Offensive Tackle Terence Steele didn’t get to hear his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft. But the former Red Raider and Texas native got to live another dream by signing with the Dallas Cowboys. What does he bring to the table as a prospect this season?
Steele was a captain for Texas Tech and primarily played right tackle, though he was used on the left side some at both tackle and guard. He earned honorable mention for the All-Big-12 teams the last two seasons.
Here was one draft analyst’s take on Terence Steele based on his college play:
“His length and mobility suggests he has the makings of a quality pass blocker at the next level but his erratic footwork, poor balance and inconsistent punch leads to a world of trouble against poor pass rushers in the Big 12. Unfortunately, his lack of functional strength creates problems creating push in the run game. As it stands, the appeal with Steele comes from his leadership qualities, experience and frame. He’s an underdeveloped football player that is a project. “
Scouts weren’t high on Terence’s NFL potential but he did put up some big numbers at the Scouting Combine. He had one of the fastest times in the 40-yard-dash and also showed well in the broad jump and bench press.
Clearly, the Cowboys saw enough raw material to sign Steele following the draft. But if he even wants to make Dallas’ practice squad in 2020, Terence is going to have to push his way past some solid competition.
Veterans Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, and newly-signed Cam Erving should have the starting and swing positions locked down this year. That leaves guys like Steele, Brandon Knight, Mitch Hyatt, and Wyatt Miller all hoping for one more roster spot to be available, or at the very least a shot at the practice squad.
Knight has the clear edge on his fellow prospects. He’s already been able to get a little regular-playing time and performed well in place of La’el Collins last year. He also has versatility as a guard option which could get him onto the 53-man roster.
Mitch Hyatt could be a contender in 2020 after a year of physical development on Dallas’ practice squad. The former Clemson Tiger came into the NFL with more technique and accomplishment than Steele and mainly needed to work on his strength and body.
Wyatt Miller is a relatively new player this year, having only joined the Cowboys in late December of 2019. He spent just one week on the roster after Dallas poached him from the Bengals’ practice squad for the Week 17 finale.
If being the only rookie among this group wasn’t bad enough, Terence Steele also has the huge disadvantage of being a rookie during the 2020 pandemic. He’s missing out on offseason work that these players, even if it was just for one season, got to benefit from.
At this point it’s hard to see Steele as more than a camp body in 2020, but hopefully he can change that with his performance in training camp. Dallas saw enough potential to add him despite their other options, and Terence can still make the most of his opportunity when the Cowboys finally return to the practice field.
