2026 NFL draft: 5 centers for Chargers fans to watch at Combine

On-field testing at the NFL Combine begins on Thursday. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz recently spoke to the media on Tuesday before the drills begin.

Here are a few centers Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh could be watching during their time at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Sam Hecht, Kansas State

Hecht was one of the big winners of the Senior Bowl at the beginning of this month, which served as his introduction to most of the draft community. At 6'4", 300 lb, Hecht isn't going to wow as an athlete, but he's an excellent decision maker after the snap who will surely impress in the interview room. Hecht is a bit bigger than a typical center, which could appeal to the Chargers if they're going to blend Harbaugh's power football brand with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's wide-zone scheme.

Pat Coogan, Indiana

Coogan came into this season with late Day 3 feedback, but a stellar season for the national champions now has the Notre Dame transfer firmly in the draftable conversation. A former teammate of Joe Alt with the Irish, Coogan has experience at both guard and center, so he could profile as a good interior swing option if the Chargers opt for a free agent veteran at center this offseason. Bleacher Report's Brandon Thorn compares Coogan to former Charger Will Clapp, who served a similar role.

Jake Slaughter, Florida

Another Senior Bowler, Slaughter, is a pure center prospect who has proven to be a bit divisive as the draft process has gotten going. He tried to show some guard flexibility in Mobile but lost frequently at that spot, so his value will likely be more so to a team that needs a starter right away at the pivot point. But with some push-pull vulnerability and redirection struggles evident on tape, the question of whether Slaughter is ready to start right away remains an open one heading into the week in Indianapolis.

Logan Jones, Iowa

Jones was virtually off the Chargers' board until they fired Greg Roman and hired McDaniel, as the Iowa center is virtually a zone-only player. A four-year starter, Jones has the quickness and burst to get outside on zone runs, but is susceptible to getting walked back against bull rushes from stronger defensive tackles. Thorn compares Jones to "Diet Coke Tyler Linderbaum", so he may be a Chargers target if Linderbaum goes elsewhere or if Los Angeles feels they need a stylistically similar backup.

Parker Brailsford, Alabama

Brailsford is another center who only recently came back onto the Chargers' radar - at 6'2", 290 lbs, there aren't many players who match his size numbers and have been successful at the NFL level. One of the few examples is Aaron Brewer, who just made the All-Pro team with McDaniel's Dolphins last season, so perhaps LA will feel they can do the same despite Brailsford's size. For his part, the Alabama center makes up for his size concerns with an attacking mentality and consistent effort.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 5 centers for Chargers fans to watch at Combine