The Lions may have found their answer at center in Indianapolis. As Detroit searches for stability up front, three standout performances at the NFL Combine could reshape the future of the offensive line — and give Brad Holmes a tough draft-day decision.
The Detroit Lions appear poised to address center this offseason after the Graham Glasgow experiment failed to provide the long-term stability the franchise envisioned.
General manager Brad Holmes acknowledged during media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine that moving guard Tate Ratledge to center remains an option. But if Detroit prefers a natural pivot, three prospects used the 2026 combine to strengthen their cases: Sam Hecht (Kansas State), Pat Coogan (Indiana) and Logan Jones (Iowa).
All three paired strong collegiate production with solid athletic testing in Indianapolis.
Sam Hecht, Kansas State
Hecht entered the week as one of the more technically refined centers in the class and left having reinforced that reputation. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound standout posted a 5.05-second 40-yard dash, 28-inch vertical jump, 9-foot broad jump and 26 bench press repetitions. He added a 4.63 short shuttle and 7.58 three-cone drill, numbers that reflected above-average movement skills for the position.
On tape, Hecht’s production was just as steady. He finished his final collegiate season with an 80.0 overall offensive grade, including a 78.1 pass-block grade and 77.7 run-block grade. Over 759 snaps, Hecht did not allow a sack, quarterback hit or penalty. He surrendered just eight total pressures.
Hecht’s clean stat sheet stands out in a class filled with experienced interior linemen. His hand placement and leverage consistently neutralized interior rushers, and his ability to climb to linebackers fits well in zone-heavy schemes. For a Lions offense that values timing and communication up front, Hecht’s discipline and football IQ could make him an early contributor.
Pat Coogan, Indiana
Coogan measured 6-5 and 313 pounds with 32 1/2-inch arms and delivered a strong all-around combine performance. He ran a 5.12 40-yard dash, recorded a 29-inch vertical, 9-foot-2 broad jump and 24 bench reps. His 4.69 short shuttle highlighted functional lateral quickness that showed up consistently on film.
The Indiana product graded out at 76.8 overall, ranking 14th among centers nationally. His 81.9 pass-block grade ranked 29th, and he allowed zero sacks and zero quarterback hits across 372 pass-block snaps. In total, Coogan played 766 snaps — 372 in pass protection and 394 in run blocking — and allowed just seven pressures with two penalties.
Coogan’s size and anchor ability stand out immediately. He absorbs power well and rarely gives ground against bull rushes. His combine drills reinforced that he is more fluid than his frame might suggest, particularly in mirror and pull situations. While he may not possess elite explosiveness, Coogan projects as a reliable interior presence capable of stepping into a rotation early.
Logan Jones, Iowa
Jones arguably helped himself the most in Indianapolis. The 6-3, 302-pound Iowa standout turned in one of the better athletic profiles among centers, running a 4.98 40-yard dash with a 30-inch vertical and 9-foot-4 broad jump. He added 25 bench reps, a 4.55 short shuttle and an impressive 7.42 three-cone drill — marks that underscored his mobility.
Jones’ on-field production backs it up. He posted a 79.0 overall offensive grade and an elite 90.2 pass-block grade, the best among centers in college football. Across 704 snaps, he allowed just one sack, zero quarterback hits and three total pressures, committing no penalties. His 73.1 run-block grade reflects solid, if not dominant, performance in the ground game.
Jones excels in space, showing the ability to reach three-techniques and seal linebackers at the second level. His short-area quickness and balance make him a strong fit in outside-zone systems — something Detroit has leaned on heavily in recent seasons.
With Glasgow failing to lock down the position and Holmes openly acknowledging flexibility along the interior, the Lions have options. Ratledge could transition inside, but Hecht’s consistency, Coogan’s size and Jones’ athleticism offer three distinct pathways to upgrading the pivot.
After their combine showings and clean collegiate production profiles, all three likely solidified themselves as legitimate draft targets as Detroit searches for long-term stability in the middle of its offensive line.