Baylor offensive tackle Connor Galvin signs deal following NFL Draft

Former Baylor standout, offensive tackle Connor Galvin, has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions following the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-7, 293-pound tackle was a valuable member of the Bears offense since earning a starting spot at left tackle midway through his true freshman season.

“The Lions are signing former Baylor OT Connor Galvin,” detailed ESPN’s Field Yates.

He remained a feature of the Baylor offensive line through last season — starting all 13 games last season and setting a school record with 50 career starts. In 2021, Galvin earned national recognition after winning Big 12 Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year. Additionally, he was named a third-team AP All-American in 2021.

Galvin played high school football at Katy, TX, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 31 offensive tackle in the 2018 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Connor Galvin

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein shared his breakdown on what Galvin brings to the NFL level, sharing his scouting take on the Baylor star. As Zierlein explains, Galvin’s ability to work multiple roles on an offensive line could be a huge factor in why he was selected on draft day.

“Finesse run blocker with agility, foot quickness and a feel for angles to carry his zone-scheme experience into the pros,” explained Zierlein. “Galvin is a scheme-specific blocker due to his lack of drive power and in-line block sustain. He might find that teams prefer him as an interior blocker due to his lack of desired arm length.

“He has plenty of body control and athleticism to pass protect against active pass rushers, but his lack of edge firmness and core strength will be a concern when he’s forced to match up against bull rushers. Galvin should offer both swing tackle and guard value, which should bolster his draft stock.”

Zierlein’s initial draft projection for Galvin was that he would be a late draft option, going in the seventh round of the draft or becoming a priority free agent for teams in need if he went undrafted.

Galvin’s quickness as a blocker is one of his high points according to Zierlein, but his raw speed didn’t stand out amongst his fellow offensive linemen at the combine. Galvin’s 40-yard-dash clocked in at 5.48 seconds, tied for second-slowest among linemen who ran official times this year. However, if he finds usage as an interior lineman at the NFL level his top speed shouldn’t be an issue.