Ourlads' Profile:
2022 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about CHRIS STEELE:
USC, 6003 187 4.48. Junior entry, two-year starter, Bellflower, CA. Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 in 2021. Primarily an outside corner playing press and off man along with deep outside zone coverage. Smooth quick pedal with a precise cushion. Fluid hips to time turn and run and stay in phase with most vertical routes. Has eye discipline to keep his focus on the receiver in man coverage. Maintains inside leverage on slants and double moves. As a zone defender can balance multiple routes with good vision to see pattern pressure and the quarterback. Reacts quickly on the quarterback delivery key and shows a quick plant and drive. Gets to a lot of balls and has hands for the interception. Quick playing downhill and flashes tackling skill. Not as effective in tight or press man coverage. Will contact receivers late and get separated. Feet are a little heavy to match route breaks and he can run into a receiver on a cut. Recovery burst is average and a speed receiver can separate from him if he gets too close. Can get grabby if separated. Misses tackle opportunities with occasional bad angles and has trouble getting off stalk blocks. Has decent athletic ability for the position but needs to develop consistent technique in man coverage. Will have a shot as a backup in a zone dominant scheme. Should be solid on special teams.
2021 stats: 33 T, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 3 PBU, 1 FF, 2 INT. OSR:23/32. Sixth/seventh round. (A-31 3/8, 8 3/4, VJ-37.5, SS-4.54).