FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Alabama OC Parker Brailsford.
- 2026 NFL Draft Guide
- 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2026 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Rookie Mock Drafts
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Parker Brailsford
Parker Brailsford (OC – Alabama)
6’2″ – 290 lbs.
Background
Originally attended Washington, where he redshirted in 2022 before starting the 2023 season, with three games at right guard and the rest at center; allowed just one sack, two hits, and eleven pressures that year (1-2-11). Followed Kalen DeBoer to Alabama, where he continued to start at center in 2024 (0-1-6) and 2025 (1-3-10).
Positives
Experienced three-year starter for two major programs, playing in a relatively sophisticated, demanding offense. Intense, physical style should appeal to coaches; works hard through the whistle on a consistent basis. Extensive starting experience shows up in his understanding of positioning; has a nice feel for how to use his short-area quickness to wall off opponents and create lanes in the run game. Able to chip and climb. Has surprisingly good lower-body strength to hold the point of attack, and natural leverage from his shorter frame. Knows how to generate torque. Rangy, mobile center who has no problem pulling or climbing and securing blocks in space; shows good discipline to keep his movements under control and avoid overrunning spots. Drive with his feet after engaging is adequate. Looks comfortable anchoring early against power in pass protection. Keeps his head on a swivel and seeks out opponents to block when unopposed in pass protection. Has some thudding power on impact to jolt defenders when helping. Places and resets his hands well in pass protection. Also has a little bit of starting experience at guard.
Negatives
On the smaller side for a pro lineman, even at center. More of a tenacious, versatile blocker than a dominant phone-booth mauler, and doesn’t create a ton of push in the run game. Doesn’t have the most length, which can lead to some instances of lunging, lowering his head into contact, or failing to sustain blocks. Lateral quickness in pass protection is closer to adequate; not the smoothest, most fluid mover when mirroring, which can make him a bit reliant on his natural anchor strength. Has been slightly penalty-prone, having been flagged seventeen times over the past three years.
Summary
An experienced starting center who may not have the biggest, most powerful frame, but who plays the game with intelligence, run-blocking range, an understanding of positioning, and solid lower-body strength. The lack of ideal physical and athletic tools might put a bit of a cap on his ceiling, but offers a pretty consistent level of play and should bring a team the flexibility to get creative with how they use their center in the run game. Those traits looks like they might get him some second-day looks as a relatively safe, scheme-versatile, plug-and-play starter at the pivot.
Projection: Round 3-4
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Podcast Addict | TuneIn