Connor Lew’s injury history caused his draft slide, but what a steal for the Bengals

AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 18: Connor Lew #75 of the Auburn Tigers runs on the field during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 18, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Bengals just got the best center in the draft in the fourth round. What a steal.

Connor Lew missed a chunk of the 2025 season with a torn ACL, and had MCL issues prior to that. But he claims that his recovery is ahead of schedule, and the leadership qualities and skill he brings to the table make him a steal on Day 3. Stats & Accolades 2023: (11 games played, 6 starts), SEC All-Freshman Team 2024: (12 games played, 12 starts) 2025: (7 games played, 7 starts), season-ending injury What the Bengals are getting: Prior to the 2025 season, Lew was widely viewed as the top center prospect at that point for the 2026 NFL Draft.

He earned a starting job halfway through his true freshman season and never relinquished it. Scouts rave about his leadership and smarts for the position, something he needed to exhibit as a leader of the team in his first season on campus. Lew has the ideal combination of athleticism and strength for the position and should be viewed as a scheme-independent player.

Strengths Started as a true freshman in the SEC, speaking to his physical and mental preparation early on Consistently receives bumps by scouts with his A+ leadership and intangibles Finishes his blocks and exhibits ideal temperament in a leader up front Wrestling background Weakness Season-ending ACL injury took all but seven games from him in 2025 Athletic Testing/Measurables Height: 6’3. 5” Weight: 310 pounds 40-yard dash: N/A 10-yard split: N/A Vertical jump: N/A Broad jump: N/A 3-cone drill: N/A Short shuttle: N/A Bench Press: 31 reps