Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Steve Conley (Arkansas) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #72 by PIT


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Steve Conley (1996 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:
  • Name: Steve Conley
  • College: University of Arkansas
  • Position: Offensive Lineman
Strengths:
  • Versatile Lineman: Conley demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line, which adds significant value for NFL teams looking for depth.
  • Strong Drive Blocker: He showcased impressive strength and technique when it came to drive blocking, particularly in short-yardage situations.
  • Experience: With a solid college career at Arkansas, Conley brought experience and maturity to the table, having faced tough SEC competition.
Areas for Improvement:
  • Foot Speed: While Conley was effective in power blocking, he needed to improve his foot speed to handle quicker NFL pass rushers.
  • Pass Protection: Though he was competent in run blocking, there were concerns regarding his technique in pass protection, particularly against speed rushers.
  • Injury Concerns: Past injuries could raise red flags for teams concerned about his durability at the professional level.
Draft Projection:

Steve Conley was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1996 NFL Draft. Teams in need of offensive line depth were particularly interested in his versatility and experience.

Conclusion:

While Steve Conley had the potential to develop into a reliable offensive lineman in the NFL, his success would largely depend on his ability to adapt to the speed of the professional game and improve his pass protection skills.