Friday, January 16, 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect OC Connor Lew

Conner Lew:

Scouting Reports:





Articles:

Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Big Board: Top Targets for Every Round (Third round - Auburn C Connor Lew:  Lew brings intelligence, toughness and positional versatility – three traits the Lions covet. A multi-year SEC starter, Lew is equipped with the necessary football IQ and processing ability to eventually handle center responsibilities at the NFL level.  And with some proper development, he could grow into another option for Detroit at the integral position.) (4-23-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-2026-draft-big-board-top-targets-every-round

Where Ty Simpson gets drafted, teams who could shake up NFL Draft and more (9. Which prospect will be the biggest steal on Day 2? Edwards: IOL Connor Lew, Auburn. "The decision boiled down to either Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell or Lew. In addition to the injury, Bell still needs some development, but all the athletic traits are there. Lew was playing like a first-round player in the right scheme prior to his injury. He is on track to be available for training camp after suffering a torn ACL during his final season.") (4-21-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-roundtable-ty-simpson/

High-Upside Day 3 Offensive Linemen Steals in the NFL Draft (Connor Lew, C, Auburn:  Auburn center Connor Lew was considered a borderline top-50 prospect in early October. Weeks later, he suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury that promised to complicate his pre-draft process. Lew is still recovering, but showcased his strength by posting 31 reps on the bench press at the NFL Combine. The former Tigers standout is both athletic and powerful. He'll be a value selection for a team on Day 3.) (4-14-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/late-round-expert/high-upside-day-3-offensive-linemen-steals-in-the-nfl-draft

Overrated, underrated, overdrafted, underdrafted: Sorting 2026 NFL Draft prospects into the right buckets (Underdrafted - Connor Lew:  Lew quietly sank into the background of draft conversations, given that he suffered a torn ACL in October. When healthy, Lew was the odds-on favorite to be the first center drafted and a likely top-40 overall selection. There is a bit of Tyler Linderbaum to his game. He will likely not be available for the start of the season, and that will hurt his draft outlook.  A team willing to wait on him returning to full health could get a steal somewhere on Day 2, especially if they will ask him to use his movement skills and engage in space.) (4-10-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-overrated-underrated/

2026 NFL Draft offensive line rankings: Deep class has several 1st-round candidates to protect your QB (10. Connor Lew, Auburn:  Lew was a tough player for Auburn’s offense and he has a chance to be a high-floor interior starter on an NFL team that needs offensive line help. Lew unfortunately tore his ACL in October, but he did put up enough solid tape beforehand to possibly end up as a Day 2 pick in April. — CM) (4-2-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-offensive-line-rankings-deep-class-has-several-1st-round-candidates-to-protect-your-qb-181924091.html


Detroit Lions hold series of informal meetings with top centers (As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, reports this week have linked the Lions to a trio of centers. Per Crunch Time Sports, the Lions held informal meetings with Auburn center Connor Lew, Florida center Jake Slaughter and Indiana center Pat Coogan.) (3-1-26):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/02/28/detroit-lions-informal-meetings-nfl-combine/88928859007/

TWENTYMAN: Combine Day 4 observations (Learning to play center: Auburn center Connor Lew started his high school career as a tackle but was asked to switch to center.  "Halfway through my freshman season, they moved me to center," Lew said Saturday. "We were going into our bye week for high school, we already had a trip planned down to the beach. And my head coach was like 'hey, can you snap a football?' I was like well I've never tried, but it's a good timing, we're on bye, I'll go down to the beach. "So, I actually learned how to snap a football at the beach on the sand, so maybe there's something to that. My little brother was the quarterback, and my uncle was in front of me, which kind of simulated a game, you know, I'd snap first, make sure I got that and then start progressing the snap, stepping and then trying to block my uncle. It made it a lot more difficult on the sand, but I mean, that's one of my favorite stories to tell because that's where it all started.") (2-28-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-combine-day-4-observations-miller-proctor-freeling

Could one of draft's top center prospects be a fit for Lions? (Iowa's Logan Jones, Auburn's Connor Lew, Duke's Brian Parker II and Alabama's Parker Brailsford are other centers Detroit could consider in Day 3 of the draft.) (2-28-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/could-one-of-draft-s-top-center-prospects-be-a-fit-for-lions

Detroit Lions NFL Combine Preview: Prospects to Watch, Team Needs, and Draft Strategy (Connor Lew C Auburn: He’s most likely the best center in the class, a logical Frank Ragnow replacement.) (2-26-26):  https://collegefootballnetwork.com/nfl/detroit-lions-nfl-prospects-draft-strategy/

2026 NFL Combine preview: 10 IOL prospects the Lions should be scouting (Who’s the top center in this class? -   Connor Lew, C, Auburn (6-foot-3, 300):  Lew entered the 2025 season considered the top center in the class, but an October ACL injury has hurt his stock, and he will not be able to participate in drills at the Combine, which could further ding his stock.  Overall, Lew is a dependable all-around talent, but lacks elite skills. With 3 years of starting experience, he is familiar with gap and zone blocking concepts, and offers upside for a team patient enough to wait for him to recover.  As a pass protector, Lew works on time, with good technique and short-area quickness, staying active with feet and hands. He initiates contact with his punch, allowing him to gain control early, and while he flashes power, he needs more strength to anchor. He has quick recognition skills, and his hands allow him to recover when beaten.  In the run game, Lew is an athletic mover with average power, making him more of a block sustainer/shover than a center who can relocate defenders. He is an above-average combo blocker, and his wrestling background shows up when making transitions on the move. He’s solid on screens, but can get off his mark when working in space in other situations.) (2-21-26): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/156657/2026-nfl-combine-preview-10-iol-prospects-the-lions-should-be-scouting

2026 Combine preview: Interior offensive line (5. Connor Lew, Auburn, 6-3, 303:  Lew took over the starting center spot as a true freshman in 2023 and has held onto it ever since. He shows a high football IQ and good movement skills for the position.) (2-18-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-combine-preview-interior-offensive-line-ioane-bisontis-pregnon

2026 NFL Draft: Top 5 prospects at each offensive position (3. Connor Lew, Auburn:  What a fun interior offensive line class. The top true center on my board is Auburn's Connor Lew, who is one of the youngest players in the entire draft class. He was only 18 years old when he first broke into the Tigers' starting lineup and won't turn 21 until next August. While his play strength needs to improve, his technique is already top-notch.) (2-18-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2026-combine-offensive-rankings-top-5-by-position/

2026 NFL Draft: PFSN’s Consensus Top 10 Interior Offensive Linemen Include Olaivavega Ioane, Gennings Dunker (9. Connor Lew, Auburn:  Had Connor Lew not torn his ACL in the middle of the 2025 season, there’s a strong chance he’d be the consensus top center prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. He declared early for the draft despite the injury, and the fact that he’s still in the mix as the class’ top center says a lot about how good his tape was before he got hurt.  Lew isn’t the biggest or strongest interior lineman in this class, but he’s certainly one of the most consistent. He’s a flexible blocker with good knee bend, proper weight distribution, and a naturally low center of gravity. He lands his jabs with good accuracy and timing, shows good footwork and coordination while blocking on the move, and processes stunts and blitzes well in pass protection.) (1-9-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-draft-pfsn-consensus-top-interior-offensive-linemen/

2026 NFL draft: Every prospect with a first-round grade (The interior offensive line class doesn't feature a first-round grade, but there are strong contenders to be selected late in the first round anyway. Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane ranks as a top-40 player on my board and has the consistent run game and pass protection skills to be a starter in the NFL. The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder has already declared for the draft. Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon and Auburn center Connor Lew could push into that range, too.) (1-3-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47455728/2026-nfl-draft-board-prospects-first-round-grades-comps

Auburn Star Center Declares for 2026 NFL Draft (12-29-25):  https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-star-center-declares-2026-nfl-draft

Open Debate on Top Center Prospect (In the early going of the draft process, Auburn’s Connor Lew was the consensus top center prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Lew was playing well for the Tigers in the first half of the 2025 season, and multiple team sources said they had Lew projected with a starter grade. However, midway through the season, Lew tore his ACL, and that opened up the competition for the top center for the 2026 NFL Draft. In surveying many team sources, there was a variety of names as to who would be the top center prospect.  A few team sources felt Lew would still be the top center despite the ACL injury. A few said Florida’s Jake Slaughter could be the top center. One source said they thought Iowa’s Logan Jones could be the top center.) (12-27-25):  https://walterfootball.com/open-debate-on-top-center-prospect.php

2026 NFL Draft prospects: Top 10 players on offense (Interior offensive line - 5. Conner Lew, Auburn - Lew and Slaughter are both true centers. Lew understands leverage well, using it to maximize his undersized frame (6-foot-3, 303 pounds) with quickness off the line and good hand timing) (12-20-25):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/13/2026-nfl-draft-top-10-rankings-offense/87685462007/

2026 NFL draft: Updated offensive positional rankings (Interior offensive line - 2. C Connor Lew - Auburn) (12-12-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/12/2026-nfl-draft-updated-offensive-positional-rankings/87686023007/

Updated 2026 NFL Draft big board for the end of the CFB regular season (72. Connor Lew IOL Auburn) (12-2-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/02/2026-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-big-board-update/87554292007/

2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Interior offensive linemen (2. Connor Lew, Auburn Tigers - Big board rank: 33.  Lew has the chance to be a really good center prospect. His wide, low base in his pre-snap stance sets the stage for a fundamentally sound approach to blocking. It allows him to win the leverage battle consistently. He also has great posture in his posterior chain with a flat back, keeping his feet underneath him at all times for good balance with the ability to take and dish out power on any step. He is a bit light and can sometimes struggle against the best bull rushes, and he must also be more consistent with his stride timing and with readjusting his hands during reps. However, there is so much to like about how he plays the position as one of the youngest prospects in the class.) (12-1-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-interior-offensive-linemen-rankings

Offensive linemen we know the Lions have been scouting this season for the 2026 NFL Draft (Connor Lew, C, Auburn:  The Lions saw Auburn take on Missouri this year, and Lew is one of the big attractions at Auburn right now. The Lions could net him in the second round or the top of the third if they traded up.  Lew has these really strong legs and can just explode out of his set. This makes him a really good run blocker, and for the Lions, that means a lot.) (11-18-25):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/lions-offensive-line-2026-nfl-draft-kaydn-proctor-alabama-spencer-fano-utah-isaiah-world-oregon-austin-siereveld-ohio-state/

2026 NFL Draft – Stock Report (Down - Connor Lew, C, Auburn:  A number of team sources really like Lew and think he could be a good starting center in the NFL. Lew is tough at the point of attack and is a well-rounded blocker. He is strong in the ground game and athletic as a pass protector. Lew looked like he was headed to the second round, and possibly might sneak in late in the first, but Lew tore an ACL and is out for the season. That will also keep Lew from working out before the draft or taking part in the Senior Bowl. Lew could end up being a steal if he can stay healthy and return to his pre-injury form.) (11/11/25):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_11.php

2026 NFL Draft: Midseason OL prospect rankings (4. Connor Lew, C, Auburn:  Lew was on his way to being a shoe-in as the first center off the board next spring before tearing his ACL against Missouri, but he’s put enough on tape to be ranked highly. He’s quick and highly aware in protection, and has just enough strength to be effective in the run game. You’ll wish that his anchor is better against a heavy bull-rush, but Lew has what it takes to be an effective starting center.) (11-7-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/11/07/2026-nfl-draft-midseason-ol-prospect-rankings/87132337007/

Connor Lew NFL Draft Profile: Week 10 Scouting Report for the Auburn Offensive Lineman (11-1-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/connor-lew-nfl-draft-week-10-2025-2/

Connor Lew NFL Draft Profile: Week 9 Scouting Report for the Auburn Offensive Lineman (10-25-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/connor-lew-nfl-draft-week-9-2025/


8 college players the Detroit Lions scouted during Week 8 of the NCAA season, including a hidden gem (Connor Lew, C, Auburn:  Lions GM Brad Holmes did say ahead of the season that the Lions still plan to give Tate Ratledge looks at center, but maybe since he’s played so well at right guard, they’ll scrap that idea and get themselves the best center in this draft. In three seasons at starting center for Auburn, Lew has allowed a total of 18 pressures and three sacks. This guy is a baller.) (10-20-25):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/8-college-players-the-detroit-lions-scouted-ohio-state-usc-jayden-maiava-notre-dame-wisconsin-utah-spencer-fano-byu-missouri-auburn-connor-lew/

10 early prospects to know for the Lions for the 2026 NFL Draft (Connor Lew, C, Auburn:  Based on the current crop of mock drafts, Lew is the most common early projection to the Lions in the first round. It makes sense, as he's a natural center--a selection that would leave rookie Tate Ratledge at right guard long-term.  Lew is exceptionally crafty and physical in the pivot. His balance in pass protection and work in handling shaded interior rushers stand out. He's built quite similarly to recently retired Frank Ragnow, and is regarded for his high football IQ, too. I like the upside in working with Lions OL coach Hank Fraley, but Lew does need some technical refinement with his punch and second-level engagement. As a bonus, Lew won't turn 21 until just before his rookie season begins.) (10-4-25):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/10/04/detroit-lions-2026-nfl-draft-prospects-early-names-to-know/86467230007/

Stock up, stock down for top 25 NFL Draft prospects: Rueben Bain Jr. soaring, Arch Manning needs time (18. Auburn C Connor Lew - Stock: Down.  New range: Early Day 2.  Lew is still an underclassmen so he's in no hurry to declare, but my hopes that he would turn into a first-round center haven't quite materialized yet. I still love the way he plays the game, but he needs another year in the weight room before he's ready to handle NFL nose tackles consistently.) (9-30-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/stock-up-stock-down-for-top-25-nfl-draft-prospects-rueben-bain-jr-soaring-arch-manning-needs-time/

Auburn football center Connor Lew returns vs. Oklahoma after apparent lower body injury (9-20-25):  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2025/09/20/connor-lew-injury-auburn-football-oklahoma/86113686007/

2026 NFL Draft – Stock Report (Up - Connor Lew, C, Auburn:  Lew has blocked well to open the 2025 season. He is tough at the point of attack, smart, and well-rounded. Lew (6-3, 305) is effective in pass protection and as a run blocker. Lew looks like a potential long-term starter for the NFL. Some sources have compared Lew to Creed Humphrey, and think he could be a potential second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.) (9-16-25):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_03.php

Five 2026 NFL Draft Prospects That Have Opened My Eyes Thus Far (Center Connor Lew, EDGE rusher Keldric Faulk, running back Damari Alston, and safety Champ Anthony were voted as captains to represent this year's Auburn Tigers. All four players have shown great leadership both on and off the field and were rewarded by being the top-four vote-getters by their teammates.) (9-12-25):  https://www.draftcountdown.com/2026-nfl-draft/five-2026-nfl-draft-prospects-that-have-opened-my-eyes-thus-far/

Insider notes on Auburn: Draft grades for top prospects ft. Eric Singleton Jr., Keldrick Faulk, and more (Connor Lew is highly thought of in scouting circles, as he’s a mobile blocker on the pivot who is very effective in motion. Lew has average size and playing strength, but fits a zone-blocking scheme.) (9-4-25):  https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-insider-notes-auburn-draft-grades-top-prospects-ft-eric-singleton-jr-keldrick-faulk

2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Interior Offensive Line Overview (Zone Centers - Connor Lew, Auburn - Strengths:  Wide, low base makes him visually tough to get around.  Very consistent with low pad level and leverage advantages.  Quick inside hands.  Long, strong kick slides to mirror cross-face moves and pick up loopers.  Good core strength and balance; he rarely doesn't have his feet/power under him.  Excellent understanding of angles.  Back posture is flawless.  Weaknesses:  Punch timing and overall power are inconsistent.  Can get overwhelmed by top-tier power.  Scouting Summary:  Lew has the chance to be a really good center prospect. His wide, low base in his pre-snap stance sets the stage for a fundamentally sound approach to blocking. It allows him to consistently win the leverage battle. He also has great posture in his posterior chain with a flat back, keeping his feet underneath him at all times for good balance with the ability to take and dish out power on any step. He is a bit light and can sometimes struggle against the best bull rushes, and he also must be more consistent with his stride timing and readjusting his hands during reps. However, there is so much to like about how he plays the position as one of the youngest prospects in the class.) (9-3-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-summer-scouting-interior-offensive-line-overview-2025

Unveiling the 2026 NFL Draft All-Prospect team (First team Center - Connor Lew:  Connor Lew is a personal favorite in this draft class. He is perhaps on the lighter side, but does not sacrifice physicality. He allowed one sack for an Auburn offense that struggled to find its identity in 2024. There are similarities to Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum.) (8-29-25):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-all-prospect-team-nfl-stars-of-tomorrow-take-the-field-as-college-football-season-kicks-off/

Auburn Football elects captains for 2025 season (Center Connor Lew, EDGE rusher Keldric Faulk, running back Damari Alston, and safety Champ Anthony were voted as captains to represent this year's Auburn Tigers. All four players have shown great leadership both on and off the field and were rewarded by being the top-four vote-getters by their teammates.) (8-28-25):  https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/auburn/football/2025/08/28/auburn-football-2025-team-captains-announced-keldric-faulk/85858827007/

Renner's NFL Draft position rankings: Top 10 IOL (Connor Lew - Player type: Scheme diverse center.  Room for improvement: Exposing shoulder pads.  Early grade: Early Day 2.  Some players just look like the game comes easier to them than others. That perfectly describes Connor Lew. Only two years into his college career, Lew already plays with the poise and control of an NFL vet. Even just a shade over 300 pounds, Lew's play strength never felt like an issue, and it will likely continue to get better until he declares. His tape reminds me a little of early career Frank Ragnow where his steadiness against SEC competition was such that you knew it would work out in the league.) (8-12-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/renners-nfl-draft-summer-position-rankings-best-interior-ol-for-2026-including-the-next-tyler-linderbaum/

Auburn Tigers Boast The Athletic's No. 1 NFL Draft Prospect on Interior O-Line (8-3-25):  https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-tigers-boast-the-athletic-no1-nfl-draft-prospect-interior-oline-connor-lew

Auburn Football's Rebirth Starts with Connor Lew, Revamped Offensive Line (7-27-25):  https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-football-rebirth-connor-lew-revamped-offensive-line


Auburn Has Multiple Names on ESPN's Top NFL Draft Prospect List (Next up is a big man in the trenches, Connor Lew. He came in ranked number one on Jordan Reid's lists of center prospects. Lew only allowed one sack during his freshman campaign on 442 pass block snaps. This also included zero, yes, zero quarterback hits allowed according to PFF.com. Lew could be easily overlooked due to the total number of sacks given up by the Auburn offensive line, that number being 27. But that is also why head coach Hugh Freeze and company brought in the cavalry from the transfer portal.) (6-20-25):  https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-multiple-names-espn-top-nfl-draft-prospect-list-01jy7a1ypskh



Can Connor Lew be the leader Auburn football’s offensive line is missing? (5-20-25):  https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/05/can-connor-lew-be-the-leader-auburn-footballs-offensive-line-is-missing.html

PFF ranks four Auburn players top 10 at their positions (CONNOR LEW, No. 5 interior offensive lineman - "Lew was named to PFF's 2023 All-Freshman team after performing admirably at center for the Tigers, and he followed it up with an even better sophomore campaign," wrote Chadwick. "His 76.4 PFF overall grade ranked fifth among Power Four centers, and he was one of only six who earned top-20 grades as both a pass blocker and a run blocker. Lew surrendered a sack or hit on 0.2% of his pass-blocking snaps, tying for the eighth-best rate among Power Four centers.") (5-12-25):  https://247sports.com/college/auburn/article/auburn-football-roster-2025-keldric-faulk-cam-coleman-eric-singleton-249857118/

Who are the top returning offensive players for Auburn football in 2025? (Connor Lew, OL:  Auburn returns all five of its starting offensive linemen from last season, creating continuity in addition to the two experienced offensive line transfers it signed.  Lew is one of the leaders of that group, starting all 12 games at center last season. Pro Football Focus recently named Lew the fifth-best interior offensive lineman in the country.  Lew had the highest pass blocking grade among Auburn offensive linemen last season (79.9), according to PFF, and the highest run blocking grade among Auburn’s starters (73.4).) (3-6-25):  https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/03/who-are-the-top-returning-offensive-players-for-auburn-football-in-2025.html

College Football: Top 10 returning interior offensive linemen entering the 2025 season (5. Connor Lew, Auburn:  Lew was named to PFF’s 2023 All-Freshman team after performing admirably at center for the Tigers, and he followed it up with an even better sophomore campaign.  His 76.4 PFF overall grade ranked fifth among Power Four centers, and he was one of only six who earned top-20 grades as both a pass blocker and a run blocker. Lew surrendered a sack or hit on 0.2% of his pass-blocking snaps, tying for the eighth-best rate among Power Four centers.) (2-26-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-returning-interior-offensive-linemen-2025
Posted by LionsFan at 6:21 PM

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