When it comes to evaluating NFL offensive linemen, it’s easy to get caught up in extremes—either a player is a future Hall of Famer or a complete bust. But what about the players who fall somewhere in the middle? Take Tyler Steen, the Eagles’ starting right guard, for example. Personally, I think Steen is a fascinating case study because he embodies the idea that ‘average’ isn’t always a bad thing, especially early in a player’s career. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Steen’s strengths and weaknesses reveal broader truths about offensive line development and the NFL’s evolving demands on linemen.
The Athleticism That Stands Out
One thing that immediately stands out is Steen’s athleticism. For an interior lineman, his movement skills are exceptional. His first-step quickness and lateral agility are game-changers, especially in zone-blocking schemes. What many people don’t realize is that these traits are incredibly rare for a guard. You can teach technique, but you can’t teach that kind of natural athleticism. If you take a step back and think about it, this gives Steen a higher ceiling than most guards entering their second season. His ability to pull, climb, and work in space is already NFL-caliber, and that’s no small feat.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Steen’s athleticism is both his greatest strength and a double-edged sword. In my opinion, it sometimes masks his technical inconsistencies. For instance, his pass protection technique is a work in progress. His footwork and hand placement aren’t always synchronized, and he tends to overset, giving defenders an easy path inside. This raises a deeper question: Can Steen’s athleticism carry him until his technique catches up? Or will it become a crutch that limits his growth?
The Run Blocker’s Promise and Limitations
Steen’s run blocking is where his potential shines brightest, particularly in zone schemes. His ability to reach landmarks and establish leverage is impressive. A detail that I find especially interesting is how he processes combination blocks—his timing with teammates like Cam Jurgens is often spot-on. This isn’t just about physical ability; it’s about football IQ, which is a great sign for his development.
However, what this really suggests is that Steen is still a work in progress when it comes to gap schemes. While he excels at positioning, he struggles with displacement. He can get into the right spot but doesn’t always finish the block with the physicality you’d expect from an interior lineman. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a clear area for improvement. If Steen can add more power to his game, he could become a dominant run blocker in any scheme.
Pass Protection: The Achilles’ Heel?
Now, let’s talk about Steen’s pass protection, which is, in my opinion, his most glaring weakness. His technique breaks down too often, especially against power rushers. His anchor isn’t reliable, and his hand resets are inconsistent. What this really suggests is that Steen’s shorter arms and lack of functional strength are holding him back. NFL defensive linemen are too skilled to let him get away with technical lapses.
But here’s the thing: Steen’s issues aren’t insurmountable. His athleticism gives him a foundation to build on, but he needs to develop more independent hand usage and improve his base stability. If he can do that, his pass protection could go from a liability to a strength. The question is whether he can make those adjustments quickly enough to keep up with the league’s top defenders.
The Bigger Picture: Development and Expectations
What many people don’t realize is that offensive line development is a marathon, not a sprint. Steen is essentially a rookie in terms of experience at right guard, and it’s unfair to expect him to be a finished product. From my perspective, the Eagles have a competent starter in Steen, but they also have a player who needs time to grow.
This raises a deeper question about NFL expectations: Are we too quick to label players as stars or busts? Steen is neither. He’s a player with clear strengths and weaknesses, and that’s okay. The key is whether he can address his weaknesses while maximizing his strengths. If he does, he could become a solid long-term starter. If not, the Eagles may need to reevaluate their plans for the position.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I’m cautiously optimistic about Steen’s future. His athleticism and potential in zone schemes give him a solid foundation, but his pass protection and finishing ability need work. What makes this particularly fascinating is how his development could mirror the broader trends in NFL offensive line play—the shift toward more athletic, versatile linemen who can excel in multiple schemes.
If you take a step back and think about it, Steen’s story is a reminder that not every player needs to be exceptional to be valuable. Sometimes, being average is enough—especially when there’s room to grow. For now, I’m comfortable with Steen as the Eagles’ starting right guard, but I’ll be watching closely to see if he can take the next step. Because in the NFL, the difference between average and good often comes down to the details.
