The 2026 NFL Draft is deep with talent in the trenches. The strength of this class is along the offensive and defensive lines. While these positions aren’t as flashy as skill positions, they’re essential to winning at the next level. Interior offensive line, in particular, boasts plenty of talent this year. Auburn center Connor Lew is a premier prospect at his position, as he performed well against SEC competition. Lew’s film is as impressive as any interior lineman in this class, but how does his game translate to the NFL? Is he the best center in this class?
2026 NFL Draft: Connor Lew Player Profile
Measurables
Height- 6-foot-3
Weight- 310 pounds
Background
Lew was a four-star recruit coming out of Kennesaw Mountain (Georgia) and the 20th-ranked interior offensive lineman in the Class of 2023. After initially committing to Miami, he flipped to Auburn. Lew took over as the Tigers’ starting center midway through 2023 after Avery Jones suffered an injury. He started the final six games of his true freshman season, allowing just six pressures and no sacks on 228 pass-blocking snaps.
The promise shown in 2023 was on full display in 2024, as Lew emerged as an elite center. He started all 12 games for Auburn, posting a 79.9 PFF pass-blocking grade. In 442 snaps in pass protection, he gave up just nine pressures and one sack as a sophomore. It appeared that Lew would continue his ascension in 2025. While he performed well through seven games, a torn ACL against Missouri ended his season early. Lew allowed four pressures and two sacks in 244 pass-blocking snaps in an injury-shortened junior year.
Strengths
Lew has a solid frame for an NFL center, measuring at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds. While he isn’t a physically overpowering presence, his play strength is good enough to translate to the next level. His burst off the line of scrimmage is impressive, putting himself in position to win early on reps. Lew has a strong anchor, and it shows up when he fights off bull rushes. He is refined in pass protection, displaying advanced hand placement. Overall, Lew is an exceptional pass blocker at the center position, allowing just three sacks over 914 career pass-blocking snaps. He is also solid as a run blocker, excelling at getting to the second level of the defense. He is versatile, having experience blocking in both zone and gap running schemes.
Weaknesses
While there’s a ton to like about Lew as a prospect, the aforementioned torn ACL causes concerns. It’s unclear how he will perform post-injury, and teams may be worried about his durability. Although Lew is an adequate run blocker, he isn’t dominant in that area. He can improve at finishing reps and physically overpowering defenders at the point of attack.
Overview
Centers usually don’t get selected super early in the NFL Draft, with Tyler Linderbaum being the last one picked in the first round four years ago. Lew’s draft stock took a hit after the injury, but he is still the best center available. He is elite in pass protection and versatile as a run blocker. If he can bounce back from his major injury, he can certainly develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Lew should be an early third-round pick at the minimum, but there’s a good chance he hears his name called in the second round. The Texans, Ravens, and Bears are ideal fits, with all needing to fill a void at center.
