Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Markus Steele (USC) - 2001 NFL Draft Pick #122 by DAL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Markus Steele - 2001 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Markus Steele
• College: University of Southern California (USC)
• Position: Linebacker
• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 225 lbs

Overview:

Markus Steele was a standout linebacker at USC, known for his quickness, strong tackling ability, and football intelligence. He played a pivotal role in the Trojans' defense and was recognized for his leadership on the field.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Steele showcased exceptional speed for a linebacker, making him effective in both run support and pass coverage.
• Tackling: He was known for his sure tackling technique, rarely missing tackles and often wrapping up opponents effectively.
• Football Intelligence: Steele demonstrated a strong understanding of defensive schemes, allowing him to read plays and react quickly.
• Versatility: Capable of playing multiple linebacker positions, Steele's versatility was a significant asset in various defensive alignments.

Weaknesses:

• Size: At 225 lbs, some scouts were concerned about his ability to match up against larger running backs and tight ends in the NFL.
• Injury History: Steele had a few injury issues during his college career that raised red flags about his durability at the professional level.
• Pass Coverage: While decent in coverage, there were questions about his ability to cover elite tight ends and running backs consistently.

Projection:

Markus Steele was projected to be selected in the 3rd to 5th round of the 2001 NFL Draft. His combination of skills and potential made him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps, particularly those in need of a player who could contribute immediately on special teams.

Conclusion:

Steele's college performance at USC highlighted his potential as a promising linebacker in the NFL. His speed, tackling ability, and keen awareness were expected to make him a valuable asset in the right defensive scheme.