After signing Cade Mays, the Detroit Lions' depth chart at center looks like this:
Cade Mays-Michael Niese-Seth McLaughlin
Niese is a bit of a swing lineman, while McLaughlin is more of a center. Mays is, amongst the three, the most able to start at center for 17 games and actually impress. And that's no knock on either Niese or McLaughlin, that's simply the reality of the Lions' depth situation at the position. Following the release of Graham Glasgow, that situation is only stickier.
The 2026 NFL Draft offers a solution for Detroit on this front, though, and according to Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, that solution could be Connor Lew.
"Connor Lew is a natural center who could be the solution on Day 3. When B/R unveiled its initial Top 100 in October, Lew made the list at No. 92. Unfortunately, a torn ACL later that month didn't help his draft stock. However, the talent is there for Lew to be a long-term starter at the pivot."
Per Bleacher Report's draft expert Brandon Thorn, "Connor Lew is a young prospect with a solid all-around skill set who operates on time with good positional leverage. However, Lew has an underdeveloped frame and lacks an elite trait. Even so, the runway to improve and develop into a starter remains."
Lions could still net a cheap backup center in April
As we're still in the midst of free agency spending, it doesn't seem like the Lions are trying to break the bank. That's an interesting approach considering all the obviously glaring holes they have, being a contender and all, but when thinking about the fact that they have an extremely light schedule in 2026, it begins to make a little more sense.
READ MORE: Rock Ya-Sin's sensible return to Lions' defensive backfield given high marks
Couple that with a few huge extensions coming down the pipeline, and you've got yourself a quiet spending period. The draft is perfect for this scenario, and it's even better for Detroit's current needs. Center, edge, an additional safety, and especially a tackle should all be areas of focus for Brad Holmes and the Lions' staff.
So, considering Lew despite his injury history is a pretty great idea from Bleacher Report. The Lions could likely target him with one of their fourth round picks, or if they are able to move up to the third round via trade. Adding depth at this position that caused them so much turmoil in 2025 should be important.