Feb. 14, 2026, 1:20 p.m. CT
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
Green Bay’s Week 1 starting offensive line for the 2025 season consisted of Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom. When the Packers open the 2026 season, that starting five could look completely different.
Walker and Rhyan are both set to hit the open market as free agents, while Jenkins could wind up being a cap casualty. If the Packers opt to move on from Jenkins, they’ll be in the market for a new starting center, and a potential target during the 2026 NFL Draft could be Connor Lew. The Auburn center checks in at No. 71 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A Georgia native, Lew entered the 2025 season with 18 starts at center to his name. Lew started seven games at center this past season before suffering a torn ACL.
“Connor was a team captain for Auburn last season,” Jerry Humphrey III, the Auburn beat writer for AL.com, said. “He was a guy that when he spoke, the whole team listened. His injury hurt Auburn’s offense significantly.”
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Lew brings excellent athleticism to the interior of the offensive line. His lateral agility is outstanding and his efficient footwork allows him to match movements. The Auburn center plays with good knee bend. He’s a savvy player and understands protections, and keeps his head on a swivel. A former high school wrestler, he plays with good leverage and has a strong anchor against power. During the first four games of the season, Lew gave up zero sacks and just one pressure. Against Texas A&M, Lew gave up two sacks and two pressures. In his last full game he played before suffering a season-ending injury, Lew gave up zero sacks and zero pressures.
“His hand placement has been something that’s stood out in his tape,” Humphrey said. “Going up against those SEC defenders is no joke, and he’s proven weekly why he’s a top prospect in this year’s draft.”
His movement skills are on full display when he’s asked to operate in space as a run blocker. When he gets out in space he doesn’t miss his landmarks. He has a strong lower half and keeps his legs driving at contact to displace defenders.
“He’s shown flashes of how great he can be as a puller,” Humprhey said. “He has the burst to get to the second level and secure the edge for his backs.”
Fit with the Packers
Even if the Packers find a way to do some Harry Potter-type salary cap wizardry and rework Jenkins’ contract, they’ll be in the market for center help and interior offensive line depth. Jenkins will be 31 in December and is coming off a season-ending injury. They need insurance, even if he is back in Green Bay.
Lew could be that insurance policy and if Jenkins is indeed done in Green Bay, he could be the type of player to step into the starting role as a rookie and be the anchor for Green Bay’s offensive line for the next decade.
“I would draft him simply off his leadership on and off the field,” Humphrey said. “Connor kept that offense together when they were underperforming with former coach Hugh Freeze and quarterback Jackson Arnold. We’re in an age where rookies are holding weight early on in these locker rooms. Connor would be a guy who makes an immediate impact amongst his peers and coaches.”
Given his athleticism, wrestling background and age (21 in August), Lew checks all the boxes. If the Packers feel good with his medicals, he could be a target for Gutekunst in the third round, as they look to strengthen the offensive line this offseason.