The Centers and Guards Will Not Hold, Much

By Bill Carroll

These rankings emphasize five interior pillars: anchor versus power, hand usage, processing (stunts/blitzes), mobility in space, and scheme versatility. Centers that control protections and reset fronts set themselves apart.  Conversely, guards who pass protect well without help rise quickly. Production matters, processing, and play strength dictate who wins on Sundays.

Tier 1 — Round 1-2 Near Locks / Immediate Starters

1) Chase Bisontis (OG, Texas A&M) A technician with tackle feet trapped in a guard’s body. Bisontis plays fast inside—quick to set, smooth on pulls, and rarely panicked. His range stresses defenses horizontally, and his pass protection polish shows up against athletic interior rushers.

• Pass Blocking: A PFF grade of 70.7 for pass blocking
• Run Blocking: His 2025 grade was 62.7 (via PFF).
• Context: He played left guard throughout 2025, but Bisontis brought experience from 36 career games as a right tackle. Consequently, Bisontis was recognized as one of the anchors of a Texas A&M unit that was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award (given to the nation’s top offensive line).

2) Emmanuel Pregnon (OG, Oregon) Built like a bouncer, moves like a tight end. Pregnon brings rare mass and movement, erasing defenders in zone concepts while holding his own against power. Emmanuel Pregnon, a 2025 standout for Oregon, was rated among the nation’s elite guards.

• Pass Blocking: A PFF grade of 87 for pass blocking
• Run Blocking: His 2025 grade was 87.5 (via PFF).
• Context: He may be the most physically gifted interior offensive line prospect.

3) Olaivavega Ioane (OG, Penn State) A pure interior mauler, Ioane overwhelms defenders once engaged, but with surprisingly light feet, and he anchors cleanly versus bull rushes. At times, he overextends or is overly aggressive with his hands, resulting in missed blocks in space.

Pass Blocking: He graded as an elite pass blocker (89.8 PFF grade, 3rd among Power 4 guards in 2025). His 2025 Stats: Allowed zero sacks and only 3 pressures on 310+ pass-blocking snaps.

Run Blocking: His 2025 grade was 78.6 (via PFF). He has high-level power in the run game. Known for his strong anchor and heavy hands. He shows a strong anchor, patience, and soundness in pass sets; for his size, he is a “nimble” mover.

Context: He would thrive in a system like the 49ers or the Chargers.  However, he is not scheme-dependent. 

4) Parker Brailsford (C, Alabama)

The quarterback of the offensive line, Brailsford, processes fronts quickly, resets protections with authority, and plays with consistently clean leverage.

• Pass Blocking: Elite level, with grades frequently in the 80s (e.g., 86.2 vs. Missouri, 84.1 in early 2025 data, 82.1 in Oct 2025). He has recorded zero sacks and has allowed low pressure.
• Run Blocking: Solid, with earlier 2023 data showing an 80.7 PFF grade.
• Context: He has been recognized as a top-tier center in the nation, often placing in the top 10 for Power 4 centers in pass blocking

Tier 2 — Early Starters with Pro Bowl Ceilings

5) Connor Lew (C, Auburn) A clinic teaching tape, technician center. Lew wins with leverage, balance, and precise hands. He is rarely out of position, rarely fooled. His package includes:

• Elite Pass Protection: In 2024, Lew posted an “elite” 79.9 pass-blocking grade, the highest among all returning Auburn offensive linemen. He allowed only one sack on 748 total snaps that season.
• Sturdy Anchor: Scouts highlight his “C-shaped anchor” and “claws in the cleats” stability, which allows him to maintain pocket presence against larger interior defenders.
• Reliability: Over 29 career games, Lew has consistently minimized mistakes, committing only 8 total penalties across nearly 1,600 snaps.
• Context: He has demonstrated active eyes and a high football IQ, frequently cited for his ability to process blitzes and secondary threats.

6) Cade McConnell, OG/C, Vanderbilt 2024. As a junior, he played in 12 games, saw the field for 61 snaps on offense, including 22 at center, and also appeared on special teams for 28 plays. He emerged this past season. McConnell started all 13 games for the Commodores in 2025, primarily playing as the “quick side guard,” which saw him rotate between left guard (198 snaps),

• Pass Blocking: 82 for Pass Blocking, his technique is refined and he has a tackle background.
• Run Blocking: 75 for Run Blocking. He has the ability pull in both directions; he is not a true mauler, but he is effective.
• Context: McConnell gained national attention during the 2025 win over No. 10 LSU for a “double pancake” block, in which he leveled two defenders in a single pass-protection rep. He is also long and can play anywhere on the line.

7) Jake Slaughter (C, Florida)

Slaughter is battle-tested, assignment-clean, and physically reliable. Slaughter handles power well and keeps the pocket firm. Watching him in 1-on-1s at the Senior Bowl, he shows efficient footwork, intelligence, and power.

• Pass Blocking: 87.1 
• Run Blocking: 82.2
• Context: In 2025, Second Team All-American (Walter Camp, USA Today, The Athletic) and First Team All-SEC (AP), Slaughter is ideal for the Bears or Lions system, but he is versatile.

8) D.J. Campbell (OG, Texas) is a human forklift with a mean streak. Campbell displaces bodies in the run game and anchors versus NFL power. 3rd Team All-SEC in 2025.

• Pass Blocking: 77.6 grade via PFF
• Run Blocking: 74.7 grade via PFF
• Context: He is best suited to a power scheme and is particularly effective in straight-ahead engagements and vertical displacement, though some noted his “heavy feet” when asked to climb to the second level or perform complex pulling assignments.

9) Jaeden Roberts (OG, Alabama) His violent hands, a dense lower half, and SEC-forged strength mean that Roberts thrives in tight quarters and excels on double teams.

• Pass Blocking: 69.6 grade via PFF
• Run Blocking: 78 grade via PFF
• Context: He allowed only 1 sack and zero QB hits over 253 snaps in the 2024 season. Also, he possesses good balance, footwork, and power, making him a reliable pass protector. 

10) Ar’Maj Reed-Adams (OG, Texas A&M) A mauler who plays like he’s insulted every snap. Reed-Adams wins with leverage, hand placement, and brute force. The Texas native transferred from Kansas to Texas A&M for the 2024 season and started 12 games at right guard. In 2025, he started 13 games at right guard and gave up one sack and 14 pressures.

• Pass Blocking: 65.2 via PFF
• Run Blocking: In elite PFF run blocking grade, including 85.9 in 2024, with a 72.7 in 2025.
• Context: Appeared in over 50 career games (over 40 starts) between Kansas and Texas A&M.
  His 2025 performance regressed from his elite 2024 season, when he was one of the highest-rated blockers in the country. 
  • 2024 Performance: Earned an 81.0 run-blocking grade and a 79.9 pass-blocking grade.

11) Logan Jones (C, Iowa) Classic Hawkeye center: smart, tough, and assignment-sound. Jones processes twists well and anchors cleanly. There is no finer technician in this class.

• Pass Blocking: A 90.1 grade via PFF
• Run Blocking: A 76.4 grade via PFF
• Context: Logan Jones started all 12 games for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2024. He was even better in 2025, winning the 2025 Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center and Unanimous All-American

Tier 3 — Quality Depth with Starter Ceilings

12. Josh Thompson OG, LSU

• Pass Blocking: In 2024, he allowed zero sacks and only six pressures in 402 pass-blocking snaps, leading to a 99.2 pass-blocking efficiency.
• Run Blocking: His 78.3 run-blocking grade in 2024 was considered high, ranking higher than any individual LSU offensive lineman’s grade that season.
• Context: Thompson started 10 games at right guard in 2024 after starting at right tackle in 2023. He was ranked as a top-five interior offensive lineman in the portal. I scouted his dad, Blake.

13. Keagen Trost OT, Missouri, [Projects to C/OG]

Trost’s 92 PFF grade led all offensive linemen nationally. Trost allowed only two sacks and nine pass pressures in 386 pass-blocking snaps during the regular season. He helped pave the way for the Tigers’ SEC-leading rushing attack, with an average of 234.1 yards per game

• Pass Blocking: His 85.4 pass-blocking grade ranked eighth among all tackles.
• Run Blocking: Trost was the nation’s top-graded run blocker in 2025, according to PFF’s 2025 season review, with a grade of 91.4
• Context: Trost was selected as a first-team All-SEC lineman by both The Associated Press and league coaches and earned a spot as a Pro Football Focus All-American.

• Pass Blocking: Known to deliver high-level protection, with an 87 PFF grade against Texas and an 85 pass-pro grade during the 2025 season. He has shown rapid improvement, including an 80.1 grade in a 2023 game.
• Run Blocking: Rated at an 82 for impact blocking and 81 for run block finesse according to EA Sports ratings.
• Development: After starting at left guard, he transitioned to center, improving his grade by an 18-point jump in pass blocking grade following a tough week one performance in 2023

15. James Brockermeyer C/OG, Miami

• Pass Blocking: The Alabama and TCU transfer allowed just one sack and eight quarterback pressures over the course of his 2024-25 TCU season, according to Pro Football Focus
• Run Blocking: In his 2024 season at TCU, Brockermeyer recorded a 64.1 run-blocking grade, and in 2025, he was in the upper 60s as a run blocker.
• Context: Pro Football Focus has Brockermeyer rated the 7th-best center in pass blocking (85.9 overall grade) and tied for 31st among 111 centers with at least 650 snaps in run blocking (67.8 grade). He has not allowed a sack all season.

Tier 4 — Roster Depth with Lower Tier Starter Ceilings

16) Bryce Foster (OG, Kansas) He is a dense, powerful interior blocker with elite mass and proven durability. Foster brings heavy hands, a strong anchor, and the ability to displace defenders at the point of attack. Best in power and inside-zone concepts, he can reset the line of scrimmage and absorb bull rushers consistently. While not a high-end mover, his play strength and experience give him clear rotational starter value at the next level.

17) Earnest Greene III (OG, Georgia)
A former five-star whose development curve is pointing up. Greene flashes heavy hands and real displacement power in the run game, with improving patience in pass sets. Still refining consistency and pad level, but the physical traits and SEC reps suggest starter upside if technique continues to stabilize.

18) Ryan Baer (OG, Pittsburgh)
A rugged, assignment-sound guard who plays with toughness and edge. Baer isn’t flashy, but he processes stunts well, maintains pocket integrity, and finishes blocks. His ceiling is tied to strength and balance rather than athleticism, making him an appealing depth starter for power-based schemes.

19) Pat Coogan (C/OG, Indiana)
A reliable interior presence with strong football IQ. Coogan excels in communication, combo blocks, and leverage control. While not a dominant athlete, he consistently stays square and limits negative plays. Projects as a dependable interior backup with spot-start capability.

20) Sam Hecht (OG, Kansas State)
A tone-setter with Big 12 battle scars. Hecht plays with strong hands and good play strength, particularly in inside zone concepts. Pass protection can be inconsistent against quickness, but his run-game physicality and toughness translate well to rotational guard duties.

21) Keylan Rutledge (OG, Georgia Tech)
A functional athlete with scheme versatility. Rutledge moves well in space and shows solid recovery ability in pass protection. Needs added mass and refinement versus power, but his movement skills give him developmental appeal as a zone-heavy interior lineman.

22) Fernando Carmona (OG, Arkansas)
A developmental guard with flashes of power and competitive toughness. Carmona shows the ability to latch and steer defenders in the run game; his footwork is inconsistent, his pass protection technique is a work in progress. He projects as a long-term depth option with practice-squad value.

23) Fintan Brose (C, Delaware)
A technically sound small-school center with strong mental processing. Brose consistently identifies pressure, plays with leverage, and stays assignment-clean. Limited by overall play strength, but his intelligence and consistency make him a strong camp candidate with reserve-center upside.

24) Costen Cooley (OG, Air Force)
A disciplined, well-coached interior lineman who plays with excellent angles and balance. Cooley lacks elite mass, but his hand placement and awareness stand out. Best suited for zone schemes that value movement and precision over raw power.

25) Nick Dawkins (C, Penn State)
A former high-profile recruit with strong physical traits. Dawkins shows flashes of anchor strength and pass-protection ability but has struggled with consistency and pad level. The upside is still there, making him a worthwhile late-round or priority free-agent evaluation.

Honorable Mentions [Day 3-UDFAs Who May Stick]

• Jaeden Roberts (OG, Alabama)

• Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli (OG, San Diego St.)

• Matt Gulbin (OG, Michigan State)

• Giovanni El-Hadi (OG, Michigan)

• Brian Parker II (OC, Duke)

• Tomas Rimac (OG, Virginia Tech)
• Austin Leausa) (OG, BYU)
• Albert Reese IV (OG, Mississippi State)
• Kobe Baynes (OG, Kansas, Sr)
• Henry Lutovsky (OG, Nebraska, 6056, 320, 5.30e)
• Luke Petitbon (C, Florida State, rSr, 6022, 310, 5.16e)
• Connor Tollison (C, Missouri, rSr, 6036, 290, 5.27e)

• Gus Zilinskas (OG, Rutgers)

• Jerrod Burrell (OG, Morgan State)

• Charles Davis (OG, Florida A&M)

• Vincent Byrd Jr. (OG, Norfolk State)