With a need to address center this offseason, we take a look at three targets for the Washington Commanders in the 2026 NFL Draft
As the days inch closer toward the 2026 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders will have a chance to address several positions. While maybe not as attractive as talking skill position players, addressing the center position remains a question mark for the front office with Nick Allegretti leading the thin center competition ahead of the 2026 regular season. Yet Washington has a chance to add to the competition while improving the long-term outlook at the position with three names leading the way as day two or three draft prospects.
Logan Jones, Iowa
The 2025 Rimington Trophy winner as the nation's top center, anchoring an offensive line that drew the Joe Moore Award, dished out to the nation's top offensive line, Jones enters next week's draft as one of the top center prospects. ESPN projected the former All Big Ten lineman to go in the second round in their latest mock draft as Jones is a strong candidate to become the first center off the board. A four year starter, Jones was not penalized in 2025 though has size questions given he's in the 25th percentile for weight and third percentile for arm length (30.75 inches). He did post a 4.90 in the 40 yard dash, the fastest 40 time at the NFL combine among all centers.
Connor Lew, Auburn
Viewed as arguably the best center ahead of the 2025 season, Lew saw his final year at Auburn cut short after suffering a torn ACL in mid-October. That injury has put a question mark on how high he could go, though the tape speaks for itself after allowing a 2.5% pressure rate in 2025 and a great frame to add confidence to his ability to remain a strong run blocker in the NFL. With teams evaluating his medicals, the Auburn product could be within range when it comes time for Washington to make its pick in the third round.
Jake Slaughter, Florida
Slaughter started all 12 games for the Gators in 2025 where he allowed just one sack and two hurries across 748 snaps, ending his career with 33 starts and 51 appearance. He also ended his career as a four time second team All American selection while placing top eight at his position nationally in PFF Run Block, Zone Run Block grade Pass Block and Offense grades. The anchor of the Gators offensive line has translated that college success into an elevated draft stock with his athleticism after posting a 5.1 in the 40 yard dash and 1.74 seconds in the ten yard split. Slaughter was also among the prospects participating in the Senior Bowl with general manager Adam Peters in attendance.