As a prospect who has been compared to Hawkeye Alum and Baltimore Ravens star Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa center Logan Jones was a highly regarded NFL Draft prospect. His performance at the Combine only enhanced his reputation.
Logan Jones 2026 NFL Draft Profile
Measurables:
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 299 lbs.
Position: center
School: Iowa
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Jones is well aware of the criticism that he’s undersized as a center, with arms measuring only 30 3/4. Already accustomed to proving himself, Jones has learned the value of letting his performance speak for itself. The winner of the 2025 Rimington Trophy for the nation’s best center just earned an outstanding 87 on his Combine Athleticism score, placing first among participating centers.
Background:
The Council Bluffs, Iowa, senior was a talented multi-sport athlete in high school. In addition to lettering in basketball and distinguishing himself as a talent in track, earning accolades in shot put and discus, he was a standout football player. Beginning his football career as a defensive end, he earned back-to-back “Lineman of the Year” titles.
An injury sidelined him in his first year of college. Upon his return to the field, Jones was asked to take over at center for the NFL-bound Linderbaum. At first, it was a rough transition. But Jones learned his craft, starting all 13 games in 2023. By 2024, he was earning awards and honors as a First-Team All-Big Ten and semi-finalist for the Joe Moore Award. Awarded honorable mention All-American honors, Jones allowed only one sack in 149 pass-blocking opportunities.
Voted a team captain, his coach, Kirk Ferentz, described him as the “kind of guy we want on our football team.” He continued, “Everything he does is with purpose. He’s really wired in when he’s working…. very popular with his teammates. He’s so invested. Comes from a great family, mom, sister, really good people.”
By 2025, the Hawkeyes won the Joe Moore Award for the nation’s top offensive line, and PFF.com recognized him as the nation’s top center with a pass blocking grade of 90.2 and an overall grade of 79. A unanimous pick for All-American, in 704 snaps, Jones allowed only a single sack, zero hits, and no penalties.
In addition to being named the Rimington Trophy winner, he was also an Outland Trophy finalist and a second-time honoree for First-Team All-Big Ten.
Scouting Report for Logan Jones
Strengths:
Elite pass protection ability
Combine score of 4.90 in the 40-yard dash
Impressive initial first step
Hand placement and leverage are textbook
Good reaction time for second-level blitzes
Strong leadership skills, as evidenced by “permanent” captain status
Weaknesses:
Undersized with short arms
Run production could use improvement; he relies heavily on speed, not strength
Lack of physical stature compared to the NFL standard raises concerns about durability
Potential Team Fits:
Detroit Lions
Houston Texans
New England Patriots
Final Thoughts:
Observing him at the Combine, an AFC personnel director commented, “He’s fun to watch. He plays like he’s got two kids and a mortgage to pay, man. That kind of grown-man effort.”
Finally, per nfldraftbuzz.com, “The Rimington Trophy does not go to frauds. The overall grade lands in good territory, which reflects real production against real competition alongside real physical limitations.”
Despite any perceived physical size limitations, the consensus seems to be that the talent and production are real. Add his strong abilities and his work ethic, and he’ll be an asset to the team that drafts him.
Projection:
Third or fourth round pick
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