The Chicago Bears have done extensive work on the center position leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft and have reportedly met with more center prospects than any other positions when it comes to 30 visits.

The retirement of Drew Dalman was a sudden surprise for the Bears this offseason but the front office moved quick to land a 2026 option in Garrett Bradbury. It’s already proved to be a wise move for the team to make but it’s clear with the team’s pre-draft process that Chicago would like a young option in the waiting.

ESPN shared an article on Monday in which college coaches picked hidden gems in the 2026 NFL Draft and one of the centers the Bears met with was featured on the list.

Duke’s Brian Parker II viewed as a hidden gem in the 2026 NFL Draft that can do it all

One of the center prospects the Bears reportedly met with was Duke’s Brian Parker II, who actually wasn’t even a center for the Blue Devils. Parker was the full-time right tackle starter at Duke in 2025 and also played six games at left tackle.

In high school, Parker was a three-year starting center and worked out at the position again in front of scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl and at the NFL Combine. He’s viewed as a stronger NFL fit at center, but his versatility will be enticing for any team.

“He could be a guy that plays all five [offensive line] positions and adds a lot of value to an NFL team,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “That’s his value, being highly smart and a guy who played right tackle in college but played center at the East-West Shrine Game and did a good job there, by all accounts.”

With that kind of five-position versatility, it’s easy to see why the Bears showed interest in Parker. He’s a player that in Year 1 could be a valuable depth piece to have in the building while serving as the eventual successor behind Bradbury.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic listed Parker as the sixth-ranked center prospect in the class with a fourth-round projection.

“Parker will lose tug-of-war battles with long-levered defenders, but his athletic ability, competitive toughness and intelligence are traits needed for a long NFL career. He projects as a versatile guard/center backup and would have starting potential in the right situation,” Brugler wrote, via The Beast.

Duke C Brian Parker looks as advertised at Center pic.twitter.com/9biladxKXc

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 24, 2026

When talking previously about the center position the last two years, head coach Ben Johnson put a lot of weight in wanting a highly intelligent player with the athletic ability to lead block in the run game. Parker fits that bill.

Between Parker and Luke Newman, the Bears would have two young offensive linemen to develop with versatility to play multiple positions up-front. Having multiple players like that can really put your OL room in the ideal situation.