Eagles Rookie Review: Tyler Steen could have an up-and-down year as a starting guard

One in every of my favourite issues to do each offseason is to match my post-draft notes on the Eagles’ rookies after which analyze how they carried out after they acquired an opportunity. I gained’t write a full scouting report as a result of I all the time try this after they’re drafted. You will discover Tyler Steen’s scouting report right here.

Beforehand on this collection: Jalen Carter / Nolan Smith

Stats

Steen solely performed 71 snaps as a rookie, taking 68 snaps at proper guard and three at left guard. He obtained a 60 PFF grade and gave up 6 complete pressures.

General

Tyler Steen didn’t play a lot, so there’s not a lot so as to add right here. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless price refreshing our minds to see what he seemed like pre-draft and as a rookie. Steen by no means performed at guard in school, however I had a sense this was the place he would find yourself, as you possibly can see from my report final yr. As all the time, I’ll add feedback, movie clips, and quotes from my scouting report.

The most important concern I’ve with Steen is that we haven’t truly seen him at guard! Ever! He’s solely performed sort out. I feel it’s straightforward for everybody to simply assume that it’s a simple transition to go from sort out to protect, however I’m certain it’s not all the time that straightforward. I don’t suppose it’s utterly out of the query that he finally ends up at sort out completely, however I feel the arm size is an actual concern. I feel Jeff Stoutland may help him clear up a few of his technical points, however he can’t make his arms longer. Except he actually is particular…

The most important praise I can say about Tyler Steen’s movie from 2023 was that he didn’t look misplaced. It’s straightforward to overlook he had solely performed sort out, however he dealt with himself effectively and didn’t look unnatural when requested to play guard. He had some very optimistic reps within the run sport, the place he flashed the power to maneuver defensive linemen and create some good speeding lanes.

He did play sort out within the preseason, and the Eagles ran Dart with him (sort out energy), which is a transparent signal that they price his athleticism.

I feel a lot of his points had been technical and needed to do with overcompensating for his arm size whereas enjoying sort out. I belief Jeff Stoutland to resolve the primary concern, and I feel the second concern will go away if he strikes to protect. I feel the remainder of his profile could be very strong. He has actually good measurement and athleticism and I count on him to be a strong starter, if not ever a particular participant, all through his profession. I feel he’ll find yourself at guard, however may undoubtedly present backup at sort out as effectively subsequent yr. Having versatility as an offensive lineman is basically necessary and even when Steen doesn’t begin instantly, he may find yourself because the Eagles’ prime backup at each guard and sort out subsequent season.

We did see the arm-length concern in his restricted reps. Though it is a good rep for Steen, the shortage of arm size is clear. He appears like a guard right here somewhat than a sort out.

Steen struggled towards Micah Parsons, however so does almost each offensive lineman not named Lane Johnson. His lack of arm size additionally limits his capability to anchor, as he doesn’t strike defensive linemen early, they usually can construct up some velocity when speeding towards him.

I feel there’s a moderately good likelihood he’ll begin Week 1 at guard. If I needed to guess on certainly one of Steen and Cam Jurgens, I feel I’d give the sting to Steen due to his measurement. I don’t suppose he’s good by any means, however I feel he ought to find yourself a strong choose at first of the third spherical. Who doesn’t belief Jeff Stoutland to develop an athletic offensive lineman?

I clearly acquired this fallacious, however it’s an indication that I appreciated Steen’s movie. I don’t suppose Jurgens was good as a guard, and I’m glad he has moved again to middle the place I feel he’s much more snug. Steen has a incredible alternative to play subsequent to the perfect proper sort out within the sport and make this place his personal.

The Future

I count on Steen to have an up-and-down yr as a beginning guard, however I belief the Eagles’ judgment relating to offensive linemen. He clearly wasn’t prepared final yr, because the Eagles performed Sua Opeta over him each time they wanted a guard. Opeta performed 528 snaps on the season in comparison with Steen’s 71. Nevertheless, the Eagles didn’t deliver again Opeta, which suggests they suppose Steen can step up. The Eagles have some younger offensive linemen who may develop over time, however I’m not certain any of them are able to take Steen’s job.

I think about Steen’s success may even rely on how Cam Jurgens performs. If Jurgens has a very good yr, Steen is in a incredible place. He’s additionally lucky that Lane Johnson might be left on an island on each single snap, so Steen could have a whole lot of assist from Jurgens in move proection. I count on the Eagles to go away Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, and Johnson on an island a good quantity. So Jurgens and Steen ought to have the benefit of working collectively lots.

Though I don’t see a problem for Steen’s job from the guards on the roster (I see Matt Hennessy as a backup middle, and whereas I like rookie Trevor Keegan, I don’t suppose he shall be prepared), he might face a problem from an sudden new arrival. Mekhi Becton is a novel expertise with a whole lot of upside, and he may excel as a guard. Nevertheless, I’d count on the Eagles to attempt to develop him as a sort out somewhat than play him at a number of positions this yr. UPDATE: After penning this, I noticed BLG tweet the next …

I nonetheless suppose Steen could have this job at first of the yr, but when Becton is being skilled with no consideration guard, the previous should play effectively to maintain it for the rest of the yr.

If you need much more evaluation on the Eagles’ rookies, I’ve spoken about a couple of on my podcast over at Eagles Pin-Pull Community, which you will discover right here. Please be at liberty to hear!