With the 128th pick (4th round) in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select C Connor Lew.
The Bengals made this pick after trading back in the 4th, sending picks 110 and 199 to the Jets for picks 128 and 140.
Below is my pre-draft scouting report on Lew:
School: Auburn
Ht/Wt: 6’4”, 310 lbs
Strengths:
– Moves well.
– Has the slide quickness to handle twitched up rushers looking to cross face.
– Blocks well in space. Has the speed and agility to reach his mark.
– Can pull across the line and help seal up the edge.
– High IQ player, which you need in a C.
Weaknesses:
– Coming off a torn ACL.
– Frame is lean. Needs to add mass.
– Doesn’t play with much power.
– Stalemates more than he wins.
– Better blocker on the move than in a phone booth.
– Powerful hand strikes knock him back.
Summary:
Lew is an athletic player who combines this with a high IQ that allows him to bring solid, consistent play to the C position. He gets into space well in the run game, and has good enough slide quickness to mirror rush attempts. I wouldn’t say he gets pushed around, but he isn’t a powerful player. There are stale mates, and some instances where he concedes ground, even if not catastrophic. His frame looks like it can still add mass, so getting stronger is something he should be able to do. There are technical tweaks that can also be made, but in time, he projects as a solid, if unspectacular starter. Teams will be looking into the injury history, but assuming he is good to go, he could compete for a starting job right away, although growing pains are likely until he is able to better handle power.
| Grade: 77.0 | Round Grade: 3rd |
This is a great pick for the Bengals. The need was opened up once they released Matt Lee, who had previously been the backup behind Ted Karras. Lew is my top rated C in this class, and with a 3rd round grade, is good value where they got him. Especially after trading back.
Lew is coming off an ACL injury and will also need time to get stronger, but his IQ and athleticism are likable traits. Getting to sit behind Karras and put it all together slowly is an ideal situation for him.
