As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Tyler Steen.
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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tyler Steen (OT – Alabama)
6’5″ – 315 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended Vanderbilt, where he started eleven games at right tackle in 2019 (playing 57 snaps there in his other appearance), then flipped to left tackle and started nine games in 2020 and twelve games in 2021. Transferred to Alabama, where he manned the blindside, totaling thirteen starts. Over 45 career starts, allowed thirteen sacks.
Positives:
Highly experienced four-year SEC starter who has spent time at both tackle spots. Has a thick frame but is more flexible than usual for a player with his build. His grip strength is impressive, allowing him to sustain through the whistle. Has active feet after engaging to generate movement in the run game. Able to attack the outside shoulder and drive edge defenders off of their spots. Works hard to secure blocks in space, whether in the run game or when blocking for screens. Pass sets look solid, with a straight back, adequate knee bend, and controlled kickslide. Lateral quickness to mirror is adequate for a tackle, with above-average agility. Does a nice job of placing his hands in pass protection, with good activity when firing his punch and the ability to reset effectively. When working from a stable base, shows a solid anchor to absorb power.
Negatives:
Pre-draft measurements are important, as some teams may consider him a candidate to slide inside where he doesn’t have prior experience. Not the rangiest blocker in the run game. Lowers his head and/or plays a little bit outside his frame at times, causing him to fall off of some blocks in space, occasionally ending up on the ground. Can occasionally overrun spots when trying to line up opponents at the second level. Doesn’t always have a stable base in pass protection, undermining his anchor at times. Not particularly penalty-prone, but was flagged six times last year, up from five in 2021 and four in each of the two prior years.
Summary:
Wasn’t quite as dominant at the college level as some of the other top tackle prospects and lacks ideal height/length for the outside, but still did a pretty solid job of protecting the edge at college football’s highest level and would probably do even better on the inside, where his body type would probably be a more natural fit. A relatively polished prospect whose floor is probably as a swing reserve who could play either tackle or guard in a pinch but could potentially be more than that as well.
Projection: Round 4-5
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