Steve Linton, EDGE, Baylor
Size:
Height: 6036
Weight: 242
Arm: 34 ¼”
Hand: 9”
Accomplishments:
Three-star recruit
“Steve Linton enters the draft process as an uber-experienced prospect with good twitch and production to challenge for a rotational role.”
Strengths:
Inside move
Length
Frame
Concerns:
Projection of play (sixth-year senior)
Technique
Pass-rush plan
Film Analysis:
Steve Linton enters the draft process as an uber-experienced prospect with good twitch and production to challenge for a rotational role. Aligns primarily as a 5-tech edge rusher in a two-point stance. Transferred to Baylor after one season at Texas Tech and four seasons at Syracuse.
As a pass rusher, Linton fires off the ball well but approaches each snap with a one-way track in how he could reach the quarterback. Meaning, if his initial move does not work, the rep ends quickly and he has not shown the ability to consistently counter and adjust his path. Has excellent length but his punch timing and sequencing to engage/swipe/pull/push are not present in his evaluation. Linton has shown the ability to win to either shoulder, but improving his technique from the waist up will assist in his ability to work past opposing linemen as a technician, not as a pure athlete. Has displayed flashes of consistent success, but finding a median in his play will allow for Linton’s projection to be finalized in the coming months. It is also important to note his consistent change of roles in different defenses.
Against the run, Linton is active and willing to mix it up at the line of scrimmage. He’s an athletic football player who can run down ball-carriers at varying depths and distances. Moves well at his size and can redirect quickly. Uses his length well but his eyes and discipline must improve to earn snaps on run downs at the NFL level. While Linton is an active defender who hunts for plays behind the line of scrimmage, he can quickly get lost in the shuffle or out of his gap, leaving alleys to be exploited where he initially aligned. Flies upfield at times with reckless abandon, vacating his assignment. Overall, however, Linton’s areas for improvement in the run game can be refined. He also has experience in coverage, which will diversify his potential role down the line.
Concerns remain about his age and correlating performance ceiling. Linton will enter the draft as one of the country’s most experienced pass rushers, but his lack of high-level production with more than half a decade of college experience could concern prospective organizations. An area of improvement also lies in his pass-rush plan. Linton has traits to work with (get-off/length/bend), but improving his nuance at the position will boost both his production and draft stock.
Overall, Linton is a developmental player at the position who will intrigue teams in search of a talented, raw prospect who has the potential to serve as a designated pass rusher.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Houston (2023), West Virginia (2023), BYU (2023)
