Mile High Report
The second week of the college football season is already upon is. Last week for the initial installment of Future Broncos, I focused on the team’s selections in the 2026 NFL Draft and what I believe are the team’s biggest positions of needs. The first position group I had listed was the offensive line, so I thought it would be apt to discuss three different prospects at three different positions for Broncos Country to keep an eye on as this year’s collegiate season rolls on.
Conner Lew — Center — Auburn
It’s not often that a center makes their way into the first round of the NFL Draft. However, Auburn standout and All-SEC offensive lineman Connor Lew has a great shot of being one that does. The 6’3”, 303-pounder secured the Tigers’ starting position at the pivot midway through his freshman season and never looked back. Now entering his third year as a starter, Lew is a favorite to be this year’s Rimington Trophy winner and showcases NFL ready talent despite being an underclassman.
His high impact and efficiency as both pass protector and run blocker will make him a highly coveted prospect if he declares for next year’s draft. Hugh Freeze, his collegiate head coach, has often lauded his intelligence and command at the line of scrimmage. With the Broncos’ offense poised to embrace more zone principles this year, Lew’s movement skills and ability to land blocks on the second level make him an idea fit for Denver’s revamped rushing attack.
During Head Coach Sean Payton’s time in New Orleans, he and General Manager Mickey Loomis utilized several high picks on collegiate centers to upgrade their interior offensive line. Those would be Cesar Ruiz in the first round (2020) and Erik McCoy in the second round (2019). With Luke Wattenberg in the final year of his rookie deal, the Broncos may be in the market for a replacement at the position if Wattenberg heads elsewhere in free agency.
Drafting a center in the first round might not be ideal for most fans. However, it’s clear the Broncos’ current regime believe in fortifying their trenches. That’s all the more reason why to keep your eye on Lew and have him on your draft board for 2026. Count me in as one of many who believe he can start Day 1 as a rookie and significantly improve the long-term stability of Denver’s offensive line.
Chase Bisontis — Offensive Guard — Texas A&M
While Lew has impressed during his collegiate career, another SEC lineman has also made some noise over the past few seasons. That would be Texas A&M prospect Chase Bisontis. Seeing time at both right guard and right tackle, Bisontis was a thirteen-game starter for the Aggies in 2023. Last season, he made the switch to the other side of the line and was a 10-game starter for them at left guard.
At 6’6 and 320 pounds, the former Top 100 recruit fits the bill of what NFL talent evaluators...
