Steve Linton LB/EDGE Baylor | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Steve Linton LB/EDGE Baylor
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: EDGE OLB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 06/29/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.62 seconds (75%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: EDGE OLB | |
| Last Updated: 06/29/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.62 seconds (75%*) | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 77.5 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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71% |
| Pass Rush: |
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87% |
| Run Defense: |
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60% |
| Coverage: |
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71% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
7th
Overall Rank:
#203
Position rank:
#19
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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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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Land - Florida A&M |
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79% |
| Baron Browning - Ohio State |
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78% |
| Nick Hampton - Appalachian State |
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76% |
Draft Profile: Bio
A Dublin, Georgia native, Linton made his mark at Dublin High School as a two-way player, earning All-State honors as both a defensive end and tight end. His senior year was particularly impressive, racking up 67 tackles, 18 for loss, and 9 sacks, anchoring a stingy defense that surrendered just 8.5 points per game.Linton's college career began at Syracuse, where he spent four seasons before transferring to Texas Tech for his final year of eligibility. At Syracuse, he transitioned from defensive line to linebacker, showcasing his versatility. His production steadily increased each season, culminating in a junior year that saw him notch 22 tackles, 6 for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 11 games. The move to Texas Tech for his senior season allowed Linton to refine his skills as an edge rusher in Tim DeRuyter's defensive scheme.
Standing at 6'5" and weighing 235 pounds, Linton brings a rangy frame to the edge position. His journey from a three-star recruit to a Power Five contributor demonstrates his developmental trajectory.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional length and height for the edge position, allowing for improved leverage against offensive tackles
- Versatile defender with experience at defensive end, linebacker, and edge rusher
- Above-average athleticism, evidenced by a solid 4.62 40-yard dash time
- Demonstrated ability to create havoc in the backfield with consistent tackle for loss production
- High motor player who pursues plays from the backside and shows good effort in run defense
- Flashes potential as a pass rusher with a developing array of moves
- Special teams experience adds value to his NFL prospects
- Adaptable player who has shown growth and development throughout his college career
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks ideal bulk for an every-down edge defender in the NFL, may struggle to set the edge consistently
- Run defense skills need refinement, as evidenced by lower grades in this area
- Still developing consistency in tackling technique, leading to some missed opportunities
- Pass rush plan needs further development to consistently win against NFL-caliber offensive tackles
- Limited starting experience at the college level may lead to a steeper learning curve in the pros
Scouting Report: Summary
Steve Linton projects as a developmental edge rusher with the potential to contribute in sub-packages early in his NFL career. His combination of length, athleticism, and versatility make him an intriguing prospect for teams running multiple fronts. Linton's ability to drop into coverage adds value, potentially allowing him to be used in a standup role in 3-4 schemes.As he transitions to the pro game, Linton will need to add functional strength to better anchor against the run and improve his hand usage in pass rush situations. His athletic traits and production trajectory suggest untapped potential that could be molded by NFL coaching. While he may not be an immediate starter, Linton's special teams experience and pass rush upside make him a worthy developmental pick for teams looking to bolster their edge rotation.
Linton's draft stock will likely see him selected on Day 3, where he could provide excellent value for a team willing to invest in his development. With the right coaching and scheme fit, he has the tools to become a productive situational pass rusher and eventual starter in the NFL.
Written By:
Eli Cooper (Big 12)
How other scouting services rate Steve Linton (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
221.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
22.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.