2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Auburn Center Connor Lew

Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew has steadily emerged as one of the more intriguing trench prospects in the SEC, building his reputation on versatility, toughness, and consistent execution. As Auburn continues to reestablish a physical identity up front, Lew has become a key piece of the Tigers’ offensive line, earning trust through reliability and positional flexibility. Entering the 2026 NFL Draft cycle, he projects as a developmental offensive lineman with starter upside and clear value in multiple blocking schemes.

Lew’s collegiate career has been defined by adaptability. He has logged snaps at multiple interior positions, showcasing the ability to handle center and guard responsibilities depending on team need. That versatility has been critical for an Auburn offense navigating injuries and personnel changes along the line, and it has also elevated Lew’s profile among NFL evaluators who prioritize flexibility in offensive line rooms.

Physically, Lew brings an NFL-ready build for the interior. He plays with a thick lower half, good functional strength, and strong hand placement, allowing him to anchor effectively against power rushers. In pass protection, he shows patience and balance, setting a firm base and absorbing contact without losing leverage. He does a good job recognizing interior pressure, passing off stunts, and keeping the pocket clean, all traits that often separate trusted interior linemen from rotational options.

In the run game, Lew thrives in physical concepts. He generates movement at the point of attack with leverage and leg drive, consistently working to displace defenders and create interior running lanes. Auburn has relied on him in gap and inside zone schemes, where his understanding of angles and timing allows him to execute combo blocks and climb to the second level efficiently. While he may not be an elite athlete in space, his effort and technique enable him to remain effective when asked to move laterally.

One of Lew’s strongest traits is his football intelligence. He communicates well pre-snap, identifies blitz looks, and adjusts protections accordingly. Coaches trust him to make line calls and handle complex assignments, responsibilities that translate directly to the professional level. That mental processing, combined with his physical toughness, gives him a strong foundation as an NFL projection.

Lew’s trajectory suggests a player still ascending. With continued refinement in foot quickness and overall consistency, he has the potential to push himself into a higher draft tier. His experience in the SEC, facing elite defensive fronts week after week, provides valuable context for his evaluation.

Strengths

Positional Versatility

Experience at guard and center increases roster value and scheme fit.

Pass Protection Anchor

Strong base and hand placement allow him to absorb interior power rushes.

Run-Game Physicality

Plays with leverage and effort, creating movement in interior run concepts.

Football IQ

Trusted communicator who handles stunts, blitzes, and protection adjustments.

SEC Experience

Battle-tested against top-tier defensive competition.

Weaknesses

Top-End Athleticism

Lacks elite lateral quickness compared to top interior prospects.

Range in Space

More effective in confined areas than when asked to block in space.

Pad Level Consistency

Can occasionally rise too high, reducing leverage.

Ceiling vs. Floor

Projects as a high-floor player, though upside depends on athletic refinement.

Conclusion

Connor Lew projects as a high-floor interior offensive line prospect whose value lies in versatility, intelligence, and physical consistency. His ability to handle multiple positions and execute reliably in both the run and pass game makes him an appealing option for NFL teams seeking depth with starter potential.

Draft Nation currently views Lew as late Day 2 or early Day 3 prospect, depending on pre-draft testing and continued development. In the right system, Lew has the tools to become a dependable NFL starter, particularly as a guard or center who brings toughness, awareness, and stability to an offensive front.