level, he is hindered by stiff hips that limit change of direction and can leave him top-heavy to finish. His power and ability to pull suits a gap-scheme rushing attack; he may benefit from developing as a guard before transitioning back to center duties on the next level. With a strong fundamental base to work with, Foster could emerge as a down-the-road starter.
Background: American Bowl participant. A two-time All-Big 12 selection (Second-Team in 2024) and two-year starter at center for Kansas (2024–25), Foster is also an All-American shot put thrower who qualified for the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships. The Texas native previously started three years at center for Texas A&M (2021–23), earning All-SEC and All-American honors as a freshman in 2021. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury after four games in 2022 and ranks fifth all-time for the Aggies in outdoor shot put (19.73m / 64’ 8¾”). A consensus four-star recruit and the nation’s top-ranked high school shot put and discus thrower at Katy Taylor High School, he was named Texas Gatorade Player of the Year in track & field.
13. RANDOLPH, MASON | Boise State | C | rSr | #63 | Yorba Linda, CA | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6036 | WT: 311 | HD: 1068 | ARM: 3328 | WS: 8118 | 40-YD: 5.29 (1.91) | BP: 20 | VJ: 27.5” | BJ: 8-8 | SHTL: 4.84 | 3C: 7.88
Evaluation: An experienced leader in the room, Randolph brings intelligence, athleticism and physicality. In pass protection, he is extremely active in communication, especially when it comes to passing off twists. The main concern is that he struggles with jump sets against speed rushers who use a variety of counter moves. Randolph has a firm, accurate punch, getting his hands inside the defender’s chest in the run game and pass protection. In the run game, he moves defenders off the ball with authority on base blocks, using top-notch leverage. However, he struggles to stay square on contact as his base narrows and he loses track of the defender. He has a knack for getting hip-to-hip on double teams, then making a smooth track to the second level off double teams and he has a clear path on zone schemes. On gap schemes, he is solid enough to wall off backside defenders away from the play. An under-the-radar prospect, Randolph could turn heads on Day 3 of the draft as a late-round investment or a high-priority free agent.
Background: American Bowl Participant. A Kinesiology major who played 39 career games, including four in 2024 after tearing his bicep. During his time at Boise State, he was named to the All-Mountain West First Team and the Phil Steele All-Mountain West Third Team in 2025. In 2022, he was named an FWAA Freshman All-American and to the College Football News All-America Second Team. A three-star prospect from Yorba Linda High School, where he was a Crestview League Champion as a junior and a top-100 prospect in California.
14. CRIPPEN, GREG | Michigan | C | rSr | #51 | Northborough, MA | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6034 | WT: 301 | HD: 0912 | ARM: 3138 | WING:7700 | 40-YD: 5.44 (1.75) | VJ:28”| BJ: 8-8 | BP:28 | SHTL:4.72 | 3C: 7.90
Evaluation: A player who provided a veteran presence in the offensive line room, Crippen is credited with being a true communicator who makes the right calls on front identification. As a run blocker, he’s a pure mauler who brings physicality to base and down blocks. In gap schemes, Crippen has solid pulling speed but needs to improve his tracking to stay square against quicker second-level defenders. In pass protection, Crippen is a stout anchor when stalemating bull rushers but needs to develop a cleaner punch, as his hand placement sometimes moves outside. Crippen checks all the boxes in terms of his size at center and has the potential to be an under-the-radar player come draft season.
Background: A Sports Management major who started 21 of 42 games and was a five-time letter winner (2021-2025), four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2022-2025), National Champion (2023), and an All-Big Ten selection in 2025 (honorable mention and media). A four-star recruit from IMG Academy via Milton Academy. He is the son of Tom and Sue Crippen.
15. NYGRA, PETE | Louisville | OC | rSr | #50 | rSr | Indianapolis, IN | HPFA
Pro Day: HT: 6033 |WT: 302 | HAND: 0958 | ARM: 3158 | WING: 7648
Evaluation: An advocate for humanitarian organizations, Nygra blends a tough niche to the trenches but needs to elevate his game to secure a consistent roster spot. In 2023, Nygra established himself up front for Northern Illinois, positioning himself to maximize his potential at the Power Four level. He stood out against Clemson’s physical front four in Week 10 at center, showing a quick initial step off the snap and strong hands at the point of attack. He has continued to improve during his time at Louisville. Despite a top-heavy frame, he moves well in space when climbing, using thick arms to sustain. Nygra is a solid downfield blocker on screens and displays good flexibility when transitioning weight. Bendy with limited leg drive, he relies on size and positioning to block but needs to refine pass-blocking fundamentals—he can occasionally get walked back into the pocket by stronger defensive tackles.
Background: Shrine Bowl participant. A two-year starter and team captain at Louisville (2024–25); earned All ACC Honorable Mention honors in 2024. He previously transferred from Northern Illinois (2021–23), where he earned second-team All-MAC honors in 2023. In 2022, he allowed zero sacks across 328 pass-blocking snaps while snapping to four different quarterbacks; as a freshman, he appeared in three games as an extra blocker in the Huskies’ “jumbo” package. The top-ranked center in Indiana from Brownsburg High School. A kinesiology major active with Special Olympics, Beggars for the Poor, and Family Promise. He is the son of Susan and Mike Nygra.