Dane Brugler’s 2026 NFL Draft summer positional rankings: Interior offensive linemen

With the ongoing development of top prospects like Connor Lew and Parker Brailsford, punters may see increased interest in the 2026 NFL Draft betting lines, particularly for teams looking to improve their offensive line depth.

Editor’s note: This is the sixth installment of Dane Brugler’s 2026 Summer Scouting series. Previous rankings: Edge rushers | Running backs | Defensive tackles | Tight ends | Linebackers

Of Alabama’s three interior offensive line starters from last year, one (Tyler Booker) became the highest-drafted guard in the 2025 NFL Draft class and the other two (Nos. 2 and 3 on these early rankings) are well-liked prospects in the 2026 class. However, it is an Auburn center who kicks off this list at No. 1.

(Note: Asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with a “v” representing verified measurements and “e” for estimated measurements.)

1. Connor Lew, Auburn (6-3e, 300e)* Whether he is climbing to the second level or working laterally to protect the pocket, Lew plays with above-average quickness and control in his movement patterns. He is tough and physical and has a solid anchor, but it’s his slide mirror coupled with his blocking awareness that stand out most. The negative reps on Lew’s tape usually are a result of his initial strike being slightly off the mark. Though he plays with balance and hand strength (he’s a former high school wrestler), his recovery skills are inconsistent, especially in the run game. Going into his second season as a full-time starter, I expect this part of his game to continue to get better. After Hugh Freeze was hired as Auburn’s head coach, one of his first moves was flipping Lew from Miami to be part of his initial Tigers recruiting class. Lew broke into the starting lineup as a true freshman, then had some hiccups early on his sophomore tape before playing at a high level over the second half of the 2024 season. Lew is one of the youngest true juniors in this class (still just 19), which is exciting when forecasting his upcoming development. With his smooth athleticism, processing and makeup, Lew has several of the key traits NFL teams look for at the center position.

2. Parker Brailsford, Alabama (6-2e, 290e)* NFL teams that can overlook the measurables and value quickness and demeanor will have Brailsford high on their offensive line draft boards. He effortlessly slides through lateral engagement or reaches and cuts off defenders in the run game. His climb and run angles are consistently on point, and his tenacious play personality allows him to maintain his positioning. He competes with the grit to stay attached, but Brailsford can be rocked backward by bull rushers and might have a tough time settling down against next-level power. NFL teams are going to love the tenacity he brings to the field each snap, but swaying size-obsessed scouts will be a constant battle.

An Arizona native, Brailsford spent two seasons at Washington, including an All-America redshirt freshman season snapping to Michael Penix Jr. He transferred to Alabama before the 2024 season, rejoining Kalen DeBoer, and again earned All-America honors. Some evaluators will study Brailsford and see a center-only with too many limiting size factors. Others will focus on his athleticism and demeanor and see a player who works hard staying attached. For the latter, Brailsford will be graded as a future NFL starter.

3. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama (6-4 1/8v, 323v) For NFL teams targeting big and powerful offensive linemen, Roberts will fit the bill. Originally 350 pounds when he enrolled, he is now in the 320-325-pound range but still impressing with his mass and 34-inch arms. Roberts comfortably drives opponents out of the play and showcases the play strength to toss defenders. Roberts is big and competitive and has come a long way on the mental side of the game since arriving in Tuscaloosa. However, he is still working through his hand placement and the consistency of his technique. NFL scouts say Roberts is coachable and applies what he is taught, giving evaluators optimism that his best ball is coming in 2025.

Now in his fifth year in the program (his third as a starter), Roberts has gone from up-and-coming youngster to proven veteran. The Alabama staff raves about his smile and effort behind the scenes, which isn’t surprising considering the improvements he has made on the field. Although his athleticism is best described as “average,” Roberts is a bully once he latches on. He projects as a wall-and-fit NFL starting guard.

4. Trey Zuhn, Texas A&M (6-6 3/8v, 318v) Entering his fourth season as a starter, Zuhn has only played left tackle in college, so any position flexibility is more projection than proven. However, scouts like Zuhn as a prospect because they believe he has true five-position versatility. With his lack of length (less than 32-inch arms), his full-time position at the next level will be on the interior. Still, his initial quickness and coordination in space are evident on film. Zuhn is a good-sized mover, and he flashes point-of-attack strength and leg drive in the run game. However, he will get narrow at times and needs to be more consistent swinging his hips to wall off and seal. Though he faces some pad-level issues due to his height, Zuhn has enough athletic bend to avoid compromised positions with better angles and posture in the run game. After redshirting in 2021, Zuhn stepped into the starting left tackle role for the Aggies and has started 37 games over the last three seasons. He showed steady improvements each year and is poised for his best season yet. On top of his talent, NFL scouts use phrases like “toughest player on the team” and “wired the right way” to describe his character. Zuhn enters his senior season with mid-round grades from NFL teams.

5. Logan Jones, Iowa (6-2 1/2v, 300v) With his exceptional quickness and blocking instincts, Jones is often the catalyst for Iowa’s big plays in the run game. However, what stands out most on tape is his stubborn resolve to finish each snap with the same relentless mentality. Jones has some limitations in his core strength due to his lack of size, but his grip strength and ability to create torque jumps out, especially as a finisher — he loves the weight room and set a school record with a 700-pound squat. Jones has a dense body type with broad shoulders, but his sawed-off frame allows long-armed defenders to get into his chest. There are positives to his size, including how he uses his natural leverage to slow power rushers, but Jones’ short arms hinder his overall play strength and hurt his ability to reach and sustain.

An undersized, former defensive tackle at Iowa who goes on to become a draft pick at center? Stop me if that sounds familiar. Tyler Linderbaum made that same transition a few years back. When he jumped to the NFL, Jones shifted from the defensive line to center and flourished, despite not having played the position since his sophomore year of high school. He has started 38 games at center the last three seasons and is described as a “typical” Iowa lineman by NFL scouts: smart, tough and a focused worker. Though not the same level of pro prospect as Linderbaum, who has become one of the best centers in the NFL, Jones has a next-level future ahead of him and starts the 2025 season as the top senior at his position.

Preseason top 25 seniors (all measurements are NFL-verified)

1. Roberts 2. Zuhn 3. Jones 4. DJ Campbell, Texas (6-2 5/8, 316) 5. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon (6-4 3/8, 320) 6. Jeremiah Wright, Auburn (6-4 5/8, 341) 7. Fernando Carmona, Arkansas (6-4, 326) 8. Josh Thompson, LSU (6-4, 307) 9. Bryce Foster, Kansas (6-4 3/8, 312) 10. Joshua Braun, Kentucky (6-6 1/4, 347) 11. Dillon Wade, Auburn (6-2 7/8, 297) 12. Connor Tollison, Missouri (6-3 1/2, 288) 13. Mason Randolph, Boise State (6-3 1/8, 295) 14. Mark Petry, Syracuse (6-4 1/4, 301) 15. Jaren Kump, Utah (6-5 3/8, 318) 16. Daniel King, North Carolina (6-3 1/2, 349) 17. Sam Hecht, Kansas State (6-4, 297) 18. Weylin Lapuaho, BYU (6-3 3/4, 307) 19. Jake Slaughter, Florida (6-4 7/8, 294) 20. Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M (6-5 1/8, 338) 21. Kam Dewberry, Alabama (6-3 1/4, 345) 22. Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) (6-5 5/8, 347) 23. Micah Morris, Georgia (6-4 1/4, 340) 24. J’Onre Reed, USC (6-2 3/4, 321) 25. Nick Dawkins, Penn State (6-4 1/2, 297)

Preseason top seven draft-eligible underclassmen (all measurements are estimates)

1. Lew 2. Brailsford 3. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (6-4, 335) 4. Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame (6-4, 300) 5. Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M (6-6, 330) 6. Wendell Moe Jr., Tennessee (6-2, 330) 7. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon (6-2, 325)

(Top photo of Connor Lew: Scott Winters / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Alabama's O-line had a big impact on the 2024 draft class and could again in 2025. Which other schools — and prospects — crack the top five?

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