Pros and cons of Eagles taking Alabama football’s Tyler Steen in 2023 NFL Draft

Alabama football's Tyler Steen was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday. 

Steen becomes the 21st offensive lineman to be drafted during Nick Saban's 16 seasons coaching the Crimson Tide.

Steen transferred to Alabama after four seasons at Vanderbilt. The graduate transfer made an immediate impact with the Crimson Tide. Even though he didn't spend the spring with Alabama, transferring after the spring game instead, Steen earned the left tackle spot immediately.

Steen went on to start in all 13 games. Along the way, he received a spot on the All-SEC second team.

Before arriving at Alabama, Steen started 33 consecutive games at Vanderbilt. He saw time in 38 games overall. Steen arrived at Vanderbilt from St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida.

Here's what Steen brings to the NFL. 

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The positives

Steen has the size and strength to be a solid offensive lineman.

He's 6-foot-6, 321 pounds and finished with 31 reps on the bench press at the NFL Combine. That ranked No. 5 among all players in Indianapolis.

Steen also has plenty of experience over five seasons of college football playing against elite edge rushers in the SEC.

Steen also has the flexibility to play tackle or guard. He's most experienced at tackle, but he represented himself well at guard for the Senior Bowl.

He had his blemishes, but overall, he was effective as a blindside protector for quarterback Bryce Young.

The concerns

Steen had a high bar to meet as the replacement for first-round pick Evan Neal. At times, he fared well. Other times, he could have played better.

He gave up the most pressures of any starting offensive lineman for Alabama with 23, according to Pro Football Focus' charting. He saw the second-most snaps, though. In total, Steen gave up two sacks, two hits and 19 hurries over 841 snaps.

Final thoughts

Steen brings the ability to be a versatile offensive lineman at the next level. He might project best as a guard but could fill a tackle spot as well depending on a team's needs.