Although Coleman Shelton is locked in as the Los Angeles Rams starting center for 2026, this year’s draft has some interesting options looking ahead. There is no reason to think he’s on the chopping block, the L.A. braintrust loves his understanding of opposing defensive looks and command of the blocking calls. After seven seasons, he’s the second-longest tenured Ram after Tyler Higbee and he’s made 60 straight NFL starts
But with all that said, Shelton turns 31 in July and becomes a free agent after
the 2026 season.
Beaux Limmer and Dylan McMahon are the current backups. Limmer had 14 starts at center in his rookie season and got the Week 1 call in 2025 at guard. He struggled and appeared to get himself in the doghouse, effectively not playing again all year. McMahon has suited up once with 66 snaps in two seasons with L.A.
This year’s center draft class has some interesting possibilities. Here are the prospects with draftable grades off my Top 300 Big Board.
Round 3
Sam Hecht – Kansas State 6’4” 303 lb.
Walked on Kansa State, moved from guard to center after two seasons. Playing in 43 games overall and became a starter in his final two years, 25 straight. Good frame with room for more mass. Hecht is not a mauler, but has good play strength. Solid technique and plus movement skills. Fluidly gets to the second level and out front on pulls and screens. Light feet and short area agility for reach and seal blocks. Did not commit a penalty or give up a sack in 2025. Recently turned 23.
Conner Lew – Auburn 6’4” 310 lb.
Turns 21 in August, comes out as a true junior. Took over as a starter midway in his true freshman season and started 26 straight games before suffering a knee injury that sat him in mid-2026. Has wrestling in his past and it shows in low leverage, hand skills, and hand/feet coordination. Frame needs strength work, but he has the technical work down. Smooth mover with good pre-snap and blitz/loop/stunt recognition. Plus lateral quickness, to make all blocks.
Logan Jones – Iowa 6’3” 299 lb.
After a redshirt and lost year to injury, Jones settled in as the Iowa pivot in 2022 and finished with 50 starts, every game but one. His experience shows in his command on blocking calls. More of a move center, he’s physical but not a mauler. In pass pro, he mirrors and squares up rushers patiently and while his arm length is just adequate, he lands his punches accurately inside. Although he needs improved play strength in the run game, he fits into a Rams-type run scheme. One of the most athletic linemen at the Combine. Turns 25 in October.
Round 4
Brian Parker – Duke 6’5” 309 lb.
Started 33 of 40 games with the Blue Devils, all but one at right tackle. Likely destined to play inside because of his relatively short arms (32 1/4”), scouts wanted to see him playing center and guard at the East-West Shrine Bowl. By most, if not all accounts, he played both very well. Parker wins with solid technique and nifty feet, he moves very well, squares up defenders, and shows an understanding of how to use leverage/angles. Has the potential to offer five position versatility. Recently turned 22.
Jake Slaughter – Florida 6’5” 305 lb.
Turns 24 in December. Has a lanky looking frame with room for more mass and is a smooth, athletic mover. Balanced is the best descriptor for his play style. Good technique, whether setting up, in footwork, or hand usage. While he lacks the mass, length, and strength of a power player, he shows grit and effort to sustain blocks and get the job done. Locks up rather than drives out opponents. Fluidly gets to second level and out front on pulls and screens.
Matt Gulbin – Michigan State 6’4” 305 lb.
Started 34 of 51 games, with 12 starts in the pivot, 11 at left guard, and 11 on the right. In 2025, he was graded by Pro Football Focus as the #2 center overall in the FBS regular season (82.1) and #1 in run blocking grade (80.3). Blocky build with a low center of gravity. Strong lower body sets a wide, balanced base and maintains a stout anchor against bullrush. Mauler in the run game, shows a mean streak driving players out of the hole. Solid versatility on the inside.
Round 5
Parker Brailsford – ‘Bama 6’2” 289 lb.
Originally signed with Washington and after a redshirt took over as the starting center. Came to ‘Bama with coach Kalen DeBoer and stepped in. Started 42 of 43 college games. Turns 23 in October. Under-sized frame. Wins with stellar quickness and positioning. Natural low center of gravity and keeps feet moving. Good fit into outside zone offense. Good recognition in pass pro and has tenacious hands. Sets a good base base, but his lack mass makes it iffy in the pros.
Round 6
Jager Burton – Kentucky 6’4” 312 lb.
Turns 24 in August. Burton brings the versatility to play both guard positions as well as center. After a redshirt, he made 47 SEC starts, 15 at center, 23 at left guard, and nine at right guard. Shows a good all-around game, but often plays too high and bends at the waist causing him to lose leverage and drive power. Better at pass protection, patiently throws strong, accurate punches and latches on inside for control. Has plus lateral and linear move skills.
Pat Coogan – Indiana 6’5” 311 lb.
Originally signed with Notre Dame. Between four seasons with the Irish and one at Indiana, Coogan started 42 of 46 games, 29 at center and 13 at left guard. Disciplined player, experienced and well-coached on technique. Not a rangy mover, best between the tackles. He can can get to the second level and short pulls, but is a bit heavy-footed when getting off and on reach blocks. Good upper body strength and grip to turn/torque defenders. Sets a wide base and patiently strikes pass rushers inside.
My guys
To be honest, I would like to see any one of them on the Rams roster, excepting Parker Brailsford, because of his size and the Rams don’t use the outside run game much anymore. As a group, there’s not a lot of maulers, but all are blessed with strong athleticism, experience, and technical prowess. Sitting for year behind Shelton would benefit all of them, each needs play strength work and a little mass to really be ready.
Who are your favorite center prospects in the draft?
