Round 4 (128): Connor Lew, C, Auburn

[HoosierCat]

One more day.

[ArmyBengal]

Can I get a trade up for Pregnon here?

[Prophecy]

Yes please. Surprised to see Pregnon fall this far.

[ArmyBengal]

Never mind

[ArmyBengal]

Ok so I’m now of the line of thought that there really isn’t much left for o-line depth. Maybe one of the center prospects?

Free agents still there?
Would 34 year old Joel Bitonio be content backing up the OG position? Kick the busted tires of Mekhi Becton at OG?  

I have no idea what rabbit they are going to pull out of their ass in the 4th, but im experiencing early onset irritation.

[Stripes]

Swing tackle if you can. Otherwise, do whatever you want at this point.

[HoosierCat]

Kiper’s top 10 remaining:

1. Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (29)
2. Kyle Louis, S/LB, Pittsburgh (53)
3. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State (65)
4. Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas (67)
5. Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas (71)
6. Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State (74)
7. Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State (77)
8. Connor Lew, C, Auburn (78)
9. Keionte Scott, CB, Miami (80)
10. Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky (81)

I like most of these guys so of course they won’t take any of them…

[HoosierCat]

More extensive rundown of best available from Sheeran.

https://atozsports.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-news/best-players-available-day-3-2026-nfl-draft/

[ArmyBengal]

The guys I like on that list are at positions we have already addressed. How many times have I and others on this board talk about the depth at the CB spot?

Now they either are looking at doubling up at a position or looking at a developmental prospect. They suck at developing players but I’d rather go that route at this point.

Give me Jalen Farmer, OG, Kentucky

That should just about ensure we won’t be taking him. Preparing for the #20 ranked TE that’s incoming despite the players listed.

[HoosierCat]

Yeah, no TE please. There are good oline picks still available. Farmer, Hecht, Parker, any of those guys would be good.

[HoosierCat]

McCoy finally goes to Vegas.

[ArmyBengal]

Now a trade down?

ok…not mad

[HoosierCat]

Aaaand now they trade back? Whatever.

Gave: 110, 199

Got: 128, 140

[ArmyBengal]

Not mad but certainly a whatever moment.

Always need more non impact players we won’t develop.

[Stripes]

Didn’t gain a pick out of it. Whatever indeed.

[ArmyBengal]

Not even sure why I’m tuning in at this point. Nothing like coming back year after year to get let down. Their approach is the most confusing shit ever. Haphazard, drunken throw of a dart after being spun in circles for 30 minutes.

[ArmyBengal]

Doing myself a favor and checking out.

There are weeds to be pulled.

[HoosierCat]

I’m in and out with yard crap too.

[Stripes]

A few LBers gone lately. Don't even draft for need this late unless it's exactly swing tackle.

[Stripes]

There are a couple decent centers available too, so that'd be fine.

[HoosierCat]

Of the centers Lew wasn’t my first choice but most people liked him and I’m just some yapper on the innertubes.

Good pick.

[Stripes]

Cool.

He needs to be better than Matt Lee for the process to make any sense, but from where we stand right now it's fine.

[Prophecy]

Would have been good with Sam Hecht, but I'll take Lew.

[Stripes]

I hope they don't just hand him the keys by default when Karras' contract expires. If Teddy has a good season, extend/resign him. Groom the new guy as long as necessary.

[HoosierCat]

Just now, Stripes said:

Cool.

He needs to be better than Matt Lee for the process to make any sense, but from where we stand right now it's fine.

Lee hurt his knee last year and word is that it didn’t come back, so that’s why they split. Tough break for the kid.

Z on Lew:

Lew is a team captain recovering from an ACL injury suffered in October 2025. He’s a natural bender with better foot quickness and athleticism than he shows in the Auburn run scheme. He has strong hands and a strong core to neutralize. He can bump and climb with good fluidity. He’s average as a drive blocker and needs to play with better consistency to mirror the rush without over-setting. His frame and game will continue to improve with time. Lew’s toughness, intelligence and leadership give him a slight grade bump and are core traits that should make him a solid starter.

Strengths

Should continue filling out his frame.

Good snap/reach and snap/step quickness.

Strong hands and core to neutralize/seal at the point.

Athletic but patient when climbing up to linebackers.

Plays with desired physicality and finish as a run blocker.

Identifies rush front and sets protections.

Consistent in re-leveraging his hands when needed.

Wrestling background shows up with hip roll to anchor.

Weaknesses

Early draft entry and 2025 ACL injury limited his career snap count.

Lacks leg drive to uproot and turn an odd-front nose tackle.

Average footwork to hit landmarks in wide zone.

Needs to play with lighter feet in pass protection.

Edges become leaky against rush quickness.

Oversets open pathways for inside counters.