We know that the Chicago Bears need to add to their offensive line in the 2023 NFL draft. One name to keep an eye on is Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Steen. What does he bring, and what is his best NFL comparison?
Chicago Bears Draft Profile: Alabama OL Tyler Steen
Tyler Steen is a four-year starter, and while it was in the SEC, he spent his first three seasons with Vanderbilt. He started at right tackle as a freshman, then left tackle for the next two seasons. He transferred to Alabama and started every game at left tackle.
He finished his career with 2,298 snaps at left tackle, and 749 at right tackle. Steen was invited to the Senior Bowl, and coaches had him line up everywhere, including center, and both guard spots. Steen also participated at the NFL combine.
Tyler Steen has the height, weight, and athletic ability, but his arm length is one of the big reasons why you saw him getting so much work at guard.
How Tyler Steen translates to the NFL
At his best, Tyler Steen is a powerful player who plays light on his feet. He played in a primary zone run-blocking scheme and has the ability to make all of the blocks needed. He showed a good ability to get off of the football and get to the edge of defenders. Beyond that, he showed a good understanding of presnap and did well passing off stunts and twists.
Alabama's Tyler Steen (LT no. 54) - this man finishes his blocks pic.twitter.com/41DSfF4hPE
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) March 24, 2023
However, his technique is inconsistent. He can lunge, and whiff as a zone run blocker, and his pass-blocking technique is hit or miss. He can let longer-armed linemen get into his chest and drive him back. Steen is quick off of the football, but fast edge rushers can get him to over-set, then beat him with inside counters.
Overall, the thought is that Steen may be a swing lineman. He can play any spot across the line but may be best at guard, where his inconsistent pass-protection skills could be overcome in tighter spaces.
NFL Comparison for Tyler Steen
The best NFL comparison for Tyler Steen is Max Scharping. They have similar physical and athletic profiles. Scharping was a tackle in the NFL, but he turned into a depth guard. He can play tackle in a pinch, but the Bengals had him step in and start for them during their playoff run last season. The type of player who could come off the bench and fill all five spots in a playoff run is pretty valuable, so if Tyler Steen can bring that, it is a win. That is where your expectations should be.
Should Chicago Bears draft Tyler Steen?
Tyler Steen is currently projected to be a third-round pick. The reality is even if they draft a tackle early, they still need depth when you consider Riley Reiff is gone, and they did nothing to add in free agency. Beyond that, Steen even being a possibility at center could intrigue Ryan Poles, considering there is a need there as well. Poles knows linemen, and it will be interesting to see how he views Tyler Steen.