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 simply… exist in the middle? Personally, I think Tyler Steen falls squarely into this category, and what makes this particularly fascinating is how his performance challenges our expectations of what an 'average' starting guard should be. In my opinion, Steen’s story is less about stardom and more about the quiet competence that often goes unnoticed in the NFL.
The Athletic Enigma
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 rare in his position—you can’t teach that kind of natural explosiveness. If you take a step back and think about it, this alone gives him a higher ceiling than many of his peers. But here’s the catch: athleticism isn’t enough. Steen’s challenge is translating that raw ability into consistent dominance, particularly in pass protection.
The Pass Protection Paradox
What this really suggests is that Steen’s issues aren’t about physical limitations but technical inconsistencies. His footwork and hand placement often feel like two separate entities rather than a coordinated effort. A detail that I find especially interesting is how his oversetting—moving too far outside—creates vulnerabilities that even his athleticism can’t always recover from. This raises a deeper question: Can a player with his tools ever truly thrive if the fundamentals aren’t locked in? In my opinion, the answer is no—but the potential for improvement is there.
The Run Blocking Riddle
Steen’s run blocking is a study in contrasts. In zone schemes, he’s a natural. His ability to climb to the second level and seal linebackers is impressive. But in gap schemes, where raw power matters, he often falls short. What’s intriguing here is the psychological aspect: Steen seems to excel when the focus is on positioning but struggles when displacement is required. This isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about mindset. Does he lack the aggression needed to finish blocks, or is it a matter of technique? I suspect it’s a bit of both.
The Unfinished Product
If you ask me, Steen’s biggest strength—and weakness—is that he’s still becoming. This was his first full season at right guard, and offensive line development is a marathon, not a sprint. What this really suggests is that the Eagles have a player with a solid foundation but plenty of room to grow. Personally, I think the key to his future lies in his hands—literally. Improving his hand resets and independent hand usage could transform him from average to above-average.
The Broader Perspective
Steen’s situation highlights a larger trend in the NFL: the value of competent, if not spectacular, linemen. Finding players who can simply do their job is harder than it seems. From my perspective, Steen’s average status isn’t a knock—it’s a starting point. The question is whether he’ll evolve into a player worth a second contract. If he can clean up his technique and add functional strength, I see no reason why he couldn’t. But if he remains stagnant, the Eagles will face a tough decision.
Final Thoughts
Steen isn’t a player who’ll dominate headlines, but he doesn’t need to. His story is about the grind, the potential, and the quiet battle to improve. In a league obsessed with extremes, his averageness feels almost refreshing. Personally, I’m rooting for him to defy expectations—not because he’s perfect, but because he’s perfectly capable of getting better. And in the NFL, that’s often enough.
