2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Connor Lew (OC – Auburn)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Auburn OC Connor Lew.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Connor Lew

Connor Lew (OC – Auburn)

6’3″ – 303 lbs.

Background

Three-star recruit who took over the starting center job early in Week 8 of the 2023 season as an injury replacement, totaling six starts on the year and allowing no sacks, no hits, and six hurries (0-0-6). Became the full-time starter the following year, with one sack and eight pressures allowed over twelve games. His 2025 season ended early, tearing his ACL while making his seventh start of the year; finished with two sacks and two pressures allowed.

Positives

Thickly-built center who comes with essentially two years’ worth of SEC starts under his belt, playing in an Auburn offense which was relatively balanced between gap and zone concepts. Plays the game with toughness and a nice work rate. Fires out of his stance low, with natural leverage and impressive power. Able to absorb power very well, with excellent functional strength. Short-area quickness is good, allowing him to execute different types of hooks, etc. Very effective on combo blocks. Has a wrestling background which shows up in his ability to generate torque, twisting defenders out of the hole. Reasonably rangy in a straight line, with the ability to climb or get out in space a bit in the screen game; has the power in his hands to easily shove second-level defenders out of the way. Shows good recognition skills and is rarely fooled by blitzes/games. Anchors very well to hold the point of attack against bull-rushers. Able to place his hands and reset accurately. Keeps his head on a swivel and can jolt defenders when helping teammates.

Negatives

Doesn’t have any in-game snaps at other positions, and physical profile/lack of ideal height and length might also be that of a pure pivot. Some balance issues crop up on tape due to his lack of ideal length; ability to sustain blocks is generally good, but a bit inconsistent because of his urgency to engage. Can be more of a repeated shover than someone who locks into the chest straps. Has some leaner tendencies/will occasionally lower his head into contact. Sometimes works himself out of position. Looks more comfortable in a phone booth and, although he’s not a slow center, movement skills are a bit linear. Torn ACL this past season will require further medical investigation.

Summary

The thickest of the major center prospects in the class, he combines impressive awareness, solid explosiveness out of his stance, good functional strength, and a tough temperament, traits which should allow him to generate movement in the run game and hold the point of attack against bull-rushers on passing downs. However, his lack of ideal length is noticeable at times, leading to issues with balance and when sustaining blocks. Appears headed for a second-day call as long as his knee checks out.

Projection: Round 3