Finding Broncos: Two Crimson Tide Offensive Prospects to Bolster Broncos

As the Denver Broncos look to turn it around on offense, there are a pair of prospects that were college teammates that could help turn it around. One can help their offensive line as they look to rebuild it, and the other could help their already young tight end room.

Tyler Steen | OT/IOL | Alabama

Pros

Excellent athlete posting a relative athletic score of 9.69, the 25th highest since 2015.
Has a powerful punch that is well-timed and placed.
Transferred to Alabama from Vanderbilt in 2022 and improved his play.
Can change his blocking tempo to match and mirror edge rushers.
Has good hand technique to combat defenders in pass protection.
Uses athleticism as a run blocker to seal lanes and reach cut-off blocks.
Lateral agility is great.
Quick to reset and has great recovery athleticism.
He finds his landmarks when pulling and climbing to the second level.
Quick to find his block at the second level.

Cons

Arm length is below the 33-inch minimum at 32-3/4 inches.
Doesn't play with a great pad level.
He might be kicked inside in the NFL.
He has a bad habit of lunging into his blocks.
Penalties have been an issue, with 19 over four seasons and 11 in the past two.
Will fire off the snap into a high pad level
He could use more power in his lower half to generate drive as a run blocker.
The technique as a run blocker is lacking.
He needs to improve his body control and play with a consistent bend.
Will need to get a little stronger and add more power in the NFL.

Overview

There are enough traits with Steen to work as a tackle in the NFL, even if he doesn't have ideal length. His athleticism translates easily to the NFL, and with his power issues, he could be more exposed on the inside than at tackle.

Fit with Broncos

As the Denver Broncos are looking to rebuild their offensive line, they need to take some shots on developmental guys. Steen has enough traits to work in the scheme Sean Payton runs. The question is if the Broncos see him as a tackle or on the interior, but he is still a fit.

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Cameron Latu | TE | Alabama

Pros

Praised for his football IQ and situational awareness.
Will bring force and pop into blocks.
Finds separation as a receiver and maintains it.
Reaches for the catch out of frame.
Can alter his speed to catch defenders in a lull.
There is good versatility in his play style for multiple roles.
Can be used to attack every level of the field or be the safety outlet.

Cons

Blocking technique and strength aren't NFL standards.
Overall athletic ability is questionable.
His hands are solid, but he dropped seven passes in two years.
Fumbles once each of the last two seasons.
Not a dynamic threat after the catch.
Takes a while to get to top speed due to poor acceleration.
While he finds separation, he can't create it in a flash.

Overview

Latu isn't an overly dynamic receiver or tight end, for that matter, but he is on the reliable side. There isn't enough to be a true #1 tight end in the NFL, but he can develop into a consistent and reliable #2 tight end that can bring some blocking to the table. While he isn't a great blocker, he gives good effort and has decent enough traits to work on developing.

Fit with Broncos

With Greg Dulcich, the Broncos must find a trusted and reliable blocker behind him. Latu could develop into that with time, but the Broncos need more as a blocker right now. For the range Latu is currently projected to go in the draft, the value may not match the need for Denver.

Follow Erick on Twitter @ErickTrickel.

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