Steve Stephens (College Stats) - 1979 NFL Draft Pick #254 by BAL
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Steve Stephens - 1979 NFL Draft
Player Profile:- Name: Steve Stephens
- Position: Linebacker
- College: University of Oregon
- 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.