Sunday, February 12, 2023

2023 NFL Draft Prospect OG Steve Avila

Steve Avila:

Scouting Reports:







Articles:

Lions' 2023 Draft Wants (SECOND ROUND - OL Steve Avila, TCU:  As I've talked about in my recent mock drafts, Avila would be a great depth piece for Detroit's offensive line. He also has the potential to start at either of the guard spots – and sooner rather than later. If Halapoulivaati Vaitai were to miss any time this season, I could see Avila immediately filling the hole at right guard, and doing a satisfactory job.) (4-27-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-wants

NFL Draft 2023: 4 IOL With Best Chance To Be Drafted In Round 1 (Steve Avila OG, TCU - Steve Avila proved he’s a better athlete than most gave him credit for pre-draft. Avila checked a lot of boxes at the NFL Scouting Combine. Avila ran a 69th-percentile 5.21 in the 40-yard dash despite weighing a massive 332 pounds. Avila looked just as nimble in Mobile, where he used quick feet and natural strength to displace would-be pass rushers.  That strength was on display via 28 bench press reps. Avila also leaped a 72nd-percentile 29.5-inch vertical. I love the pairing between Avila and the Dallas Cowboys, who own the 26th selection.) (4-26-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-iol-first-round/

2023 NFL Draft sleepers: Rob Rang's 10 favorite Day 2 and 3 prospects (Steve Avila, OL, TCU:  These players are listed alphabetically, but it is appropriate that Avila heads off the list as the burly blocker truly is one of my favorite prospects in this class, regardless of position.  Let's start with his size. At 6-foot-3 and 332 pounds, Avila has the square-ish frame that makes it naturally difficult for defensive linemen to get around him. He also possesses disproportionately long arms (33") for this blocky build, which makes the 28 repetitions he posted in the bench press that much more impressive. He's as well-schooled and battle-tested as any blocker in this class, logging starts at center (17), left guard (15), right tackle (two) and right guard (1) with his entire high school career spent at left tackle. And Avila was the epitome of grit and toughness during his time at TCU, playing in all 47 games the Horned Frogs competed in the past four years, as well as accepting his invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he was arguably the most dominant interior offensive lineman in Mobile.  The all-star game setting should have answered any questions scouts might have on Avila, but frankly, he didn't need to compete there after solid showings against Jalen Carter and Georgia in the national championship, as well as Mazi Smith and Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl. NFL teams are typically hesitant to use first-round picks on interior linemen, but Avila warrants that consideration and certainly should be off the board by the end of the second round.) (4-26-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-sleepers-rob-rangs-10-favorite-day-2-and-3-prospects

NFL draft preview: Detroit Lions looking to bolster already elite OL (Torrence is the best interior line prospect in the draft and a potential first-rounder who was as dominant at Florida last season as he was in his first three years at Louisiana. He’s a plug-and-play right guard in the NFL. Both he an Avila, a solid Day 2 prospect, visited the Lions, as did several Day 3/priority free agent types including North Carolina State’s Chandler Zavala and UCLA’s Antonio Mafi. Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz is the top pure center in the draft, Oluwatimi should hear his name called in the middle rounds, and Witt is a former basketball player who could go on Day 3 because of his superb athleticism.) (4-25-23):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/25/nfl-draft-preview-detroit-lions-looking-to-bolster-already-elite-ol/70147625007/

Ryan Fowler’s ‘My Guys’ For 2023 NFL Draft: Offense (Steve Avila (TCU):  A prospect that will immediately become a leader within the lungs of an offensive line, teams love Avila’s positional versatility. The Horned Frogs’ first consensus All-American since 2015, Avila didn’t allow a single sack in 2022 and is someone whose frame is ready to counter the bigger, stronger, faster athletes on Sundays.) (4-24-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-offense-my-guys-fowler/

2023 NFL draft: Lions gearing up to add another offensive lineman (All tea leaves continue to point toward them taking an interior lineman next week. If they go other directions on Day 1, no sweat. Day 2 tends to be a great spot to find premium guards anyway, and there are good options this year too. Avila is especially intriguing, a 332-pound road-grader with starting experience at both guard and center. He didn’t allow a sack in 15 starts at left guard last year, was a consensus All-American and a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s best lineman. Considering the kinds of guys Brad Holmes usually targets in the draft, it’s worth noting Avila was a multi-year captain too. A lot of boxes are checked there.) (4-23-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/2023-nfl-draft-lions-gearing-up-to-add-another-offensive-lineman.html

The 2023 NFL Draft Class' Best at Everything: The top performers in 100 PFF premium stats (Least penalized offensive lineman: Steve Avila, TCU - On 1,020 snaps, the TCU guard wasn't called for any penalties after the snap.) (4-20-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-class-best-at-everything-100-premium-stats

10 thoughts on the 2023 NFL draft with 10 days to go (Candidates for surprise first-rounders - One of the questions I get asked most on radio appearances and podcasts is, who could be a surprise first-round pick?  Earlier in the evaluation period, my standard answers were Iowa EDGE Lukas Van Ness and Tennessee OL Darnell Wright. Now those two are consensus top-20 picks; my final mock draft currently has them both in the top 10. So I’ve had to find new answers. Here are three: Arkansas LB Drew Sanders, TCU OL Steve Avila, Michigan DT Mazi Smith) (4-18-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-predictions-picks/

Six can't-miss prospects! Which QB makes NGS cut? (Judy Battista - PICK: Steve Avila, IOL, TCU.  Avila actually played every position at TCU except left tackle, and, in 15 starts at left guard for the national championship runner-up, he did not give up a sack in 2022, earning him consensus All-American honors. He's projected to be an immediate NFL starter; given how many teams are desperate for offensive-line help, Avila shouldn't have to wait around long on Day 2.) (4-17-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-rb-bijan-robinson-qb-bryce-young-headline-next-gen-stats-six-can-

2023 NFL Draft: The top 8 interior offensive linemen (5. Steve Avila, OG, TCU (Height: 6′ 3⅝” (30th), Weight: 332 (89th), 40-Yard Dash: 5.21 (69th), 10-Yard Split: 1.86 (24th), Bench Press: 28 reps (67th), Vertical Jump: 29½” (72nd), Broad Jump: 98″ (33rd), 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.74 (56th), Arm Length: 33″ (35th), Hand Size: 9¼” (7th)) - Bio: Esteban “Steve” Avila was born in Arlington, Texas and went to Grand Prairie High in Arlington, where he was once teammates with former Lions and current Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah, the third overall pick in the 2020 draft. Avila made All-Conference at offensive tackle and defensive end, choosing TCU as a three-star recruit. Avila picked up 35 starts for the Horned Frogs over four seasons — 17 at center, 15 at left guard, two at right tackle, and one at right guard. In 2022 at left guard, Avila allowed no sacks, two quarterback hits, and nine quarterback hurries in 540 pass-blocking snaps.  Stat to Know: TCU runners gained 3.3 yards before contact when running behind Avila’s gaps, the highest such number for any guard on this list.  Strengths: Avila’s anchor is a thing of beauty — when he gets under your pads and starts pushing you back, there’s not much you’re going to do about it. Michigan’s Mazi Smith (ranked fifth on our list of interior defensive linemen) found that out here.  Avila provides a natural barrier between pass-rusher and quarterback when he fires his hands out and starts to get nasty. There aren’t many offensive linemen in this class with his ability to harness his play strength.  Weaknesses: In theory, Avila has position flexibility with his time at center, but that’s not where I’d want him. When you go back to his 2021 tape… well, to put it kindly, there are some pretty iffy reps.  Back to the 2022 guard tape. As dominant as Avila can be against linemen who take him straight on, he’ll lose penetration to either side. Here, it was Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson (our second-ranked edge defender) working him to the outside shoulder that created the issue.  Conclusion: As 2022 was Avila’s first season playing left guard, you’re inclined to forgive the technical missteps and bank on the ridiculous play strength that could have him blowing NFL defensive tackles sooner than later. If he can get everything synced up over time, Avila will be a prefect fit and a total tone-setter in any power-based offense.  NFL Comparison: Gabe Jackson. Selected in the third round of the 2014 draft by the Raiders, Jackson parlayed a massive (6-foot-3, 335-pound) frame into his status as a great power blocker with surprising movement skills. Avila may well have the same kind of bright future.) (4-15-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-guard-center-broderick-jones-peter-skorionski/

Top 10 iOL in the 2023 NFL Draft: John Michael Schmitz and Joe Tippmann Highlight a Center-Heavy Class (3. Steve Avila, OL, TCU:  After starting at center in 2021, Steve Avila kicked over to left guard during TCU’s run to the national championship. Heck, in 2019, he recorded snaps at right guard and right tackle.  Versatility is king on the offensive line, and Avila embodies the trait. He can improve his angles and footwork in the run game, but Avila’s pass-blocking anchor could stop the Titanic in its tracks.) (4-14-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-iol-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-layden-robinson-ocyrus-torrence-lead-a-wide-open-class/

All the Detroit Lions pre-draft visits that we know about so far (TCU G/C Steve Avila (source): If the Lions go other directions on Day 1 and still want a powerful interior blocker on Day 2, well, here you go. Avila is a 332-pound hammer who started 11 games at center in 2021 before starting all 15 games at left guard last year, and didn’t allow a single sack in either season. He was a consensus All-American this past year and a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s best lineman. Considering the kinds of guys Brad Holmes usually targets in the draft, perhaps it’s worth mentioning Avila was also a multi-year captain.) (4-7-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/all-the-detroit-lions-pre-draft-visits-that-we-know-about-so-far.html

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top OL fits for the Lions (Tier 2 - Steve Avila (TCU), 6-foot-3, 332 pounds:  You’re not going to find a more versatile offensive lineman than Avila this high in the draft, who has played at least one snap at every OL position in college. He’s likely to stick on the interior line—most likely guard, though he spent some time as a center in 2020 and 2021.  Avila’s bread and butter are his fundamentals in pass protection. You’re going to have a tough time bull rushing him because he does a wonderful job of keeping his hands in tight and utilizing his hop step to solidify his anchor. He could use some work as a run blocker, however, as he has a bad habit of getting too high with his pad level as the run develops.  The Lions used one of their top-30 visits on Avila and he projects to be a Day 2 pick. I really love this fit for both parties.  How he fits: Versatile interior offensive lineman that can play center or either guard position.  Round grade: First/second round) (4-7-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/4/7/23669042/2023-nfl-draft-rankings-offensive-line-detroit-lions-peter-skoronski-paris-johnson-jr

2023 NFL Draft: Trevor Sikkema's top 5 players at each offensive position (4.  Andrew Vorhees:  John Michael Schmitz started for Minnesota since 2019 and is one of the bigger center prospects you’ll find who also has some guard versatility at his size. The same can be said for TCU's Avila.) (4-5-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-five-players-offense-2023-nfl-draft-sikkema

2023 NFL Draft: Favorite Day 2 player at each position (IOL: STEVE AVILA, TCU - Avila was another Senior Bowl standout who also has some versatility to his name. He played both center and guard for the Horned Frogs, and did so with that nastiness and power you love to see from an interior player.  In his three seasons as a consistent contributor, he never earned an overall blocking grade below 70.0. The 2022 campaign also marked his best season as a pass blocker, earning an 83.6 grade. His anchor ability was already good enough for the next level, but this year he showed he has the athletic ability to be reliable in pass protection as a player weighing in at more than 330 pounds. ) (4-1-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-favorite-day-2-player-each-position

Lions 2023 draft: An offensive guard for every round (3rd round: Steve Avila, TCU - Avila certainly has the Lions’ interest. He’s met with the team twice already (Senior Bowl, Combine) and has a pre-draft visit scheduled as well.  It’s easy to see the appeal. Avila can play either guard spot or center and handle his business. As noted in our scouting profile on Avila, he’s a good stylistic fit for Detroit’s gap-blocking scheme more than he will appeal to zone-blocking teams.  As is the case with Torrence, Avila’s typical projected draft range falls between where the Lions pick in the prior round and when they’ll be on the clock in this one. A move into the late second might be required to draft the Horned Frogs standout.) (3-30-23)  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-2023-draft-offensive-guard-for-every-round-torrence-avila-zavala-broeker-vorhees-skoronski/

Lions hosting yet another guard prospect for pre-draft visit (3-29-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/03/lions-hosting-yet-another-guard-prospect-for-pre-draft-visit.html

Lions to have pre-draft meeting with TCU OL Steve Avila:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/29/lions-pre-draft-meeting-tcu-steve-avila/

2023 NFL Draft guard-center rankings: Peter Skoronski the clear top prospect (6. Steve Avila, TCU, Center/Guard, 6-4, 332, Redshirt Senior - Overview: Avila is a perfect illustration of just how big football is in Texas. He earned a four-star grade from ESPN as a recruit out of Arlington but ranked as just the ninth-best offensive guard from the state that year, which might explain why he only had only a few scholarship offers (Utah, Kansas State, UT-San Antonio, North Texas) before ultimately choosing to stick close to home with TCU.  It took Avila two years to crack TCU's starting lineup but once he did, he was a mainstay prized for his versatility and dependability, spreading his starts between center (17), left guard (15), right tackle (two) and right guard (one) over the next three years. Avila was voted a team captain prior to TCU's magical 2022 season and, for the second consecutive year, did not allow a single quarterback sack. He was named a consensus All-American, making him the first player at TCU since 2015 (wide receiver Josh Doctson) to be so honored.  Strengths: Avila has an ideal frame for the interior offensive line with a stocky, square core with good overall weight distribution and thick limbs, including 33" arms and vices for hands. He's a powerful dude with impressive core strength and balance to anchor and offers legitimate knockback power as a drive blocker when he keeps his technique. He's quicker and more agile than he looks, showing good snap-to-step fluidity as a center (2021) and the body control to mirror in space. He has very good patience as a pass blocker. Like a spider on a web, Avila invites defenders to come to him before pouncing with powerful hands to latch and control. He didn't allow a single sack in 2021 (at center) or 2022, despite playing left guard for the first time. Avila turned heads with his power at both the Senior Bowl and Combine (28 reps). Concerns: This strongman is actually currently better in pass protection than in the running game. He bounced around at various positions and is a bit behind in his development as a result. Avila needs to do a better job of maintaining his knee bend and keeping his feet shuffling through contact, both of which take away from his power. Avila's strike zone varies, as well. He shows inconsistent hand placement, too often delivering high initial punches and grabs that slip off and force him to readjust.  Bottom Line: Don't blame Avila for TCU's disappointing performance in the national title game against Georgia. He was as effective in slowing down Jalen Carter as anyone all year long and followed up a magical final season in Waco with a terrific week in Mobile. Whether at center or guard, Avila has the frame and physicality of a longtime NFL starter, likely earning him a Day 2 selection.  Grade: Second-Third Round) (3-22-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-guard-center-rankings-peter-skoronski-the-clear-top-prospect

Best offensive linemen available in the 2023 NFL Draft and free agency (7.  G Steve Avila, TCU (41)) (3-9-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-offensive-linemen-available-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-and-free-agency

2023 NFL Draft: Every top-10 offensive lineman's highest-graded season (STEVE AVILA, TCU (Big board rank: 41/OG2, Best PFF grade: 81.3, 2021, 2021 Pass-blocking grade: 75.4, 2021 Run-blocking grade: 81.9) (3-10-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-offensive-linemans-highest-graded-season

NFL Combine results: 15 standouts from the offensive line groups (Steve Avila, IOL, TCU, 6-foot-3 1/2, 332, 1.84, 4.74 SS:  Avila showed fluid movement when changing direction, is an easy puller, and did a nice job transitioning from discarding blocks to pulling on screens. In pass pro, he drops his weight to anchor, keeps balance, and opts to maintain his technique over dropping for distance—which points to him staying at guard.  Overall, he is a fast processor with power in his hands, has the athleticism to fit a gap scheme, and has plenty of anchor to be an effective pass protector. If he is there at pick No. 48, grab him.) (3-6-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/6/23625809/2023-nfl-combine-results-15-standouts-offensive-line-groups

2023 NFL Draft: Predicting the NFL scouting combine's top performers (INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINE: STEVE AVILA, TCU - Avila is a big boy who won’t test like one. He’s a 332-pound guard who holds that weight with ease, as his get-off and movement skills are top-notch. His experience at both guard and center will be very intriguing to teams at the top of the second round.) (3-2-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-predicting-2023-nfl-scouting-combines-top-performers

NFL Draft: Top 5 prospects at each offensive position (5. OG Steve Avila:  Avila is the opposite. He's a power player with a wide base and stellar anchoring ability.) (2-27-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-breaking-down-the-top-5-prospects-at-each-offensive-position-heading-into-the-combine/

2023 NFL combine: Detroit Lions could re-invest in their stellar offensive line (G Steve Avila, TCU: A three-year starter and captain who played both left guard and center for the Horned Frogs. Allowed no sacks on 540 pass blocks last year.) (2-24-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/2023-nfl-combine-detroit-lions-could-re-invest-in-their-stellar-offensive-line.html

2023 NFL Combine preview: 15 offensive linemen the Lions should be watching (Steve Avila, IOL, TCU, 6-foot-3, 332:  With over 1000+ snaps at center and another 1000+ at guard, Avila is a true IOL, as he is capable of playing at all three interior spots. A terrific power athlete, Avila is a perfect fit in the Lions gap/zone run scheme, as he is light enough on his feet to pull and move, yet strong enough to anchor in pass protection and bury defenders as a run blocker. Avila gives off some Jonah Jackson vibes, but is 30 pounds heavier, and is an instant starter that can be grabbed in Round 2.) (2-24-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/24/23610590/2023-nfl-combine-preview-15-offensive-linemen-detroit-lions-watch

2023 Combine preview: Interior offensive line (3. Steve Avila, TCU, 6-3, 332:  Avila can play both guard and center and was a three-year starter and team captain for the Horned Frogs. He has good athleticism to go with his big frame and will continue to get better as he gets a little crisper with his technique and hand usage.) (2-23-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-combine-preview-interior-offensive-line-torrence-schmitz-avila

Offensive Linemen for Lions to Watch at 2023 Scouting Combine (Steve Avila, G, TCU:  Avila enters the combine after being a pivotal player in TCU’s magical run to the national championship game. He was a huge part of the line that kept Max Duggan upright, while paving run lanes for the Horned Frogs.  He’s polished enough to start right away, and could be the answer for the Lions if they elect to address defense early in the draft. With three picks on Day 2 of the draft, Detroit could use one on Avila, if it feels the need to go defense earlier in the draft.) (2-22-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-combine-preview-offensive-linemen

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior offensive line (2. STEVE AVILA, TCU (BIG BOARD RANK: 41):  Avila is a relatively safe bet to be a plus pass-protecting guard at the next level.) (2-21-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-offensive-line

Bucky Brooks' top five 2023 NFL Draft prospects by position 1.0: Stroud, Young, Hooker top QB rankings (4.  Steve Avila)  (2-16-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-top-five-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-1-0-stroud-young-hook


20 Players Who Raised NFL Draft Stock During All-Star Games (Steve Avila IOL, TCU:  A lot like Schmitz, there’s nothing crazy sexy about Avila’s game, but he looks the part of a guard behind a 6-foot-3, 332-pound frame. He had clean reps all week and teams that operate with a balanced approach will love his ability to move vertically in the run, then drop anchor and serve as a wall in pass pro.) (2-8-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-draft-2023-all-star-standouts/

Senior Bowl 2023 Offensive Standouts To Note (Steve Avila:  A lot like Schmitz, there’s nothing crazy sexy about Avila’s game, but he looks the part of a guard behind a 6-foot-3, 332-pound frame. He had clean reps all week and teams that operate with a balanced approach will love his ability to move vertically in the run, then drop anchor and serve as a wall in pass pro.) (2-7-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/senior-bowl-2023-offense-standouts/

Final Risers From the 2023 Senior Bowl Include Tyjae Spears, Jayden Reed (Steve Avila, OL, TCU:  Already, Steve Avila carried a lot of appeal as a prospect heading into the Senior Bowl. He’s a dense, boxy offensive lineman with versatility on the interior. But in one-on-ones and team drills, he showed off surprising lateral mobility. And particularly on an island against defensive tackles, his ability to lock out and generate torque was a devastating touch.) (2-4-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/final-risers-from-the-2023-senior-bowl-include-tyjae-spears-jayden-reed/

Senior Bowl 2023: Get To Know Steve Avila (1-28-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/senior-bowl-2023-steve-avila-interview/

Top Interior Offensive Linemen at the 2023 Senior Bowl Include O’Cyrus Torrence and John Michael Schmitz (3. Steve Avila, TCU:  Several of the top interior offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl offer significant positional versatility, and TCU center-turned-guard Steve Avila is certainly one of them. Avila made starts at center, OT, and guard in 2020 before earning first-team All-Big 12 honors as an 11-game starter at center in 2021. Avila nailed down the guard spot for the national title runners-up this fall.  If you’re looking for an elite athlete on the interior offensive line, Avila isn’t going to be your guy. If you’re looking for a mauler who can win with power, hand technique, length, and an innate understanding of using leverage to manipulate an opponent, then the versatile TCU lineman is most definitely going to be one to watch in Mobile.) (1-23-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-interior-offensive-linemen-at-the-2023-senior-bowl/

Senior Bowl 2023 OL Primer: What You Need To Know (Steve Avila:  I expect Avila to enjoy a ton of success at the Senior Bowl. A road grader in the ground game that is a brick wall to get around in pass pro, he has the chance to play for a decade in the NFL. I’m a big fan of his game.) (1-19-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/senior-bowl-2023-ol-primer/

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 interior offensive line prospects (3. STEVE AVILA, TCU (RS SENIOR | 6-4, 330) (2022 Grade: 71.0, Initial Round Projection: Day 2):  Avila is such an easy mover that it’s difficult to believe he’s 330 pounds. His agility at his size is what made him one of the best pass-protecting guards in the country this past season. He allowed only 11 pressures on 540 pass-blocking snaps for an 83.6 grade in that regard. While TCU’s scheme didn't exactly feature pro-style concepts, Avila still showed the kind of consistency to think he can be a day-one starter.) (1-18-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-top-10-interior-offensive-line-rankings

Georgia vs. TCU 2023 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in College Football Playoff National Championship (Steve Avila, G, TCU:  The battle between Steve Avila and Jalen Carter will be the one to watch. Carter is quick, athletic, and agile. Avila is a classic power gap guard who consistently annihilates the opposition. He offers little scheme diversity, but a good performance against Carter could change that opinion.) (1-9-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/georgia-vs-tcu-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-national-championship/

2023 NFL Draft: Prospect Matchups to Watch in the National Championship Game (TCU OL Steve Avila, Alan Ali vs. Georgia DT Jalen Carter:  Jalen Carter is playing in a National Championship game again, and onlookers couldn’t be happier. This year, without prospects like Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, and Travon Walker alongside him, we’ll get to see Carter truly shine as the premier playmaker on the front. That is, if the TCU offensive line doesn’t have anything to say about it. Carter will face some resistance on the interior. Alan Ali is an experienced SMU transfer at center, while Steve Avila is a powerful guard with a wide reach and venerable knock-back power in his strikes.  Carter has the explosiveness, lateral agility, natural leverage, and awesome raw power to remain disruptive in this one. But odds are, TCU will send more than one double-team from this pair in his direction. How Carter responds will be worth watching.) (1-9-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-the-national-championship-game/

Scouting Georgia vs. TCU: The top NFL draft prospects to watch (When TCU has the football, scouts could be just as entranced by the battle at the line of scrimmage. As mentioned previously, Georgia’s top prospect is Carter, a virtual wrecking ball of a defensive tackle. TCU boasts two of the better blockers in the country in left guard Steve Avila and center Alan Ali, who will be tasked with slowing down Carter and Georgia’s front.  At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Avila is a bowling ball, himself. The former center comes off the ball low and hard and doesn’t back down from anyone. Ali, a graduate transfer from Southern Methodist, is well-built as well at 6-foot-4, 305 pounds. Ali doesn’t exactly float like a butterfly like the great boxer with the same last name, but he is surprisingly agile, previously starting at guard and even left tackle at SMU.  As such, even in a title game full of future pros, this tale of the tape along the line of scrimmage will be the one drawing the most attention from scouts. ) (1-6-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/the-must-see-nfl-prospects-playing-in-the-national-championship

Michigan vs. TCU 2023 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in College Football Playoff (Steve Avila, C:  The battle between Steve Avila and Mazi Smith on the line of scrimmage could be one for the ages as these are two huge, powerful men. Avila is a classic power gap guard who consistently annihilates the opposition. He offers little scheme diversity but will be a monster in the right system.) (12-31-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/michigan-vs-tcu-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-playoff/

Ten 2023 NFL Draft Prospects With the Most To Gain in the College Football Playoff (Steve Avila, G, TCU:  Name a defensive metric, and you’ll likely find Michigan lurking around the top 10. And in most, they’re within the top-five teams in the country. In order for TCU to succeed in the College Football Playoff, the offensive line is going to have to nullify a ferocious backfield assault.  Key to that will be 2023 NFL Draft center-turned-guard prospect Steve Avila. The 6’4″, 334 pounds interior offensive lineman possesses the qualities required to be a bully in the phone booth, with excellent length and length and power in addition to his sheer size.) (12-31-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ten-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-with-most-to-gain-in-the-college-football-playoff/

2023 Senior Bowl: Who will rise up NFL draft boards in Mobile? Keep an eye on these 10 prospects (Hayes, Oluwatimi, Avila, Battle, Smith, Young, Duggan, To'oTo'o, Harrison, Jones) (12-30-22):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-senior-bowl-who-will-rise-up-nfl-draft-boards-in-mobile-keep-an-eye-on-thes

Duggan, Hodges-Tomlinson, Avila Named AP Football All Americans (Duggan, Avila Named Second Team - After being named a 2020 All-Big 12 honorable mention a 2021 All-Big 12 first team selection, Avila claimed his biggest honor yet. Avila led an offensive line that allowed sacks on fewer than 1% of all dropbacks over their last three games, fifth best in the country. He also paved the way for running back Kendre Miller to record over 1,300 rushing yards on the season.  He was named second-team guard alongside Kansas State's Cooper Beebe.) (12-12-22):  https://www.si.com/college/tcu/football/max-duggan-trevius-hodges-tomlinson-steve-avila-named-2022-ap-football-all-americans

College Football Week 12 Live Reactions, Results, and Takeaways (Ika vs. Avila = The Definition of Big Against Big - 12:30 p.m. — There’s a lot on the line today for undefeated TCU, who is presently down to Baylor by a score of 7-0. The best matchup in this game has 355-pound Baylor defensive tackle Siaki Ika going up against 334-pound TCU offensive guard Steve Avila.  While TCU did not score on the opening drive, the early advantage in this contest goes to Avila. Both grade as Day 2 prospects. TP.  Ika Looking Dominant Against TCU - 2:40 p.m. — While TCU was getting the better of Siaki Ika early in the game, the massive defensive tackle from Baylor has acquitted himself well, and his team is holding on to a one-point lead. TP) (11-19-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-12-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Battles To Watch Week 12: Will Levis Faces Georgia Defense (TCU OL Steve Avila vs. Baylor DT Siaki Ika:  There’s almost 700 total pounds of linemen in this trench battle between TCU offensive guard Steve Avila and Baylor nose tackle Siaki Ika. Avila is a boxy 6’4″, 330-pound interior blocker with suffocating strength and awesome power. Ika matches Avila’s strength at 6’4″, 350 pounds, but also has enough burst to provide value on passing downs.  This would be an even better matchup if Avila was at center, the position he played in 2021. But they’ll still likely cross paths a good amount on Saturday. Avila’s wide frame is simply hard to get around in pass protection. Ika, however, will make it difficult for Avila to displace on the ground, and he has the pass-rushing chops to make some noise.) (11-19-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-battles-to-watch-cfb-week-12-2022/

Chase Brown, Tuli Tuipulotu and other power players NFL scouts will watch in Week 12 (The action kicks off right away with a critical matchup for an undefeated Horned Frogs squad seeking to crash the playoff party. TCU features one of this year’s top centers in Steve Avila, who will go up against Baylor’s talented nose guard Siaki Ika, an LSU transfer who flashes the athleticism and power NFL scouts crave.  At a burly 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, Avila possesses NFL-caliber size and surprising initial quickness to control most defenders. He’s both broad-shouldered and balanced, showing good lateral agility and core strength to hold up in pass protection, as well as creating consistent movement at the point of attack.) (11-17-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/chase-brown-tuli-tuipulotu-and-other-power-players-nfl-scouts-will-watch-in-week-12

College Football Week 11 Live Reactions, Results, and Takeaways (Avila vs. Coburn — Battle of the Big Men - 8:25 p.m. — One of the better matchups of the evening is watching TCU left guard Steve Avila face off against Texas defensive tackle Keondre Coburn. Avila has the power advantage and has out-positioned or blocked down on Coburn to remove him from the action.  The Texas defender has a definite mobility/agility advantage over Avila. Several times, Avila was unable to handle Coburn’s quickness and ability to adjust, redirect or immediately change direction. Avila has a third-round grade on my board with Coburn rated a frame later. TP) (11-12-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-11-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/

College Football Week 10: PFF Team of the Week and Player Awards (PFF TEAM OF THE WEEK

CFN’s College Football Midseason All-Americans 2022 (1st-Team Offense - G: Steve Avila, TCU:  Finally, the only non-Big Ten member on the first-team Midseason All-American list on the offensive line: Steve Avila from unbeaten TCU. Avila has been tremendous in every game this season for the Horned Frogs, whether it’s been clearing lanes in the run game or keeping Max Duggan clean from pressure.) (10-17-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfns-college-football-midseason-all-americans-2022/

Week 5 College Football Team Of The Week: Clark Phillips III, Emmanuel Forbes Dominant (Guard: Steve Avila, TCU - Everything just went well for TCU on offense against Oklahoma. In that, Steve Avila had a bevy of highlight-reel moments both in the run game and in pass protection.  Avila was dominant at all levels and helped paved the way for a historic performance from TCU QB Max Duggan.) (10-2-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-team-of-the-week-week-5-2022/

College Football Week 4 Live Reactions, Results, And Takeaways (Another Big 12 blocker controlling the L.O.S. - 12:40- TCU blocker Steve Avila, a week one riser, is again dominating the opposition, this time the SMU defensive line. Avila not only looks powerful but has shown surprising skill blocking in motion or kicking out and removing defenders on the move. If scouts believe Avila can be more than a power gap lineman, as he’s showing today, his draft stock will soar. TP) (9-24-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-4-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/

2023 Big Board Risers And Sliders: Zay Flowers, Brant Kuithe Impress In Week 1 (Steve Avila, OL, TCU:  Steve Avila was another blocker who helped pave the way for his offense and looked absolutely dominant as TCU mauled Colorado by a score of 38-13. The Horned Frogs rolled up 275 yards rushing and punched the ball in the end zone four times.  Avila moved from the center position he manned in 2021 to left guard and was equally as dominant. He’s a wide-bodied powerhouse who can play any of the interior blocking spots on Sundays in a power-gap scheme.) (9-7-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-big-board-risers-sliders-week-1/

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 players at every position (Interior offensive linemen - 5.  Steve Avila, C, TCU) (8-26-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-10-players-at-every-position/

Big 12 2023 NFL Draft prospects and scouting reports (Steve Avila, G | Grade: 3.72 | Projected Round: 3 - Offensive lineman Steve Avila is the top TCU prospect and holds a third-round grade on my board. He’s a dominant power-gap lineman who drives defenders from the action and finishes blocks. Avila is smart and very nasty, playing through the whistle and working to finish off opponents. Though he played center in 2021, Avila sits on my guard board, the position where he’ll line up this season.) (8-24-22):  

Top 25 Big 12 2023 NFL Draft prospects: Kansas State's Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Baylor's Siaki Ika headline the group (16. C STEVE AVILA, TCU (RS SENIOR):  Avila is one athletic 334-pounder. In his second season as a starter, he put up an 81.3 overall grade, faring equally well in both run blocking and pass blocking. He has the size for all three interior positions and has even played 113 snaps at right tackle in his career. Avila is an ascending prospect who could push even higher on this list after 2022.) (8-5-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-25-big-12-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-felix-anudike-uzomah-siaki-ika

TCU’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Quentin Johnston, Steve Avila (Steve Avila, C:  The Horned Frogs quietly have one of the best centers in the nation. Steve Avila has a lot of competition in the 2023 NFL Draft center class, but he’s right in the mix for one of the top spots.  The 6’4″, 334-pound blocker is a menace in a phone booth, with long arms that can channel great amounts of power. But he also flashes methodical hand usage and plays with a wide, steady base. He’s exactly the kind of player you want at center, and his success in college could translate to the pros.) (July 2, 2022):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tcus-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-led-by-quentin-johnston-steve-avila/

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Notebook: Favorite Big 12 prospects upon initial study (Steve Avila, C, TCU:  Quentin Johnston is one of my favorite prospects early on in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle, but he’s not the only one on TCU’s offense worth circling. There’s also one very solid prospect at a position that can get overlooked — first-team All-Big 12 center Steve Avila.  Even after a stellar 2021 campaign, Avila can still strive for more consistency. But his brightest moments are enthralling, and it makes it easy to project what a best-case career could bring for Avila at the NFL level.  Avila is listed at 6’4″, 334 pounds, with a massive, boxy frame and excellent proportional length. He keeps a wide base, and with that length, he can slab and blast defenders back with power, and his grip strength makes it difficult for smaller players to disengage.  Avila might not be an elite athlete, but he has enough straight-line burst in the tank to close gaps and move in space. And in close quarters, he can use independent hands with force. At times, he brings shades of Ryan Jensen — who’s perhaps a representation of the ceiling.) (6-17-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-scouting-notebook-favorite-big-12-prospects-upon-initial-study/




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