Texas Tech football: What Red Raider alums need to show at NFL Combine

Terence Steele must display lateral mobility and footwork

Tackle Terence Steele has quite a bit on the line this week because he seems to be a player that is rather intriguing to tons of teams.  That’s the value of offensive tackles in the pass-happy world of the NFL.

Interestingly, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report believes that the 40-yard dash is the most important combine event for tackles.  But he doesn’t look at the overall time but rather the start of the drill.

"“Coming out of a crutch position that more closely resembles a leveraged pre-snap stance than the jump-drill starting positions do,” he says.  “A quick start to the 40-yard dash often indicates an offensive lineman has a strong ability to fire off the ball. That’s crucial for the guys manning the edges.”"

Steele needs to excel at anything that has to do with footwork, quickness, and agility.  That’s because there are some that think his work in those areas is lacking.

Steele was one of the worst performers in last month’s Senior Bowl which was surprising because he had by all accounts a nice week of practice.  He struggled all game in pass protection and much of that was because of poor technique.

Of course, pass protection is a five-man job so if Steele was not on the same page as his other linemen in that game, it could have led to some mix-ups.  Still, people will be looking to see how well he moves his feet in Indianapolis.

Events such as the cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle will be where he has to show out.  In addition, he must do well in the broad and vertical jump events, which will help quell some concerns about his lower-body strength and explosiveness.

"“A lack of lower body strength is evident when rushers strictly turn into bull rushers against him,” writes TheDraftNetwork.com.  “Steele doesn’t have the leg strength, mass or drive in order to halt the rush process when attacked squarely down the middle. His lower half and counter reactions to initial moves are still a work in progress, but adding strength throughout should be constant.”"

WalterFootball.com has Steel as the No. 11 tackle in the draft.  He’s projected to go anywhere from rounds two to four and there’s quite a difference in a team’s willingness to grant extra leeway to second-round picks over fourth rounders when evaluating them down the road given that they are likely to stick with a player they took in the second round since that is such a valuable draft pick. Thus, Steele has quite a bit on the line this week.