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

[ArmyBengal]

Sounds about right…

Pre-Draft Analysis

Lew is recovering from an ACL injury last October. He is not a dominant people-mover in the run game, though he can position himself to wall off defenders and create running lanes. Lew tends to play too high and has a habit of stopping his feet on contact, limiting his ability to sustain blocks. He also allows defenders into his chest due to inconsistent hand placement, and he lacks the lateral quickness needed to recover and redirect when beaten. -- Scouts Inc.

[volcom69]

Some say he was the best center who knows time will tell, he is young and I’ll be excited to see him this preseason hopefully 

[ArmyBengal]

Well seeing as how we had no other Centers on the roster they had to do something. 

[COB]

Lacks leg drive but is a natural bender.  Just like my first wife.

[volcom69]

There is a lot of good buzz about this guy from a lot of people. Only 20 years old, started 25 games, was a team captain. Many saying he is a starting NFL starter. If he can sit behind Karras for a year who knows. Excited to see him play 

[HoosierCat]

Would love to know more of the backstory here.

https://flywareagle.com/former-auburn-football-coach-doesnt-deserve-credit-connor-lew-nfl-readiness-bengals

[ArmyBengal]

Ok, I started looking into some of these guys more instead of just snap opinions...

Lew is interesting and his potential really is through the roof.
He tore his ACL in October of last year, but I went back to look at videos before his injury and you had people saying he was a first round talent and potential top 20 pick.  While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, it's probably not far off.  Certainly no later than the top half of the 2nd round.  I really want to love this pick more, but we won't really know until he's fully recovered from the ACL surgery.  Him thinking he will be ready for camp should come with caution.  Especially since they spent another pick on an interior lineman capable of playing center.  Just focus on getting better and avoiding any setback which would keep him from reaching his potential.

We will just have to hope Karras continues to stay healthy and see this kid get stronger in his recovery.