Steve Avila Complete NFL Draft Profile (Avila's Versatility Makes Him Stick Out as a Lineman)

TCU offensive lineman Steve Avila is eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft following his standout season in 2022. A four-year producer on a team that went to the National Championship game, Avila has shown nothing but constant growth and could hear his name called as early as the second round in April.

Here's everything you need to know about Steve Avila heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Steve Avila Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/12: Walter Football, Sporting News, Draft Tek, Pro Football Network, Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, ESPN.

Projected Draft Round: Round 2 (6), Round 3 (1)
Projected Team: Dolphins (2), Ravens (1), Giants (1), Falcons (1), Seahawks (1), Cowboys (1)

Steve Avila Scouting Report

Growing up just 30 minutes outside of Fort Worth, Avila committed to TCU as a four-star recruit out of high school. He redshirted in 2018 before appearing sparingly across 11 games in 2019. Avila stepped up in 2020 by allowing only 2 sacks across 510 snaps (center, right tackle and right guard).

Avila started 11 games at center in 2021, allowing 2 sacks and 1 QB hit on his way to earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. His storied college career ended with 15 starts at left guard in 2022. He led a prolific offense in snaps (1,020) and didn't allow a single sack as a second-team All-American player.

Highlighted strengths of Avila's game center around his versatility as well as his physicality. He can play multiple positions along the offensive line, which is never a bad thing, and consistently pushes defenders back in rushing plays. Avila excels at anchoring himself in place in pass protection, too.

Avila is far from a perfect prospect, though, as he tends to struggle when lined up opposite speedy pass rushers. Learning how to combat twists and other stunts will go a long way in helping Avila shine at the NFL level. Overall, the TCU standout has the frame and experience to take on a starting role.

Steve Avila NFL Draft Prediction

Avila is an intriguing prospect due to the fact that he could go to a team in need of help at either of the guard positions or at center. He has the experience to play right away, but could also benefit from learning the ropes behind a veteran offensive line. It makes predicting where he will land a tough task.

Many mock drafts expect Avila to be a second-round selection and I find myself leaning the same way. Seeing him fall past the Miami Dolphins at No. 51 overall would be a bit surprising. After all, the front office and coaching staff have emphasized an urgency to protect QB Tua Tagovailoa in 2023.

Adding Avila to the mix would also give Liam Eichenberg a chance to shift back to his natural position at LT and compete with Austin Jackson for the starting gig. Not only that, but Avila could also be the starting center down the road. Just keep an eye on whether or not a trade up is needed here.

Prediction: Miami Dolphins (Round 2, 51st overall)

Check out more NFL Draft content from The Duel:

Steve Avila NFL Combine Results

Steve Avila TCU Stats

Steve Avila TCU Highlights

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.