The Chicago Bears will have work to do after the shocking news of veteran center Drew Dalman’s retirement, forcing the front office to have reshuffle their plans and focus back on the offensive line.

Having already prepared to be without left tackle Ozzy Trapilo for most of next season due to injury, Chicago now has to prepare to find a new center, which could be more difficult than expected given the market value, and could force them to look at this year’s draft.

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Even if the Bears decide to focus on the free agent market to find their next center, there would be no harm in looking at the centers entering the draft as a development project. There are plenty of high-level prospects in the trenches, and while the center position may not be a headliner of this class, there is a handful of talent worth considering for Chicago. Here are five center options for the Bears to consider in the 2026 draft.

Sam Hecht, Kansas State

At the top of PFF’s draft board, Sam Hecht was a model of consistency at Kansas State, although he does lack the usual size at the position. Hecht has been praised for his technique, the best among all centers in this year’s class, and allowed 19 hurries, giving up zero sacks over the past three seasons. Projected as an early Day 2 pick, Hecht will have to put in some work in the weight room to really unlock his full potential.

Jake Slaughter, Florida

Praised for his football IQ and leadership as a team captain who started multiple seasons for the Florida Gators, Slaughter is not too far behind Hecht on the big board and should be considered a Day 2 pick as well. He ranked first among all at his position at the NFL Scouting Combine and excels in his pass protection, with experience playing in the SEC that is hard to match. Slaughter feels more of a project than Hecht, but with Ben Johnson and Dan Roushar in charge, they could bring out the most in him and do so at their pace.

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Connor Lew, Auburn

Connor Lew may see his draft stock take a bit of a hit, as he’s recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in October of 2025, but he projects as a potential great target for the Bears. Due to his injury, Lew will be brought along slowly and likely taken late in the Day 2 or early Day 3 area, while Chicago can shop the veteran free agency market who can also be a mentor to a player like him. There are questions about his consistency, but he thrive in Auburn’s run-offense, which could see him slide in as a good fit for Chicago.

Logan Jones, Iowa

Iowa is known for building fantastic tight ends and gritty offensive linemen, which now includes Logan Jones. Known for his outstanding speed at his position and ability to excel in zone-blocking, Jones is a very intriguing pick for where he could be available, if the Bears wanted to wait and take a chance at landing him. Jones is undersized, but he has shown that his talent and technique can work at the next level.

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Brian Parker II, Duke

One of the most intriguing prospects for Chicago is not just because he plays the center position, but Brian Parker II is a former offensive tackle who transitioned with ease while playing at Duke. Parker may serve as the most attractive prospect of those mentioned on this list, because of his versatility, a strength that Ben Johnson would more than likely lean into if they selected him in the draft. There are several technical reasons for why Parker may not be the most highly-regarded prospect, but he projects as the right type of player who just needs to find the right coaching staff to work with, which the Bears would offer.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Drew Dalman retires: 5 centers for Bears in 2026 NFL Draft