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Detroit Lions Draft: Top Center Prospects and Combine Stats Analyzed
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- Detroit Lions Draft: Top Center Prospects and Combine Stats Analyzed
As the Detroit Lions continue evaluating options at center ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, three prospects have separated themselves with strong film and intriguing combine performances: Connor Lew of Auburn, Jake Slaughter of Florida and Parker Brailsford . Each brings a different profile in terms of age, production and upside, but all three helped their stock in Indianapolis .
Connor Lew, Auburn
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At just 20 years old, Lew is one of the youngest interior offensive line prospects in the class, and that youth shows up in both his upside and areas for growth. The Auburn product played only 420 snaps last season but flashed high-end athletic traits that were on display at the NFL combine. Lew measured 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, ran a 5.08-second 40-yard dash, posted a 1.74 10-yard split and recorded 28 bench press reps. His 29-inch vertical and 9-foot broad jump underscored his lower-body explosiveness.
On tape, Lew earned a 67.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade, including a 71.9 pass-blocking grade and 64.9 run-blocking mark. He allowed just two sacks and four total pressures while committing three penalties. Those are solid numbers for a player still growing into his frame and role.
Lew's pass protection is ahead of his run game at this stage. He plays with quick feet and shows the ability to mirror interior rushers, which fits the Lions' emphasis on pocket integrity. However, he will need to add strength and consistency as a run blocker to thrive in a power-based system. His age and athletic testing suggest significant developmental upside.
Jake Slaughter, Florida
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If teams are looking for polish and production, Slaughter offers both. The 23-year-old Florida center was one of the most consistent interior linemen in college football last season. He posted a 79.3 overall PFF grade, including an 84.1 pass-blocking grade and an 80.2 run-blocking grade — the third-best run-block mark among draft-eligible centers.
Slaughter played 748 snaps and allowed just one sack all season, committing seven penalties. His performance earned him PFF first-team All-American honors in 2024.
At the combine, Slaughter measured 6-4, 308 pounds and ran a 5.12 40 with a 1.77 10-yard split. He added 30 bench press reps, a 27.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot-2 broad jump. While not elite in testing, his numbers were solid across the board and reinforced what the film shows: a technically sound, durable center with functional strength.
Slaughter's calling card is his balance and hand placement. He consistently wins leverage battles and shows advanced awareness against stunts and blitzes. For a team like Detroit that values communication and reliability up front, Slaughter profiles as a plug-and-play option with a relatively high floor.
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Parker Brailsford, Alabama
Brailsford, 22, brings the most starting experience of the trio with 798 snaps last season. He earned a 66.1 overall PFF grade, highlighted by a strong 77.2 pass-blocking grade but a more modest 60.6 run-blocking grade.
In pass protection, Brailsford allowed one sack, two quarterback hits and 10 total pressures while committing five penalties. His pass-blocking efficiency stands out, particularly given the volume of snaps.
At the combine, Brailsford measured 6-2, 300 pounds and turned in one of the better athletic performances among centers. He ran a 4.98 40 with a 1.71 10-yard split, posted 26 bench reps, a 30.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot-4 broad jump. His movement skills were evident during on-field drills, where he showed fluidity in space.
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Brailsford projects best in a zone-heavy scheme where his quickness and angles can be maximized. While he must improve his anchor in the run game, his pass protection consistency and athletic profile make him an intriguing mid-round option.
For the Lions, the decision may come down to risk tolerance. Lew offers youth and upside, Slaughter brings polish and production, and Brailsford provides experience and athleticism. All three strengthened their cases in Indianapolis and will remain firmly on Detroit's radar as draft day approaches.
