NFL Draft 2026: OG/C medical report - Brian Parker, Sam Hecht, Logan Jones
Can the Detroit Lions fortify their interior OL in the mid-rounds of the draft?
The Lions have taken a 5th-round or later interior offensive lineman in the past 3 seasons - Miles Frazier in 2025, Christian Mahogany in 2024, and Colby Sorsdal in 2023. With the problems the Lions had last season on the interior, expect the Lions to draft another one in the mid to late rounds of the 2026 draft.
For the full NFL 2026 draft prospect medical analysis page, click here.
Here are 3 mid-round interior offensive linemen who the Lions may consider. All are capable of playing the center position which would provide insurance for new starting center, Cade Mays.
Medical concern level ranges from 0 (no concern) to 5 (might be worth the risk if the reward is high) to 10 (take him off your board, Brad).
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information and are unverified - subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Quick summary of medical concern levels
Brian Parker, OG/C (23?): clean - 1/10
Sam Hecht, C (23): clean - 1/10
Logan Jones, C (24): major knee, ankles, hand fracture, age - 5/10
Brian Parker, OG/C (uncertain age, 23?) - Duke
Projected round 2-3. #60 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19. #5 rated center by Mel Kiper.
Concern level 1/10
2025: 13/14 games. Opted out of bowl.
2024: 13/13 games
2023: 12/13 games
2022: 2 games
Parker mostly played RT in college but projects to the interior in the NFL. He showcased himself at center at the Shrine Bowl.
There are no reports of injuries for Parker. His age is uncertain but is not likely to be too advanced. Parker could be a healthy choice for the Lions with a chance to start as a rookie.
Sam Hecht, C (23) - Kansas State
Projected round 3-5. #6 rated center by Mel Kiper.
Concern level 1/10
2025: 12/12 games
2024: 13/13 games
2023: 13/13 games
2022: 4 games
His age is a notch older than ideal, but is otherwise a clean prospect with no known injury history. He was widely considered the best center at the Senior Bowl, which has elevated his draft stock.
Logan Jones, C (24) - Iowa
Projected round 3-5. #4 rated center by Mel Kiper. Ran the fastest 40 time (4.90) for OL at the combine.
Concern level 5/10
2025: 13/13 games. Minor ankle injury.
2024: 12/13 games. Fractured right hand.
2023: 13/14 games. Missed 1 game for high ankle sprain.
2022: 12/13 games. Missed Game 4 uncertain reason.
2021: 1 game. Knee injury limited him to 1 game.
There are a few injuries to sort out for Jones. The most concerning is his knee injury from 2021, but he proved himself over the next 4 seasons. The other injuries appear to be minor and without significant long-term concerns. Raising the concern a bit more is his age which is on the older side.
For more interior offensive line options for the Lions…