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

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

Beforehand on this sequence: 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.

Total

Tyler Steen didn’t play a lot, so there’s not a lot so as to add right here. But it surely’s nonetheless value refreshing our minds to see what he seemed like pre-draft and as a rookie. Steen by no means performed at guard in faculty, however I had a sense this was the place he would find yourself, as you’ll be able to see from my report final 12 months. As all the time, I’ll add feedback, movie clips, and quotes from my scouting report.

The most important subject I’ve with Steen is that we haven’t really seen him at guard! Ever! He’s solely performed sort out. I believe it’s simple for everybody to simply assume that it’s a straightforward transition to go from sort out to protect, however I’m positive it’s not all the time that simple. I don’t assume it’s fully out of the query that he finally ends up at sort out completely, however I believe the arm size is an actual concern. I believe Jeff Stoutland might help him clear up a few of his technical points, however he can’t make his arms longer. Until 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 simple 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 constructive reps within the run recreation, the place he flashed the flexibility to maneuver defensive linemen and create some good dashing 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 charge his athleticism.

I believe lots of his points have been technical and needed to do with overcompensating for his arm size whereas enjoying sort out. I belief Jeff Stoutland to resolve the primary subject, and I believe the second subject will go away if he strikes to protect. I believe the remainder of his profile may be very strong. He has actually good dimension and athleticism and I count on him to be a strong starter, if not ever a particular participant, in the course of his profession. I believe he’ll find yourself at guard, however might undoubtedly present backup at sort out as effectively subsequent 12 months. Having versatility as an offensive lineman is basically necessary and even when Steen doesn’t begin instantly, he might find yourself because the Eagles’ high backup at each guard and sort out subsequent season.

We did see the arm-length subject in his restricted reps. Although this can be a good rep for Steen, the shortage of arm size is clear. He appears like a guard right here fairly 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 potential to anchor, as he doesn’t strike defensive linemen early, they usually can construct up some pace when dashing towards him.

I believe there’s a fairly good probability he’ll begin Week 1 at guard. If I needed to guess on one in every of Steen and Cam Jurgens, I believe I might give the sting to Steen due to his dimension. I don’t assume he’s good by any means, however I believe he ought to find yourself a strong decide at first of the third spherical. Who doesn’t belief Jeff Stoutland to develop an athletic offensive lineman?

I clearly acquired this flawed, however it’s an indication that I preferred Steen’s movie. I don’t assume Jurgens was sensible as a guard, and I’m glad he has moved again to heart the place I believe he’s much more comfy. Steen has a unbelievable alternative to play subsequent to the most effective proper sort out within the recreation and make this place his personal.

The Future

I count on Steen to have an up-and-down 12 months as a beginning guard, however I belief the Eagles’ judgment relating to offensive linemen. He clearly wasn’t prepared final 12 months, because the Eagles performed Sua Opeta over him every time they wanted a guard. Opeta performed 528 snaps on the season in comparison with Steen’s 71. Nonetheless, the Eagles didn’t carry again Opeta, which suggests they assume Steen can step up. The Eagles have some younger offensive linemen who might develop over time, however I’m not positive any of them are able to take Steen’s job.

I think about Steen’s success will even rely on how Cam Jurgens performs. If Jurgens has a superb 12 months, Steen is in a unbelievable place. He’s additionally lucky that Lane Johnson might be left on an island on each single snap, so Steen may have a whole lot of assist from Jurgens in go 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 loads.

Though I don’t see a problem for Steen’s job from the guards on the roster (I see Matt Hennessy as a backup heart, and whereas I like rookie Trevor Keegan, I don’t assume he will likely be prepared), he might face a problem from an surprising new arrival. Mekhi Becton is a novel expertise with a whole lot of upside, and he might excel as a guard. Nonetheless, I might count on the Eagles to try to develop him as a sort out fairly than play him at a number of positions this 12 months. UPDATE: After scripting this, I noticed BLG tweet the next …

I nonetheless assume Steen may have this job at first of the 12 months, but when Becton is being educated with no consideration guard, the previous should play effectively to maintain it for the rest of the 12 months.

In order for you much more evaluation on the Eagles’ rookies, I’ve spoken about a number of on my podcast over at Eagles Pin-Pull Community, which you will discover right here. Please be happy to pay attention!