The Cincinnati Bengals believe they now have their future starting center on the roster in Connor Lew. Cincy drafted Lew in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had him as a top-25 player this time last year.
The Cincinnati Bengals believe they now have their future starting center on the roster in Connor Lew.
Cincinnati drafted Lew in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft
. The 21-year old was still available 18 picks after the Bengals traded down in the round
, which allowed them to also select wide receiver Colbie Young.
There was a time when Lew wasn’t expected to last 30 picks, let alone nearly 130, in the draft. Cincy has been praised for the selection in the weeks since the draft, but The Athletic’s Dan Brugler just gave even more reason to laud the pick.
Lew got off to a great start at Auburn, starting 18 games as a true freshman and sophomore for the program. He was named Freshman All-American and SEC All-Freshman despite starting just the last six games in 2023. He followed that up with a strong full season in 2024.
There was much excitement within the NFL about Lew entering 2025, per Brugler, and the prominent draft analyst had him as the No. 21 draft prospect before the season began.
With his athleticism, Lew drew plenty of early buzz from NFL teams last summer. However, he got off to a rocky start in 2025 and then suffered a torn ACL, which prevented him from getting back on track before the draft. Lew had a discount sticker on his draft tag, and the Bengals found excellent value in the fourth round.
Dan Brugler
The Athletic NFL Draft analyst
Lew suffered his torn ACL in the seventh game of his junior season. His chance of truly building off his underclassmen years was eliminated. That made him riskier to take in the first few rounds, and especially in the first 32 picks.
The risk softens dramatically when the final day of the draft arrives.
Day 3 picks are glorified dart throws. There’s an accepted risk level when it comes to the talent pool that’s usually available after the third round. A player who was considered one of the 25 best eligible for the upcoming draft less than a year ago, however, is a risk worth investing in.
Cincinnati’s evaluation of Lew is supported by how he was viewed only a year ago. One injury-filled season isn’t enough to wash that away entirely. Brugler’s intel is solid evidence to support the Bengals’ decision and outlook.
