Steele Chambers, LB, Ohio State
Size:
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 226 pounds
Arm Length: 30 1/2"
Hand Size: 9 1/4"
Accomplishments:
Third-Team All-Big Ten (2023) • All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2022, 2021)
“Steele Chambers is a running back convert with the instincts and range to add depth within the lungs of a defense.”
Strengths:
Range
Eyes
Lateral agility
Disciplined in coverage principles
Concerns:
Play strength
Burst
Hips
Film Analysis:
Recruited to play running back, the switch to the defensive side of the ball for Steele Chambers has been a relatively smooth one. A presence in the lungs of the Buckeyes defense for three years, he enters the NFL with more than 1,700 snaps of work at LB.
Chambers is a constant communicator and quick to ID offensive concepts. Against the run, Chambers showcases an excellent ability to scrape and work laterally over the top before clicking downhill. Can be a bull in a china shop at times where he’ll lose focus on the ball-carrier, but his knack for blowing up combo blocks before working up to his depth can force disruption. Pursuit angles are relatively clean, but Chambers does not have a high athletic profile to consistently reach the ball-carrier where he’d like to at or behind the line of scrimmage. Physical when taking on blockers but his play strength/shedding ability needs improvement. Working on ‘half-manning’ linemen will help in avoiding the full brunt of opposing blockers. Does a nice job of meeting ball-carriers with his facemask split right down the middle of their body. Textbook wrap-up tackler.
In coverage, Chambers plays extremely well at depth. Will offer a team a high level of versatility at his size to play both at linebacker and at the robber spot in the shallow areas of the secondary. Constantly around the football and an athlete that displays excellent instincts to make plays on the football. Ball production is evident (four INTs/three PBUs at Ohio State). Physical with tight ends up the seam and has the awareness of when to raise hands and engage contact at the catch point. Would like to see a little more fluidity in his lower half when asked to flip and run, but not a major issue at this point in his evaluation.
Overall, Chambers may be a little light to live at linebacker, but his athleticism and versatility will be a selling point for teams that value hybrid defenders. Will also make an immediate impact on special teams (425 snaps).
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Exposures: Notre Dame (2023), Penn State (2023)
