Vikings Likely to Draft New Center in 2026 NFL Draft

Minnesota has a clear need at center after the retirement of Ryan Kelly, and the team is expected to address the position between Rounds 2-4.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:08pm

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The Minnesota Vikings have several needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, but one outcome feels certain - the team will invest in a rookie center sometime between Rounds 2-4. With current center Blake Brandel viewed as more of a 'bridge' option, the Vikings are expected to target prospects like Connor Lew (Auburn), Sam Hecht (Kansas State), Logan Jones (Iowa), or Jake Slaughter (Florida) to solidify the position for the future.

Why it matters

The center position is a critical part of any NFL offensive line, responsible for anchoring the unit and making key pre-snap calls. With the retirement of veteran Ryan Kelly, the Vikings have a clear need to find their long-term answer at center, and doing so in the early-to-mid rounds of the draft could pay dividends for the team's offense in the coming years.

The details

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has indicated that Blake Brandel will 'more than likely' be the team's starting center this season, but that language suggests the position is still up for grabs. The Vikings have three picks in Rounds 2-4 where they could target a center, with prospects like Connor Lew, Sam Hecht, Logan Jones, and Jake Slaughter viewed as potential fits. If they don't land a center in that range, the team could look to later round options like Parker Brailsford, Beau Stephens, or Pat Coogan.

  • Ryan Kelly retired from the Vikings in March 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Blake Brandel

A versatile offensive lineman who is tentatively in line to take over as the Vikings' starting center this season, though the team may view him as more of a 'bridge' option.

Connor Lew

An offensive lineman from Auburn who is projected as a potential center target for the Vikings in Rounds 2-4 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Sam Hecht

An offensive lineman from Kansas State who is projected as a potential center target for the Vikings in Rounds 2-4 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Logan Jones

An offensive lineman from Iowa who is projected as a potential center target for the Vikings in Rounds 2-4 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jake Slaughter

An offensive lineman from Florida who is projected as a potential center target for the Vikings in Rounds 2-4 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“I do think that's a position that's got some really unique names in the draft.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach

“Ultimately, we want to do what's best for Blake to ascend and reach his highest potential at one position, or have the flexibility still to play multiple.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach

What’s next

The Vikings will have a chance to address their center need during the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in late April. All eyes will be on how the team approaches the position, especially in Rounds 2-4 where several intriguing prospects could be available.

The takeaway

Finding a long-term answer at center is a critical offseason priority for the Vikings, as the position is the linchpin of any successful offensive line. Investing an early-to-mid round pick in a center prospect could pay major dividends for Minnesota's offense in the coming years.