Simon Stepaniak | Tackle | Indiana | 6'4" - 313 lbs.

 

Overview
Burly and strong with the ability to play either guard position in a gap-scheme attack. He's productive on double teams and combo blocks. Stepaniak comes off the ball and into opponents with some pop when he's singled up and he's a nasty block finisher, but he may not have enough length for NFL-block sustain. His ability to recover in pass pro is limited by both his wide base and exaggerated slide steps out to the edge. Despite his bench-press strength, Stepaniak gives too much ground to power rushers who push him into the pocket. It's possible to correct some of his pass protection issues and his physicality in the run game helps his cause as a late-round guard with backup potential.

Strengths
[list]

Split low with broad lower body and thick calves

Keeps pads low out of stance and into drive blocks
Puts some pepper into his initial pop at contact
Excellent upper-body strength
Hands are quiet and efficient fitting his run block
Patient with good accuracy working up to linebackers
Plays with block-finishing grit
Hip to hip squeezing A-gap against blitzers
Good bend in ankles, knees and hips[/list]

Weaknesses
[list]

Base gets way too wide in his pass sets

Exaggerated set steps out to the edge open him to quick counters
Too antsy with hands and feet when looking to punch
Gets bumped back into the pocket by power
Forward lean opens him for quick arm-over loss
Needs to stay lower for longer on lateral movements
Below-average reactive athleticism[/list]

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