Losing Tyler Linderbaum to the Las Vegas Raiders, via free agency, was a big blow for the Baltimore Ravens. Linderbaum is among the best centers in the game today, if not the best. Drafted by the Ravens in 2022, 25th overall, we have not seen a center go in the first round since.
NFL franchises rarely spend high first-round capital on centers, so it is highly unlikely the Ravens will take one at the 14th overall pick. The last center to be drafted in the top 15 occurred way back in 1993, when the Cleveland Browns took Steve Everitt out of Michigan, coincidentally at No. 14.
The last time a center made the top 10 was way back in 1968, when the Cincinnati Bengals (still an AFL team back then) took Bob Johnson out of Tennessee. As it currently stands, the center position is up for grabs, with three players in the mix: last year's backup, Corey Bullock, as well as free agent veteran signings Danny Pinter (from the Indianapolis Colts) and Jovaughn Gwyn (from the Atlanta Falcons).
The Ravens might still select a center in this draft, but if they do, it'll probably be in one of the middle or later rounds. Here are four different ways they can go.
Given how Linderbaum is a former Hawkeye, and that pick worked out so well, why not go back to the same well in order to find his replacement? Jones is an excellent zone-blocking center. Also, there is just something so very Iowa Hawkeyes about having the center position be one of their biggest offensive strengths, historically.
Lew was a legitimate 1st round prospect until he suffered that unfortunate ACL injury. Despite this major setback, he's still the top-rated center in this class, largely on the strength of his elite pass-blocking skills. The Ravens have drafted players with major injury question marks before- see David Ojabo in 2022.
He probably has the best technique and skill set of any center in this class, but he unfortunately lacks ideal size and overall mass. Of course, he can always add more muscle with the right strength and conditioning program.
Slaughter brings excellent technique, a bevy of experience, and a very high football IQ to the table. He's also a proven leader who is greatly respected by his teammates, but just like Hecht, he lacks the ideal size and build.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Four centers the Ravens could target