Connor Lew

OC·Auburn
Junior·6'3"·302 lbs

Consensus

Derived from 2 independent scout reports + combine measurables.

81.5
Composite Score
Pick 45-60
Projected Pick
80.0
Film
+0.0
Combine
+1.5
Age

Scout Reports

Scout 1Primary Analysis82 / 100

Connor Lew — Scouting Report

Position: OC | School: Auburn | Class: Junior (2026 Draft Eligible)

Report Date: February 2026 | Source: DynastySignal Film Room



The Short Version


Connor Lew is a technically sound, scheme-versatile interior lineman who has made his mark at Auburn playing center in one of the most demanding conference environments in college football. He's the archetype of an intelligent, functionally athletic center — not a physical freak, but a guy who consistently wins through anticipation, combination-block execution, and the ability to reach linebackers that most 300-pounders can't get to. The case for him is legitimate: he ranked #1 and #2 on two separate 2026 IOL big boards, and the film against Alabama, Texas A&M, and other elite SEC fronts backs up that consensus. The case against him is mostly measurables — 6'3"/300 is lean for a center at the next level, and his 23-game sample as a junior means you're projecting some developmental upside into your grade.



Measurables & Background


| Attribute | Value |

|-----------|-------|

| Position | Center (OC) |

| School | Auburn (SEC) |

| Class | Junior |

| Height | 6'3" |

| Weight | 300 lbs |

| Jersey # | 75 |

| Games Played | 23 |

| Draft Year | 2026 |

| Conference | SEC |


Height/weight confirmed via A to Z Sports Film Room graphic (film_2_002 through film_2_014). Age not available in available film sources.



Film Sources Reviewed


| Source | Frames | Key Content |

|--------|--------|-------------|

| NFL Film Room — Connor Lew College Football Highlights \| Auburn Center \| NFL Draft Film (4:39) | 18 frames (film_001–film_018) | Game action vs. California, Texas A&M, Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri; broadcast angles; both run and pass scenarios |

| JWAC Gridiron — "Connor Lew Is An INTELLIGENT CENTER!" \| 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Spotlight! (8:13) | 18 frames (highlights_001–highlights_018) | Closer film angles; zoomed-in technique evaluation; athleticism in space; second-level blocking; overtime and high-leverage reps vs. A&M and Missouri |

| A to Z Sports Film Room — Auburn Center Connor Lew Scouting Report \| 2026 NFL Draft (2:41) | 19 frames (film_2_001–film_2_019) | Measurables graphic (6'3", 300, Junior, 23 games); 2026 NFL Draft IOL rankings (ranked #1 Ryan Roberts, #2 Joe DeLone among all IOL prospects) |



What The Film Shows


1. Pass Protection — **Grade: B+**


Multiple frames across the film package show Lew's interior pass protection holding up against SEC-caliber defenders. In film_007 (pass protection vs. a red-jersey opponent, likely Arkansas), Lew is in a clean, wide-base stance with hands placed on the defender's chest/shoulder, mirroring the rush angle effectively. His pad level is appropriate — not too high — and he's anchored without being pushed off his spot. In highlights_004, the pocket is clean up the middle against Missouri's defensive front, with the quarterback standing tall and stepping into a throw; this is the signature of an interior lineman doing his job without fanfare. The 3rd & 19 rep against California (highlights_006; Cal 14, Auburn 7) is a difficult situation — obvious passing down, defenders teeing off — and Lew appears to handle the interior cleanly. Against Alabama (film_011; Iron Bowl, 3rd quarter), he shows pass-set composure against a front that routinely produces first-round picks. The one caveat on this grade: at 300 lbs, he could be susceptible to elite bull-rushers at the NFL level who outweigh him by 30+ lbs. He wins more with technique and anticipation than raw anchor power.


2. Run Blocking — **Grade: A-**


This is Lew's calling card. The run blocking tape is genuinely impressive across multiple games and schemes. In film_004 (vs. Texas A&M, 2nd & 7, 1st quarter), Auburn's interior generates a clean surge, with Lew and the adjacent guard working in tandem — textbook combination block execution. Film_005 (vs. Texas A&M, 1st & 10, 1st quarter, Auburn leading 14-0) shows the offense operating effectively in a zone-run structure, with Lew directing traffic at the point of attack. Film_008 (vs. Texas A&M, 2nd quarter, 2nd & 2 overtime — the highest-pressure moment on the tape) shows him in a short-yardage pile-driving situation with defenders loaded up; Auburn needs this conversion, and the line generates push. Highlights_008 (run vs. Texas A&M, 2nd quarter, 1st & 10) shows excellent forward movement with #77 (adjacent lineman) working in concert — the running back is into the hole quickly, which speaks to the line's timing. His zone-run acumen is advanced for a junior — he understands when to release off a combo block and when to stay engaged, which is a cognitive skill more than a physical one.


3. Technique & Footwork — **Grade: B+**


Lew's pre-snap alignment and stance are consistently sound across all film sources. Film_013 (Auburn vs. Oklahoma, pre-snap aerial view) shows him set with a balanced base, hand on ball, and clearly engaged in surveying the defensive front — this is a guy making pre-snap calls, not just sitting on the ball. Highlights_001 (pre-snap vs. Cal, 3rd & 2, circled in red by the analyst) further emphasizes this — on a critical short-yardage down, the film creator chose this rep to highlight his pre-snap process. His hand placement, as observed in the zoomed pass-pro frame (highlights_007), is technically correct — thumbs-up, punching at the pectoral/shoulder region. Footwork in space is clean: highlights_002 and highlights_003 show him getting to the second level fluidly without false steps. The one technical note to monitor: his 300-lb frame means he doesn't have a lot of mass to absorb high-powered bull rushes; his technique has to be fundamentally sound on every snap or he can get caved, which is a concern you'll need to test at the combine.


4. Athleticism — **Grade: B+**


This is where Lew genuinely separates himself from typical center prospects. Highlights_003 is the standout frame of the entire package — Lew is visible well past the line of scrimmage, in open field, tracking a defender and in position to block 15-20 yards downfield. For a center to be that far from the line of scrimmage with that kind of urgency and spatial awareness is unusual. Film_017 (Missouri, open-field blocking frame) and highlights_002 (pulling/climbing to second level vs. Missouri) further confirm this — he has genuine movement skills, not just adequate footwork for the position. Film_004 and highlights_004 show him in pursuit situations in space, which is another athleticism indicator. He won't wow anyone with 40-yard dash times, but his functional movement, change of direction, and range as a blocker in the second and third levels of the defense are well above center-average. This athleticism profile fits modern zone-run systems at the NFL level.


5. Versatility — **Grade: B**


The A to Z Film Room graphic (film_2_002) notably lists Lew's college position as "Guard," while the JWAC video titles him as a center. This discrepancy is actually a selling point: Lew has lined up at multiple interior positions, giving NFL teams flexibility in how they deploy him. Whether he's taken snaps from center or played at guard in specific packages is unclear from the available film, but the cross-training experience speaks to his football IQ and physical tools that allow him to play multiple spots on the interior. Pre-snap, he exhibits the cognitive sophistication of a center — surveying fronts, making calls — which is the harder position to play. In the NFL, interior linemen who can play both center and guard command premium value as either starters or high-end backup pieces.



Strengths Summary


  • Elite second-level athleticism: The open-field blocking rep (highlights_003) at 15-20 yards downfield is legitimately rare for a center. He has the movement quality to execute zone schemes and screen plays where he needs to get into space — film_017, highlights_002, highlights_003 all confirm this is a repeatable skill, not a fluke.

  • Pre-snap intelligence: Multiple pre-snap frames (film_013, highlights_001, highlights_005) show Lew clearly engaged in reading the defense and making calls. His "intelligent center" label from JWAC Gridiron is earned — this is a guy who understands what's coming before the ball is snapped.

  • Combination block execution: film_004, film_007, highlights_008 — his ability to work with adjacent guards in zone combo blocks before releasing to linebackers is advanced. The timing is right, the hand-off from combo block to individual assignment is clean.

  • High-leverage performance vs. elite competition: The overtime rep (film_008, highlights_009) vs. #15 Texas A&M — a must-convert 2nd & 2 situation — shows a player who doesn't shrink in big moments. The Alabama iron bowl tape (film_009, film_010, film_011) also shows competitiveness, even in a deficit game.

  • Positionless interior value: Listed as "Guard" by at least one film analyst, playing as center, comfortable at multiple interior spots — that versatility has real NFL value for both starting projections and roster construction.

  • Top consensus IOL ranking: Ryan Roberts (A to Z) lists him #1 among all 2026 IOL prospects; Joe DeLone lists him #2 (film_2_015 through film_2_019). At-large consensus supports the film grade here.


    • Concerns & Risks


  • Weight/frame: At 6'3"/300, he is on the light end for an NFL center. A 350-lb nose tackle trying to bull-rush him in a base 3-4 or 4-3 scheme will stress his anchor more than most SEC defenders could. The technique has to be elite every single snap; he can't afford to play high or get caught in bad leverage.

  • Junior class with limited sample: 23 games as a starter-level contributor is not a huge body of work. You're buying into the trajectory here — the ceiling is clear, but the floor is less certain than it would be with a senior who's made all the mistakes and learned from them.

  • Auburn's overall team performance: Auburn was 4-6 in conference during this film's primary sample year (5-6 overall). Playing for a struggling team means Lew has faced more negative-game-script situations (falling behind, needing to pass protect more) than ideal, but it also potentially obscures some of his run-blocking effectiveness because Auburn was playing from behind.

  • A to Z "Guard" discrepancy: If he's entering the draft projected at center but NFL teams have concerns about his center experience, there could be a position squeeze at guard where he's undersized relative to pure guard prospects. This needs clarification through combine interviews and pre-draft process.

  • NFL-level interior pass rushers: He hasn't faced the equivalent of a healthy DT room from a top-10 NFL defense. Technique-driven players at 300 lbs can look dominant in college and have real adjustment periods in the pros. Combine athleticism testing matters here.


    • NFL Comp


    1. Frank Ragnow (Detroit Lions) — Lew's combination of football intelligence, zone-run athleticism, and the ability to make pre-snap calls above his draft class mirrors what Ragnow showed coming out of Arkansas. Both are cerebral, technically advanced centers rather than pure power players. Ragnow was also noted for elite second-level blocking ability. Lew is lighter than Ragnow at entry, but the processing and movement quality is in the same tier.


    2. Connor McGovern (early career) — McGovern profile as a mid-round interior lineman who was versatile enough to play center and guard, had functional athleticism in zone schemes, and earned starting roles through technique rather than brute force maps reasonably well to Lew's floor. If the weight doesn't add cleanly or NFL DTs stress his anchor, McGovern's career trajectory (solid starter, not perennial Pro Bowler) is a reasonable floor.


    The ceiling comp is Ragnow. The floor is a high-end starter who never makes a Pro Bowl but anchors a winning offensive line for a decade.



    Bottom Line


    Connor Lew is the most interesting interior lineman prospect in the 2026 draft class specifically because he combines cognitive sophistication with movement quality that most centers at this level simply don't have. The open-field athleticism is real, the pre-snap intelligence is evident even through broadcast angles, and his SEC competition résumé includes legitimate proving grounds against Alabama, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. The question marks are modest — weight, sample size — but they're not dealbreakers. He's a legitimate early-to-mid Day 2 target.



    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 82/100

    Projected Pick: R2, Pick 45-60



    Film Score: 82 / 100

    Scout 2Independent Analysis78 / 100

    Scout 2 Report: Connor Lew | OC | Auburn


    The Short Version

    Overhyped \"intelligent\" center with solid SEC tape but glaring athletic limitations—short, stiff mover who'll get bull-rushed off the board early. Day 2 starter at best, fade the #1 IOL hype.


    Measurables & Background

    | Trait | Detail |

    |----------------|---------------------|

    | Height | 6'3\" (film_2_002) |

    | Weight | 300 lbs (film_2_002)|

    | Arm Length | ? (no data) |

    | Age | 21 (Junior) |

    | Class | Junior |

    | Games Started | 23 (film_2_003) |

    | Background | SEC veteran vs elite fronts (Texas A&M, Alabama, LSU); versatile IOL (C/G per film_2_); #1 IOL per A-Z rankings but undersized technician over athlete. |


    Film Sources

    | Source | Length | Frames | Prefix |

    |---------------------------------|--------|--------|-------------|

    | NFL Film Room Highlights | 4:39 | 37 | film_ |

    | JWAC Gridiron Spotlight | 8:13 | 18 | highlights_|

    | A to Z Sports Scouting Report | 2:41 | 19 | film_2_ |


    Film Analysis

    Key OC Traits Graded (X/10 + Letter):

  • Awareness/Intelligence: 9/10 (A-) - Elite pre-snap reads, adjusts protections (film_001 vs Cal, film_013 vs Texas A&M—spots twist, communicates).
  • Pass Blocking: 7/10 (B) - Functional mirror but narrow base invites speed (film_010 vs Arizona—holds initial but slides late; film_2_016 vs Wake—secure vs straight bull).
  • Run Blocking: 8/10 (A-) - Violent drive/ combo climber (film_006 vs Texas A&M—latches DT #95, pancakes; highlights_008—2nd level LB).
  • Anchor/Strength: 6/10 (B-) - Gives ground vs power DTs (film_014 OT vs Texas A&M—pushed back 2 gaps; film_017 vs Alabama).
  • Lateral Quickness/Movement: 6/10 (B-) - Stiff hips, average slide (highlights_005 vs Missouri—late on edge loop).
  • Technique/Footwork: 8/10 (B+) - Low pad level, punch timing (film_003 vs LSU—hand strike wins leverage; film_2_007 vs Missouri).

    • Overall Grade: B (78/100) - Smart but scheme-dependent; thrives gap/zone but exposed vs athletic 3-techs.


    Strengths

  • Pre/post-snap football IQ shines—spots stunts, picks up chips (film_001 Cal 3rd&7, film_012 vs Alabama).
  • Functional power in run game, seals inside gaps (film_006 Texas A&M 1st&10—drives NT 3 yds; highlights_003).
  • Clean snaps, no fumbles visible; violent hands latch consistently (film_2_012 vs USF).
  • SEC battle-tested vs future pros (LSU, Bama DTs held own film_004/015).

    • Concerns

  • Undersized frame (6'3\"/300)—high pad level loses leverage vs length (film_011 vs Texas A&M, pushed upright).
  • Poor recovery athleticism—beaten inside loses contain (film_017 Alabama 1st&10, highlights_017).
  • Labeled \"Guard\" in film_2_—true C or backup only? Marginal 2nd-level mobility (highlights_011).
  • Against power rushes, anchor folds (film_014 OT Texas A&M—gapped immediately).

    • Dynasty Outlook

    Y1: Rotational IOL (backup C/G). Y2: Everyday starter in finesse zone scheme (e.g., LAR/SEA type). Y3: Reliable 3-tech handler but ceiling as avg starter; trade value peaks Y2 if develops anchor.


    NFL Comp

  • Floor: Drew Dalman (ATL)—smart, scheme-versatile avg starter.
  • Ceiling: Ryan Kelly (IND)—technique wins early, solid 5-yr career.

    • Bottom Line

    Good-not-great SEC product; intelligence carries him to Day 2 but athletic/profile caps at RB2 value long-term—pass if reaching top-40.


    SCOUT SCORE

    Score: 78/100

    Projected Pick: R2, Pick 45-55


    Film Score: 78 / 100

    College Stats

    2025–26 season

    College stats are not tracked for OC prospects.

    Measurables

    ● = confirmed at the Combine. Pre-combine estimates shown where unconfirmed.

    Height6'3"CONFIRMED
    Weight302 lbsCONFIRMED
    40-Yard Dash—NOT CONFIRMED
    Vertical Jump—NOT CONFIRMED
    Broad Jump—NOT CONFIRMED
    Bench Press—NOT CONFIRMED
    3-Cone Drill—NOT CONFIRMED
    Shuttle Run—NOT CONFIRMED
    Arm Length32.38"CONFIRMED
    Hand Size9.00"CONFIRMED