The Tennessee Titans will enter the 2026 NFL Draft having made significant offseason changes at the center position. Convinced Lloyd Cushenberry no longer met the conditions required to start at a high level, general manager Mike Borgonzi released him with a failed physical designation. The Titans then signed veteran center Austin Schlottmann in free agency, reuniting him with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll.
The current expectation is that Schlottmann and sophomore Jackson Slater will have a training camp battle for the starting spot. Schlottmann, a seven-year pro, has just 18 career starts, including four under Daboll last season. Slater played 34 offensive snaps for the Titans as a rookie.
The Titans could add additional competition at center during the NFL Draft. We've identified three center prospects who could be mid-round targets for Robert Saleh, Borgonzi, and Daboll. Any one of these moves could potentially flip the pending position battle.
NFL Draft: 3 mid-round center prospects for the Tennessee Titans
Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
Sam Hecht joined Kansas State as a walk-on in 2021 and developed into an eventual two-year starter at center. He brings quality experience, athleticism, and technical ability to the position. Hecht is considered undersized at 6-1 and 303 pounds with 31.5-inch arms. He's an easy mover in space, so it may depend on how Daboll views his potential fit in the offense.
Connor Lew, C, Auburn
If the Titans are content with starting Schlottmann or Slater in 2026, then drafting Connor Lew could become a more realistic possibility. The former Auburn standout was in contention to be the top-ranked center prospect in this year's NFL Draft during the college football season. Lew then suffered a season-ending torn ACL that will likely impact his rookie season. If that means better value for the Titans, they should consider nabbing him at No. 66 or 101 overall.
Matt Gulbin, C, Michigan State
Michigan State interior offensive lineman Matt Gulbin appeared in 51 career games throughout his college football career (including a stint at Wake Forest). Though Gulbin primarily played guard, he did make 12 appearances at center. Scouts believe he can make a full-time living there in the NFL, due to him playing with consistent power and leg drive.
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