As a LT…could be wrong, but I don’t think penalties were an issue when he played inside. Symptom of a guy 1/2 a step too slow being asked to play LT in the SEC I would imagine
Might be on par with Kenyon Green as a run blocker with zero technique. Needs work in pass protection, but that can be hidden better inside at Guard during his development. Has legitimate upside as a future blindside Left Tackle. This kid has gotten zero coaching on the college level, if Joe Philbin can turn Steele into a serviceable starter. what could he do with an elite trait athlete. Smith has to be in consideration with the likes of Zion and Green. Rumor has it the Titans are eyeing him at 26.
He was only a 1/2 step slow due to lack of technique.
- Physically he has terrific athleticism for a 324 pound player.
- He often didn't even have a kick-step on Pass Pro.
- At times he would step into the pass rusher similar to run blocking.
- Many of his penalties were due to pancaking defenders and landing on top of them.
- He has to learn 'good enough'. He wanted to dominate defenders on every snap.
The Cowboys have to consider him in the 1st.
- The upside is huge and even with his technique issues, I think as a rookie he is an upgrade at LG.
- If he had played OG only in college, I don't think there would be any questions about him as a 1st round pick.
- I actually think that he is a relatively safe pick as an OG.
His OL coach at Tulsa was young and inexperienced.
In an interview, he mentioned OL coach Brandon Hartston or Hartson; however, that must have been High School.
- The Cowboys had a long-snapper on the roster in the 2016 off-season named Brandon Hartson.
His OL coach at Tulsa was Zach Hanson. 2020 was his 1st time an an OL coach.
- He was TEs coach and assistant OL coach in 2018 with OU.
- Prior to that he was a Graduate Assistant for a few years.