Anthony Steen NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report and More

Dave Martin/Associated Press

 Anthony Steen, RG, Alabama (HT: 6'3"; WT: 314 lbs)

NFL Comparison: Ben Grubbs, Offensive Guard, New Orleans Saints

Positives

• Sturdy player with a nice, wide base. 
• Possibly the very definition of "toughness" as it relates to OL scouting purposes. 
• Played the nearly entire 2013 regular season with a worsening shoulder injury that eventually needed surgery just prior to Alabama's regular-season finale versus Auburn in the Iron Bowl. 
• For three seasons, flourished on an Alabama offensive line that churns out NFL talent year after year. 
• Projects with versatility to play in either a man/power or zone system at the NFL level. 
• Powerful at the point of attack. 
• Plays with a great motor that doesn't wane through games. 
• Has shown the ability to effectively handle second-level defenders on inside-zone calls when uncovered. 
• Stays relatively balanced and sturdy in slide protections and post steps as a pass blocker. 
• Possesses an above-average swivel through the hips and appears to have decent flexibility. 
• Has a strong initial load-and-punch sequence with his arms in pass protection. 
• Will go "unnoticed" through long periods of games which evaluators don't always mind seeing from interior OL prospects. 
• Shows a consistent effort and awareness in regard to responsibilities. 

Negatives

• Is coming off a worrisome shoulder injury where structural degradation should be expected given the abuse it took as Steen "toughed it out" through a season. 
• Very, very short arms, the shortest of all linemen at the combine.
• Appears somewhat soft, flabby and unathletic physically.
• Has a horrible time dealing with head-up defenders when they start moving side-to-side against him. 
• Far below-average lateral agility. 
• Balance can be an issue when trying to stick on blocks. 
• Not tall and not long; may have to play center at the NFL level.
• Does not stick on blocks well and lets defenders off easy, sometimes even when starting well.
• Can give up penetration and get badly beaten when allowing defenders to cross his face mask. 
• Plays too much patty-cake instead of punching and driving. 
• Does not have great feet in any aspect of the game. 
• At times, can appear to be the weakest link on the entire Alabama offensive line when reviewing film. 
• Consistent with effort but inconsistent with dominating results. 
• Can play with tunnel vision and is not explosive. 

Personal Notes (via Alabama Athletic Department)

• Steen did a little bit of everything in high school including playing on the offensive line, defensive line, snapping and kicking.
• Was listed as the nation's No. 25 offensive guard by Scout.com 
• Ranked 26th at guard by Rivals.com where he was also rated as the 16th-best player in Rivals.com Postseason Mississippi Top 30.
• Chose the Crimson Tide over Miami (Fla.), Florida State, Mississippi State, Mississippi and Southern Mississippi.
• Was a clear fan favorite at Alabama.
• Declared for the NFL draft with one year of eligibility remaining.

Ratings Chart

Grades by Alex Dunlap

Overall

Steen's a tough player—and he's also a tough player to reconcile. When evaluators are honest with themselves, they'll realize that he doesn't put much on tape to indicate elite attributes. His feet aren't great, he can get off-balance and his quickness is merely average. In the power categories, Steen isn't the strongest player, either. He lacks powerful leg drive and doesn't make good use of his hands. 

Where Steen shines is in the motor and toughness categories. Sometimes, that's what's important. When looking at players who lack elite traits, evaluators will single out prospects' abilities to thrive within a system and buy into a culture. Steen is a smart player who has done both during his time in one of college football's elite programs. 

Draft Projection: 6th Round

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