Pick 120: S Craig Steltz

[Ruben Douglas]

I actually like this pick.

[SWIFTSLICK]

Please explain why in detail.

[Chewie]

Craig Steltz
S, LSU
War Room analysis
Strengths: Is smart, and shows good instincts to read plays correctly and react in a flash -- and thus plays faster than his timed speed would indicate. Accelerates to full speed in a flash. Comes up quickly in run support, takes good angles to ballcarrier and makes strong and physical tackles in the open field. Sits back comfortably in deep zone coverage, reading the quarterback and closing quickly to break up passes with his hands or with a hard hit. Can cover tight ends and running backs man-to-man on short and medium routes.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite athleticism and speed to stay with the fastest tight ends. Lacks the smooth hip movements, athleticism or speed to cover slot receivers. Lacks speed to recover from a false step. Lacks the hands to make interceptions.

Bottom line: Initially, Steltz appeared to be a classic overachiever lacking NFL physical skills. Upon further study of LSU game film, he proved to be an underrated athlete with the tools to be a pro safety. Steltz won't be drafted as high as we have him rated because he won't wow anyone during pre-draft workouts. He will be a special teams player and backup safety early in his career but eventually will take a starting job and never let it go.

His 4.60 40 time is one of the slowest for any ranked safety.

[Howling Mad]

As a senior in 2007, he started all 14 games at strong safety and had 101 tackles (five for losses), one sack, three forced fumbles, seven pass breakups and six interceptions

[Howling Mad]

I hope his 101 tackles means he's an enforcer type of safety, we need that with Brown stuck on the DL.

[natedog125]

1st team all american hmmm interesting. what are the flaws?

[Ruben Douglas]

Please explain why in detail.

I think he's the equivalent to Zbikowski. The guy is a hitter and tough. The Bears need Safety help and I think he was the best available. I also think he'll be a good special teams guy.

[natedog125]

I was hoping if they took a safety it wouldve been Joshua Barrett but this guy sounds good lol

[Howling Mad]

Position: SS
School & Year/Status: LSU - Senior
Height & Weight: 6'2 - 209 lbs.

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
Steltz didn't completely come out of nowhere in 2007. He totaled 42 tackles and four interceptions in a part-time role for the Tigers in 2006. But few could have predicted the breakout performance Steltz delivered in 2007. He had 101 tackles, which tied him with Ali Highsmith for team-high honors. He also had six interceptions, seven pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He was simply everywhere on the field for the national champions and the performance didn't go unnoticed. He was voted first-team All-American by The Associated Press.

Steltz capitalizes on having great instincts. He reads the play quickly and is always flowing toward the football. His awareness in coverage led to his interception total. He is equally adept providing run support. He's aggressive and rarely misses a tackle. His size and physical style make him a force against the run and his motor never stops.

The biggest knocks on Steltz are that he isn't a great athlete -- though some scouts believe that's being overblown -- and that he doesn't have ideal speed. He runs a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash. He also doesn't have much quickness or a burst to recover. He will struggle in man coverage, which makes him a little one-dimensional. The perception surrounding his skills is going to hurt him in the draft, with some NFL people believing he'll never be more than a backup. But it's more likely he'll develop into a consistent starter. At worst, he will be a solid backup and a beast on special teams. He'll likely be drafted in the middle rounds.



On top of that he's a surfer DUDE!

[Ruben Douglas]

It is a little surprising to see Angelo go after a Safety that is this slow, though.

[Howling Mad]

He was Mr. Belding's little bro in Saved By The Bell. I tried finding a pic of him, but I couldn't find a good one.

Rod Belding!



http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/mess ... ?p=5611328

[bobsampson]

An all american safety huh.... Nice pick, saftey needs be be smart and be able to hit, blazing speed not as important

[Howling Mad]

His brother was a fullback for LSU, so the big body genes are there, I like it, except for the fact that he's a Rod Belding look-a-like.

[magee]

^From those stats, it looks like he's a ball hawk. Having Urlacher being able to cover a good chunk of NFL tight ends would allow Steltz to play on the line a little more and make plays. 101 tackles is pretty damn good for an SEC safety, but those 7 deflections and 6 INTs speaks volumes for his ability to ball hawk. I like the pick.

[SWIFTSLICK]

Ok. when I read things like this though it doesn't instill great confidence.

http://www.draft.com/modules/wfchannel/ ... agenum=447


Weaknesses

Steltz doesn

[Howling Mad]

On ESPN now...

[HAWK23]

well if kiper says he's like plank i'm all for it

[Ruben Douglas]

Nothing but good things to say about the kid on ESPN.

[bobsampson]

Nothing but good things to say about the kid on ESPN.

What did they say i missed it, my tv switched to Cubs

[SWIFTSLICK]

ESPN just said Jerry Angelo has no plan. Thanks ESPN. Stunning commentary.