"When I first got to college, I was always growing up and leaning on the veteran guys, kind of learning what I could from them. So I think that's probably going to have to be a big part of what I do to transition into the NFL," said Lew.
"But stuff like that is kind of what makes me feel like, 'OK, I'm ready, I can do this.'"
The starting center suffered a torn ACL in October of 2025. He told reporters on Saturday that he and his doctors felt confident he'd be ready by training camp. That does, however, leave a portion of the offseason when he would be unable to practice with his team and quarterback, should a team need Lew to be the starter as a rookie.
But for the man who has played early and often his whole career, finding chemistry with a new quarterback is not a huge concern.
"As simple as it sounds, it's just preparation and repetition, practicing, just finding the small things that get you guys on the same page faster."
The result? A competent, confident, talented young center ready to plug into any offensive line.
"As soon as we break the huddle, they know Connor Lew is their center. He's got the box under control. He's got the calls down," he promised. "I can worry about the defensive structure, the secondary, and the final checks, but just being able to take that load off of them mentally."