March 27, 2026, 10:52 a.m. ET

Replacing Tyler Linderbaum isn’t something the Baltimore Ravens can do with a single move or a single player. It’s the kind of transition that requires patience, planning, and a little bit of projection. Baltimore has been here before, though, and if there’s one thing this organization does well, it’s identifying offensive line talent before the rest of the league catches up. They’ll need to tap into that ability in an attempt to replace Pro Bowl-level production.

Sure, they signed Danny Pinter, but he’s more of a bridge player. Long-term solutions must be found in the NFL Draft.

The deeper one digs into this draft class, the clearer it becomes. There’s no shortage of intriguing prospects. Some bring polish. Others bring upside. All bring something worth discussing as potential long-term answers in the middle of the offensive line.

No one knows what Baltimore’s plans are, but we’d assume they include drafting a center sometime this April. Previously, mid-round options were suggested to fill the void. Here is a handful of more of the top options.

Logan Jones enjoyed a strong close to his career last season en route to the Rimington Trophy and Joe Moore Award. A two-time First-Team All-Big Ten honoree, he was also named a Unanimous All-American.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Like Tyler Linderbaum, Jones is a product of the Iowa Hawkeyes program. How is that for a coincidence? Jones can get stronger for the NFL, but he is already pro-ready.

Jake Slaughter, Florida Gators

Jake Slaughter had a rough start to his 2024 season, but played better as it went along. In 2025, he looked solid. Most importantly, he looked comfortable.

At 6-foot-four and 308 pounds, he carries a nice frame to the professional level. This comes after the two-time First-Team All-SEC nod earned First-Team All-American honors in 2024 before being named a Second-Team All-American in 2025.

Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats

There are questions about Sam Hecht. None are about his maturity or character, which is always a good thing, but at times discussions transpire about his 6-foot-4, 300-pound frame. That has led to questions about his power, which some have rated as average or below average.

Is he only capable of scheme-specific blocking? Will Connor Lew’s injury catapult him towards being seen as having higher upside? Time will tell. For now, he is seen as a mid to late-rounder.

Matt Gulbin, Michigan State Spartans

Matt Gulbin earned honorable mention All-ACC honors to close three seasons at Wake Forest after redshirting as a freshman. He entered the transfer portal after the 2024 season. He landed with the Michigan State Spartans and was named to the Rimington Award Watch List.

He was named a captain for the Spartans and now looks to continue his football journey if the NFL. He stands at 6-foot-4. He weighs 312 pounds.

Here’s one from the College Football Playoff national champions. Pat Coogan was named a Second-Team All-Big Ten honoree and won the Rose Bowl’s offensive MVP award. He has already proven that he can rise to the moment.

That kind of resume tends to translate well. There’s no true replacing a player like Linderbaum. If Baltimore approaches this the way it always has, with patience and strategy, it won’t take long to find the next anchor in the middle.