The Vikings’ Center Need Meets a Perfect Prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft
Journeying back into recent history would mean uplifting Pat Elflein (3rd in 2017), Garrett Bradbury (1st in 2019), and Michael Jurgens (7th in 2024). Is there a trend among the Vikings’ centers of recent draft history?
Generally speaking, the Vikings want smaller, highly-athletic centers who can climb to the second level, get out into space for screens, and reach block. The strategy has had limited success and yet is there for the taking. If the criteria remains consistent, then circle Iowa’s Logan Jones as a perfect fit for the well-worn path.
The Vikings’ Center Need & The Possibility of Logan Jones
To begin, note that Bruce Feldman has highlighted the young lineman, doing so within his infamous Freaks List.
Check out the blurb that got attached to Jones going into the 2025 college season: “A former basketball player who was in the 260-pound range in high school, Jones first dunked in ninth grade at about 6-1. Now, at 303 pounds, he is one of the country’s best centers. Last year, Jones had zero sacks allowed in 280 pass blocking snaps, per PFF. He set the program record this offseason with a 705-pound squat. He holds the position record with a 36.6-inch vertical, a 1.53 10-yard split and a 4.09 shuttle. His 470-pound hang clean this summer is also a position record, but he was hoping to break the program record for all players held by another Freaks List alum, Tristan Wirfs.”
The word from Feldman is that Jones is an explosive, powerful athlete even as he’s an undersized option. Sound familiar?
The great issue with Garrett Bradbury had little to do with athletic ability. Nor, in fact, did the former center struggle when it came to strength testing. But while those things are true, Bradbury was often bullied by NFL defensive tackles. Jones is looking to mirror Bradbury’s off-field promise while offering more rugged play on the field.
On PFF, Mr. Jones comes in with a No. 95 placement on the board. That’s a draft pick that’s going to arrive in the 3rd. Minnesota is sitting on No. 82 and No. 97, both arriving in the 3rd.
The lineman earned a healthy 79.0 grade in 2025, placing him at 9th among 306 centers under consideration. Quite healthy, but a drop down from his 83.6 grade he earned in 2024 (good for 4th among 301 centers).
His report card comes back very clean. Last season, Jones got dinged with allowing just 1 lonely sack. There’s then a goose egg in the QB hits category alongside 2 hurries. Pretty spiffy.
Lance Zierlein sees upside in the smaller o-lineman.
“Undersized but highly experienced with NFL-ready technique,” Zierlein writes. “Jones has a dense frame and short limbs. He has impressive initial quickness and stays firm inside the framework with his hands while his feet rarely stop pressing forward. Long nose tackles with quick hands are his kryptonite at the point of attack. Iowa’s scheme limited his true pass-set count, so proving he can anchor and play with gap range will be essential. He’s operational in gap schemes but better in zone, where his athleticism mitigates his lack of length. Jones’ age, traits and center-only value could limit his suitor count, but he has the polish to help early with the right fit.”
Included above is some further corroboration for the strengths and weaknesses. Logan Jones can offer great athleticism alongside some excellent technique. Not a bad place to be. But then there are the issues that arise due to being a touch smaller.
What helps is that the Vikings’ center is going to be supported by Donovan Jackson at LG1 and Will Fries at RG1. Both are strong options with good size, allowing the Vikings’ center to stand a bit taller.
Similarly positive is that Logan Jones is very likely to be a Day 2 pick. Where he goes on Day 2 remains to be seen, but that general assessment is important. The Vikings are sitting on No. 49 (the 2nd Round) alongside those aforementioned 3rd-Round selections. Using one of those picks on a center with a few obvious flaws (size & power) but a few tremendous strengths (athleticism & technique) makes a lot of sense.
Of note, as well, is that Minnesota has gone to Iowa a time or two in recent drafts for talent. Receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, quarterback Nate Stanley, and defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson played there.
Even more fascinating is that T.J. Hockenson is an Iowa alum; though not a Vikings draftee, Hockenson was a trade pickup before getting extended.
The Vikings’ center spot has no clear answer. Right now, either Jurgens or Blake Brandel fill the opening. Iowa’s Logan Jones therefore looks like a nice option.
