Steve Avila 2023 NFL Draft Profile
I think it’s well-known that I am a sucker for offensive linemen who have plus experience playing multiple positions along the line. We have a few of those guys in this draft class, and today we will be talking about one of those guys in TCU’s Steve Avila. Avila played both center and guard in college, settling on guard. What does his draft profile look like? Let’s talk about it.
Avila played 11 games during his redshirt freshman year in 2019. In 2020, he earned an honorable mention All-Big 12 nod after starting nine games (six at center, two at right tackle, and one at right guard). In 2021 he made the move to center, starting 11 games, and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors. 2022 saw the move to left guard where he thrived, starting all 15 games, earning second-team AP All-American honors and first-team All-Big 12.
Trey’s notes from the combine were complimentary on Avila. Spoke highly of his ass, pause, saying he can really sink that thing. Very solid change of direction and pulls well. Check out his notes to read more.
I like linemen who were captains of their units. Avila was a captain on a Horned Frogs team that made the College Football Playoff. That counts for something. He has the size you want for an interior guy at 6’3 1/2” 332 pounds. Always in control of his body, looking like a dancing bear out there. He can seal the A-gap very well, opening up running lanes inside. Moves to the second level with quickness. He gets off the line with good snap, always ready. The knee bend is there. He has a little nasty to his game as well.
A big detractor I have is his blocking ability against speed-rush guys. He has the ability and footwork to match up, he needs to trust and lean into it. Stunts aren’t his favorite, at least on tape. Avila loves to make the contact but needs to work on sustaining every block. I’d like to see him clean up his hands.
Avila should be a plus player at the next level. Not someone who could earn all-pro honors but someone who will have a job as long as he wants one. Definitely gets a day-two grade as he should be a top-75 player, possibly a top-50 player depending on how the board falls.
