Steve Linton LB/EDGE Texas Tech | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Steve Linton LB/EDGE Texas Tech
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: EDGE OLB | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 10/23/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.62 seconds (75%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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*Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance).
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| PLAY STYLE: EDGE OLB | |
| Last Updated: 10/23/2023 | |
| Draft Year: 2024 | |
| 40 time: 4.62 seconds (75%*) | |
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*Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance).
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 81.3 / 100 | |
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Game performance weighted rating.
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. |
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| Tackling: |
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73% |
| Pass Rush: |
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89% |
| Run Defense: |
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62% |
| Coverage: |
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73% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
6th
Overall Rank:
#178
Position rank:
#14
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| College Games: 35 College Snaps: 943 | ||
ESPN RATING: 74/100
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247 RATING: 85/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.7 (93%)
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Draft Profile: Bio
Steve Linton from Dublin High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Linton joined Syracuse.In 2019 as a freshman Linton saw action in just 2 games and played a total of 8 snaps for the Orange. He recorded just one tackle, one assist, while adding no stops.
As a sophomore for the Orange in 2020 Linton played in 8 games and took part in 280 snaps for the Orange. He recorded 13 tackles, one assist, while adding 7 stops. As a pass rusher, he chalked up 16 total pressures, and 13 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and no sacks during the year.
In 2021 as a junior Linton played in 6 games and contributed on 63 snaps. He recorded just 4 tackles, no assists while making 5 stops.
In 2022 as a senior Linton logged playing time in 11 games and logged a total of 297 snaps for the Orange. He also added 14 tackles, 6 assists, and 14 stops. As a pass rusher, he tallied 16 total pressures, which included 10 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and 4 sacks on the season.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- His closing burst is outstanding, and Linton routinely finished plays last year. Linton has range and toughness as a run defender, capable of dropping anchor to set the edge and showing the acceleration to chase down the backside in pursuit.
- He’s best right now against the run, playing with a low pad level despite his relatively tall frame, and he has the violent hands to win at the point of attack.
- He can be used as a rangy run defender inside, instinctive when it comes to locating the ball with the quickness to get to it before blockers can react at the second level.
- While he has the flexibility to dip and bend under tackles, what makes him truly dangerous is his ability to counter.
- He can also win going speed-to-power, with the leg drive to push blockers back.
- Accelerates rapidly and has a great feel for angles. Linton isn’t huge, but he packs a pop.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Size will be a problem. Linton doesn’t have much in the way of take-on skills, struggling to shed once blockers get into his body due to short arms and a relative lack of upper-body strength.
- Lacks functional strength in the pass rush, struggling to disengage and too easily pushed past the pocket.
- Linton lacks the ability to drop weight and anchor against the run, getting manhandled at the point of attack.
How other scouting services rate Steve Linton (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
185.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
17.0