Grading System

ERIC STEINBACH

Position: OT Class: Sr School: Iowa Conference: Big Ten Ht., Wt.: 6'6, 297 40 Time: 4.93 Grade: 4.2 Selected by Cincinnati Bengals Round 2, pick 1 (33 overall)

BIO: Four-year starter at both guard positions. All-Conference and All-America selection as a senior, also being named Big 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year. First-team All-League choice as a junior. Used extensively and successfully at left tackle during the Senior Bowl. Coming off a brilliant combine performance. POSITIVES: Smart, heady lineman with a tremendous feel for his position. Quick off the snap of the ball, explodes into his blocks and plays with a nasty attitude. Uses angles and body positioning to wall out defenders, fights with his hands and strong in his upper body. Jolts defenders and easily controls them at the point of attack. Plays with balance, effective in space and works well with linemates. Big, yet offers growth potential. NEGATIVES: Lacks adjustment and at times looks stiff in his upper body. Has a tall, thin build and suffered with a lot of injuries early in his career. ANALYSIS: Considered a second round choice at the end of 2002 but his abilities to protect the edge and cut the blind side off from speedy pass rushers at the Senior Bowl made everyone take notice of him. Only enhanced his draft stock at the Scouting Combine. Shows enough promise and potential at the blind side position that he’s elevated his draft ranking by almost 20 picks. May not be an immediate starter at left tackle but his versatility to play either guard positions, then develop into a blind side protector is a major plus. PROJECTION: Mid First Round