Steve Avila Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of G Fiume/Getty Images)

School: TCU (Senior)

Position: IOL

HT: 6’4

WT: 334 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #66

Steve Avila is a former 4-star Offensive Guard prospect out of South Grand Prairie High School in Grand Prairie, Texas. Avila was so dominant in high school that he was voted as MVP of his division in high school as a lineman. Avila ultimately chose TCU over schools such as Kansas State and Utah. Avila redshirted his first season on campus and was not a starter until his 3rd year. Avila is a versatile lineman; he has seen numerous starts at every position along the line with the exception of left tackle. As a Senior, he received numerous All-American honors from different outlets.

The first thing that stands out about Avila when you turn on his tape is his overall size. He is a large human being, and he plays like it. His size comes with natural strength that he is able to use in a functional way. Smaller rushers have little to no chance to beat Avila on the inside as his strength is overwhelming on the interior. Avila has a firm anchor, when he gets his feet planted in the grass, it is hard to knock him off of his foundation. Despite having a bigger frame, he plays at the proper pad level in order to maintain leverage when engaged with a defender. Avila’s legs are always moving, and he does not stop until his assignment is completed. In the run game, Avila drives defenders back onto their heels as he moves into the second level of the defense. Avila has hands that act as cinderblocks, he makes sure to stun his opponents with his strong hands being placed into their chest. Avila has superb grip strength and rushers nearly never escape his grasp once they are in the phone booth. Avila does well when handling stunts and twists along the line, he has quick instincts and reaction skills.

Steve Avila is a strong interior player that uses his size well, but his size hinders him in certain instances. Avila’s footwork leaves much to be desired as he struggles to move around along the line in pass protection. He is not quick enough, when placed at the tackle position, to keep up with the faster edge rushers that he faces. His change of direction ability is lackluster, he does not carry his weight as well as you would like from a pro-level interior lineman. When faced with unique blitz packages, Avila is often beaten no matter where he is lined up. He has difficulty diagnosing different blitz concepts and reacting accordingly.

Steve Avila can be a star interior lineman in the NFL due to his versatility and strength. He will earn valuable reps instantly because he can play anywhere along the line, but he is at his best on the interior where his lack of length cannot be exploited and lateral movement is reduced. Avila is strong enough to completely stop bigger interior defensive linemen in their tacks and even drive them backwards.

Scheme Fit: Zone Rushing Offense

Ideal Role: RG

Best Team Fits: ARI, NYJ, WSH

Player Comparison: Alijah Vera-Tucker

Player Grade: 77.3