2. Interior offensive line
Good year to need ... a guardBad year to need ... a really big center
Interior offensive line is always a spot at which teams can plug guys quite freely, but this feels like a uniquely good year for it. Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens) might actually become available, which would be surprising and likely record-setting. Drew Dalman became the third-highest paid center last year when he left Atlanta to join the Bears at $14 million per year; Linderbaum will likely leapfrog Creed Humphrey at the top of the center rankings ($18 million per year) and should push $19 million.
Again, though ... if he becomes available. He's the blow-your-socks-off free agent, but after him, the interior is still deep. Guards Isaac Seumalo (Steelers) and David Edwards (Bills) were two of the best players at their position last season, and both are expected to become available. Alijah Vera-Tucker (Jets) has been one of the best young guards over the past few years, but he's coming off a torn triceps that complicates his 2026 projection even further. He has always struggled to play full seasons. If Joel Bitonio (34 years old) doesn't retire now that his contract is up with the Browns, he's still a plus starter. And if Ed Ingram has finally seen the light bulb go on -- as his end-of-season performance with the Texans seemed to indicate -- he's a plus starter, too.
Center is a little thinner if Linderbaum stays in Baltimore, but Connor McGovern (Bills) and Cade Mays (Panthers) should both push for deals north of $8 million per year, which is top-10 money for the position. Center can be tough to suss out, and both played within excellent offensive lines as a whole. But McGovern, in particular, has been an impact player in Buffalo.
What center lacks for free agents it makes up for in the draft. While there's no Linderbaum likely to go Round 1, there is a ton of experience and NFL readiness. Jake Slaughter (Florida) and Connor Lew (Auburn) were both three-year starters in the SEC; Logan Jones (Iowa) was a four-year starter at Iowa. All three are smaller players who won't fit for every offense, but Sam Hecht (Kansas State) has the size those teams are seeking.
Guard is splashier. One of the earliest picks in the draft will be Miami's Francis Mauigoa, who might get drafted as a tackle, but I'd wager he gets valued more at guard given his frame and play style. Either way, he's a top-five pick. Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State) is the other interior player who should hear his name called on Day 1 after Mauigoa, while Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon) and Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M) have the exciting physical tool kits that get teams excited in Round 2 -- think Steve Avila or Dylan Fairchild. Potential kicks inside for college tackles Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) and Brian Parker II (Duke) would only strengthen the group.
The free agent class is solid. The draft class is solid. Good year to need an interior offensive lineman.