Cincinnati Bengals add CENTER OF THE FUTURE, Connor Lew, with 4th round draft pick | Live Reaction [3DEjaqh1dro]
Craig Sandlin and Andrew Collinsworth discuss the Bengals 4th round draft pick, Connor Lew. In a move aimed at bolstering their interior offensive line depth, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Auburn center Connor Lew in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Considered a highly technical and intelligent center, Lew brings extensive SEC experience to Cincinnati, having broken into the starting lineup as a true freshman and starting 25 games over his three-year career with the Tigers. This selection aligns with the Bengals’ strategy to fortify the trenches in front of Joe Burrow, ensuring long-term stability and contingency for their offensive line. ------------------------------------ Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.org ----------------------------------- Lew is widely viewed as a high-floor prospect who excels in pass protection and is considered a natural bender with strong hands. His scouting profile highlights him as a proficient center who operates with good positional leverage and impressive football IQ, making him adept at identifying blitzes and organizing the line pre-snap. While he is not regarded as a dominant run-blocker who moves piles, his technical proficiency, quick feet, and ability to handle interior pass-rushers make him an ideal candidate for a modern, pass-heavy offense. His 2026 draft stock was impacted slightly by a torn ACL suffered in October 2025, an injury that prohibited him from performing athletic testing at the combine. However, reports indicated he was expected to be fully cleared for training camp, mitigating concerns about his long-term health. Lew stated his recovery was going well and that he expected to be at 100% when entering the Bengals' facility. For the 2026 season, Lew is positioned to serve as a high-upside backup to starting center Ted Karras. This situation provides the Bengals with an immediate interior backup while allowing Lew to develop and adapt to the NFL pace, eventually aiming to fill the starting role in the coming years. Given that Karras has one year left on his contract at age 33, Lew’s drafting represents a calculated, proactive approach by the Bengals' front office to plan for the future of their offensive line. Lew’s background is notable, as he was previously named a top center prospect and displayed exceptional strength at the combine, posting 27 reps on the bench press. His ability to mirror rushers and his natural "swimming" ability in tough SEC matchups make him a promising pick at the 128th overall spot. His toughness and technical ability in hand-fighting should allow him to compete for playing time early in his career, acting as a reliable, durable option in the middle of the Bengals' line.