Craig Steltz Scouting Report

Steltz didn't completely come out of nowhere in 2007. He totaled 42 tackles and four interceptions in a part-time role for the Tigers in 2006. But few could have predicted the breakout performance Steltz delivered in 2007. He had 101 tackles, which tied him with Ali Highsmith for team-high honors. He also had six interceptions, seven pass breakups and three forced fumbles. He was simply everywhere on the field for the national champions and the performance didn't go unnoticed. He was voted first-team All-American by The Associated Press. Steltz capitalizes on having great instincts. He reads the play quickly and is always flowing toward the football. His awareness in coverage led to his interception total. He is equally adept providing run support. He's aggressive and rarely misses a tackle. His size and physical style make him a force against the run and his motor never stops. The biggest knocks on Steltz are that he isn't a great athlete -- though some scouts believe that's being overblown -- and that he doesn't have ideal speed. He runs a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash. He also doesn't have much quickness or a burst to recover. He will struggle in man coverage, which makes him a little one-dimensional. The perception surrounding his skills is going to hurt him in the draft, with some NFL people believing he'll never be more than a backup. But it's more likely he'll develop into a consistent starter. At worst, he will be a solid backup and a beast on special teams. He'll likely be drafted in the middle rounds.