Auburn Center Connor Lew Declares for NFL Draft Despite ACL Injury - and NFL Scouts Are Still Buzzing
Connor Lew isn’t waiting around.
Despite having another year of college eligibility and coming off a mid-season ACL tear, the Auburn center is heading to the 2026 NFL Draft - and NFL talent evaluators are still very much intrigued. The injury might have slowed him down temporarily, but it hasn’t cooled the buzz around his game. Right now, Lew is carrying a projected third-round grade, and considering the circumstances, that’s saying something.
Let’s be clear: Lew’s tape speaks for itself.
Even during a transitional stretch for Auburn under Hugh Freeze, Lew’s skill set jumped off the screen. He brings a rare mix of size, mobility, and technical polish that’s tailor-made for today’s NFL offensive lines.
At 6'3", 302 pounds, he’s not just a space-eater - he moves like a tight end in a center’s body. His ability to snap the ball and immediately explode into defenders is what makes him such a compelling prospect, even with the ACL rehab still ahead.
Before the injury, there was growing consensus that Lew was the top center prospect in the country. That’s not hyperbole - he was drawing Top 30 buzz from some draft analysts.
Clint Goss, a respected name in the scouting community, called Lew “technically sound, athletic as all get out,” and praised his mobility and physicality. “Lew can move and he is mean,” Goss wrote.
That’s music to the ears of NFL offensive line coaches.
So yes, the injury will factor into his draft evaluation - medicals always do. But in terms of raw ability and upside, Lew still profiles as a potential Day 2 steal. Centers with his blend of athleticism and aggression don’t come around often, and teams looking to solidify the interior of their offensive line are going to take a long look at him.
The bigger picture for Auburn? Lew’s departure is another significant shift as the program transitions to new leadership.
With Alex Golesh taking over as head coach, Auburn fans were hoping to see Lew anchor the offensive line for one more season. But when a player’s stock is high - even with an injury - the move to the pros makes sense.
It’s tough news for Auburn, especially with star wide receiver Cam Coleman also reportedly planning to enter the transfer portal. Golesh will have some roster holes to fill early in his tenure.
Still, there’s a silver lining for the program: Auburn is sending talent to the NFL. That’s a message Golesh can sell to recruits - come to Auburn, and you’ll get developed at a pro level.
As for Lew’s NFL outlook, expectations should be tempered in the short term. ACL recoveries have come a long way, but they still require time, patience, and the right rehab plan.
Whether he’s ready for training camp will depend on how smoothly his recovery progresses. Teams will be watching his medicals closely during the pre-draft process.
In the meantime, Lew projects as a rotational lineman in Year 1 - a player who can contribute in limited snaps while getting fully back up to speed. The real leap likely comes in Year 2, once he’s had time to adjust to NFL speed and fully regain his explosiveness. That’s a typical trajectory for many linemen, even those coming in healthy.
Bottom line: Connor Lew has the tools to be a long-term starter in the NFL. The injury might delay the start of that journey, but it doesn’t change the destination. He’s a player to watch - not just for what he’s done, but for what he still has to offer.