Eagles Rookie Evaluate: Tyler Steen may have an up-and-down yr as a beginning guard

Considered one of 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 after they received an opportunity. I gained’t write a full scouting report as a result of I at all times 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 whole pressures.

General

Tyler Steen didn’t play a lot, so there’s not a lot so as to add right here. However it’s nonetheless price refreshing our minds to see what he regarded 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 possibly can see from my report final yr. As at all times, I’ll add feedback, movie clips, and quotes from my scouting report.

The largest problem 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 only assume that it’s a simple transition to go from sort out to protect, however I’m positive it’s not at all times that straightforward. I don’t assume 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 will help him clear up a few of his technical points, however he can’t make his arms longer. Until he actually is particular…

The largest praise I can say about Tyler Steen’s movie from 2023 was that he didn’t look misplaced. It’s straightforward to neglect 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 sport, the place he flashed the power 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 price his athleticism.

I feel lots of his points had been technical and needed to do with overcompensating for his arm size whereas taking part in sort out. I belief Jeff Stoutland to unravel the primary problem, and I feel the second problem will go away if he strikes to protect. I feel the remainder of his profile could be very stable. He has actually good measurement and athleticism and I count on him to be a stable starter, if not ever a particular participant, at some stage in 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 de facto essential and even when Steen doesn’t begin instantly, he may find yourself because the Eagles’ high backup at each guard and sort out subsequent season.

We did see the arm-length problem in his restricted reps. Regardless that it is a good rep for Steen, the dearth of arm size is obvious. He seems to be like a guard right here moderately than a sort out.

Steen struggled in opposition to 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, and so they can construct up some pace when dashing in opposition to him.

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

I clearly received this fallacious, but it surely’s an indication that I appreciated Steen’s movie. I don’t assume Jurgens was good as a guard, and I’m glad he has moved again to heart the place I feel he’s much more comfy. Steen has a implausible alternative to play subsequent to one of the best 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 at any time when 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 may 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 depend upon how Cam Jurgens performs. If Jurgens has a superb yr, Steen is in a implausible place. He’s additionally lucky that Lane Johnson could be left on an island on each single snap, so Steen could have lots 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 so much.

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 lots of upside, and he may excel as a guard. Nonetheless, I’d count on the Eagles to attempt to develop him as a sort out moderately than play him at a number of positions this yr. UPDATE: After penning this, I noticed BLG tweet the next …

I nonetheless assume Steen could have this job initially 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.

In order for you much more evaluation on the Eagles’ rookies, I’ve spoken about just a few on my podcast over at Eagles Pin-Pull Community, which you could find right here. Please be at liberty to hear!