2027 NFL Draft Prospects: Center

10/14/26: Johnson has been excellent for Minnesota in 2026. He is a power run blocker who can generate movement at the point of attack. He is also reliable in pass pro to stop bull rushes or move with speed. Johnson (6-6, 327) was a rock-solid blocker for the Gophers in 2025, showing effectiveness in both phases. Johnson has size and power as a run blocker, with quickness, athleticism, and an ability to anchor in pass protection. He looks like he could be a very good starting guard in the NFL with a long career. In 2025, Johnson was the Gophers' left guard, but he also filled in with a start at left tackle and one at right tackle. As a sophomore in 2024, Johnson started all 13 games at center for Minnesota. He has versatility and could be worthy of being a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, according to team sources.

10/14/26: Some team sources are not high on Pieper, but some feel he will grow into a really good player. Pieper has been solid but not dominant in 2026. Pieper started at right guard in 2025 and formed an excellent interior offensive line with veteran center Logan Jones. With Jones in the NFL, Pieper is being projected to move to center by NFL teams’ advance scouts. Pieper has good size, strength, and athleticism. He could be a candidate to start at guard or center as a pro.

10/14/26: Moore is off to a solid start for the Tigers in 2026. Moore has less than ideal size, but he is strong, tough, and athletic for the size that he has. Moore played two seasons with Virginia Tech, starting at left guard in 2023 and center in 2024 with the Hokies. He then transferred to LSU and was the Tigers' starting center in 2025. Moore dealt with some injuries, but he played well and impressed advanced scouts. Moore lacks the size to be a candidate for guard in the NFL, so he will have to be a center only as a pro.

10/14/26: Beers has been solid for the Gophers thus far. After serving as a backup as a freshman, Beers broke into the starting lineup in 2024. He started six games at right guard and three at left guard. In 2025, Beers took over at center and stayed there for the Gophers. He forms a tough interior line with Greg Johnson. Beers is a big center for the NFL, and he could also be moved to guard.

10/14/26: In 2026, Hinzman has blocked well for the Buckeyes and looks improved over previous seasons. Hinzman has been a solid blocker and starter for the Buckeyes since his redshirt freshman season. In 2023, he started at center before starting mostly at guard during Ohio State’s 2024 National Championship team. He started again in 2025. Hinzman would project best to center in the NFL.

10/14/26: Bobo is back starting at center for the Bulldogs in 2026. He has been solid but not overly impressive. Bobo was having an excellent 2025 season before going out with an injury. Georgia really missed him when he was out. Bobo has good size and strength. He could be a solid guard or center for the NFL.

10/14/26: Laloulu has been respectable, but not overly impressive thus far in 2026. Laloulu blocked well for the Ducks in 2025 and is a well-balanced blocker at the point of attack. To open the 2024 season, Laloulu was starting at guard for a few games before starting the final 12 at center. Laloulu could lack a little height, but he is a strong and thick blocker at the point of attack.

10/14/26: Craig is starting at center and has played well thus far in 2026. He has not faced an elite opponent, but Craig has been a balanced blocker and effective in both phases. Craig was the starting center for the Irish in 2024 before suffering an injury and going out for the season. Craig has good size and strength at the point of attack. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, but he has contributed in both phases. Craig was a good run blocker at the point of attack in 2025, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury on October 11th versus N.C. State.

9/16/26: Cruz is starting at center in 2026, and he’s been a solid blocker. Cruz received a solid grade from the NFL advance scouts on their preseason watch list. He is a big blocker and could fit as a right guard as a pro. Cruz was a versatile blocker for Syracuse in 2025, starting at both guard spots and playing some center. The majority of his snaps came at right tackle and that is the best fit for his body type as a pro. Cruz has not allowed a sack in his college career. He rotated into the game and had some starts during the 2022-2024 seasons, including time playing tackle for Syracuse.

9/16/26: Price has had some mixed moments starting at center for Kentucky, but he has shown potential in both phases. Price was a solid starting center for Baylor in 2025. He was a steady run blocker and adequate in pass protection. Price transferred to Kentucky to play for the Wildcats in 2026.

10/14/26: Kawecki had some issues with Notre Dame in Week 1, but has been solid for the Badgers. Kawecki worked his way into the starting lineup for Oklahoma State in 2025 and had a solid season for the Cowboys. For his final season of college football, Kawecki transferred to Wisconsin.

10/14/26: Guarnera is starting at center for Michigan and has been respectable in 2026. He has been okay, but could use more development. Guarnera broke into the starting lineup as an underclassman and was a solid contributor for the Wolverines. Guarnera has the upside to get better as he gains experience.