Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Steve Stephens (College Stats) - 1979 NFL Draft Pick #254 by BAL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Steve Stephens - 1979 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Steve Stephens
• Position: Linebacker
• College: University of Oregon

College Stats:

• Tackles: 120 total tackles (senior year)
• Sacks: 8 sacks (senior year)
• Interceptions: 3 interceptions (senior year)

Strengths:

• Exceptional speed and agility for a linebacker, allowing him to cover a lot of ground.
• Strong tackling ability, showcasing form and technique that consistently brought down ball carriers.
• Good instincts and awareness on the field, making him effective in both run defense and pass coverage.
• Experience in various defensive schemes during college, indicating adaptability to different NFL systems.

Areas for Improvement:

• Needs to work on shedding blocks more effectively against larger offensive linemen.
• Occasional over-pursuit can lead to missed tackles; must improve discipline in staying in position.
• Limited experience in coverage against elite tight ends and wide receivers, which may be a concern at the professional level.

Draft Projections:

• Considered a mid-round pick due to his athleticism and potential.
• Teams looking for depth at linebacker or a special teams contributor might take a chance on him earlier.
• Possibility of being a starter in a few years with the right coaching and development.

Conclusion:

Steve Stephens has the physical tools and college production that make him an intriguing prospect for the 1979 NFL Draft. While he has areas to improve, his potential as a versatile linebacker could provide significant value to an NFL team willing to develop his skills.