Tyler Steen’s Time to Shine
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2025 NFL season, all eyes are on their offensive line, a unit that has been the backbone of their Super Bowl LIX championship run. With the departure of Mekhi Becton to the Los Angeles Chargers, the right guard position is up for grabs, and third-year pro Tyler Steen is emerging as the clear frontrunner. A recent vote of confidence from Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens has put Steen back on everyone’s radar, signaling his potential to anchor the Eagles’ line. In this blog post, we’ll explore Steen’s journey, his battle for the starting role, and why his teammates and coaches believe he’s ready to step up. With the Eagles aiming to defend their title, Steen’s rise could be a game-changer.
The Eagles’ Offensive Line: A Legacy of Dominance
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line has long been one of the NFL’s best, anchored by legends like Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Brandon Brooks. In 2024, the unit powered the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, with Mekhi Becton stepping in at right guard after outshining Steen in training camp. However, Becton’s move to the Chargers on a two-year, $20 million deal has left a void, and Steen is seizing the opportunity to claim the starting role he was drafted for in 2023.
Steen, a third-round pick from Alabama, was seen as a versatile lineman with the potential to develop under renowned offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. Despite losing the starting job to Becton last season, Steen’s growth has been evident, earning praise from teammates and analysts alike. With training camp looming on July 21, 2025, Steen’s performance in OTAs and minicamp has positioned him as the favorite to start at right guard, a critical piece of Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.
Cam Jurgens’ Vote of Confidence
On June 25, 2025, a quote from Cam Jurgens, the Eagles’ Pro Bowl center, sparked excitement about Steen’s potential. “I think he’s going to step in there and do a great job,” Jurgens said on the Ross Tucker Podcast, referring to playing alongside Steen at right guard. Jurgens, who transitioned from right guard to center after Jason Kelce’s retirement, knows the demands of the position and sees Steen as ready to excel. His endorsement carries weight, given Jurgens’ own success and familiarity with the Eagles’ system under Stoutland.
Posts on X echoed Jurgens’ sentiment, with fans and analysts noting Steen’s development and work ethic. One user, @JakeRabadiNFL, tweeted on May 25, 2024, “A player I’ve heard the #Eagles are happy with how their offseason is going is Tyler Steen. The job is his to lose & he’s done an amazing job so far.” This early buzz has only grown, with Steen taking first-team reps throughout OTAs and minicamp, signaling the coaching staff’s trust in him.
Tyler Steen’s Journey: From Alabama to Philadelphia
Born in Miami, Florida, Tyler Steen was a standout at Vanderbilt before transferring to Alabama for his final college season in 2022. His versatility—playing both tackle and guard—made him a coveted prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Selected by the Eagles in the third round (No. 65 overall), Steen was viewed as a developmental player with the potential to become a starter under Stoutland’s tutelage.
In his rookie season, Steen appeared in 11 games with one start, gaining valuable experience behind veterans like Becton and Jurgens. In 2024, he played in all 17 regular-season games, starting two, and contributed to the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. Despite a minor ankle injury during 2024 training camp that allowed Becton to claim the starting role, Steen’s resilience and growth have kept him in the conversation. His strength, highlighted by Lane Johnson as a key improvement, positions him to handle the physical demands of right guard.
The Right Guard Battle: Steen vs. the Field
While Steen is the frontrunner, the right guard competition isn’t over. The Eagles signed veteran Matt Pryor, a former sixth-round pick who started 15 games for the Chicago Bears in 2024, as a challenger. Pryor, at 6’7” and 332 pounds, brings experience and size, but his inconsistent performance with the Bears (who had the NFL’s highest sack percentage in 2024) makes him a less likely starter. Kenyon Green, acquired via trade, and 2024 fifth-round pick Trevor Keegan are also in the mix, but both are seen as depth pieces rather than immediate threats to Steen.
The Athletic noted on June 6, 2025, that Steen’s position battle is “his most favorable since arriving in Philadelphia,” with Pryor as his primary competition. Steen’s edge comes from his familiarity with the Eagles’ system and Stoutland’s coaching, which emphasizes cross-training and technical precision. Lane Johnson, a two-time All-Pro, praised Steen’s development, saying, “He’s just been putting in work, and I think you’ve seen traits of him where he can be a dominating player.” This support from a veteran like Johnson underscores Steen’s readiness to step up.
Why Steen’s Role Matters for the Eagles
The Eagles’ offensive line is the heart of their high-powered offense, which ranked among the NFL’s best in 2024, averaging 28.9 points per game. With Jalen Hurts at quarterback, Saquon Barkley in the backfield, and receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the line’s ability to protect and create running lanes is critical. Steen’s potential to lock down right guard ensures continuity for a unit that includes stalwarts like Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, and Lane Johnson.
Steen’s emergence also aligns with Philadelphia’s youth movement. With veterans like Jason Kelce and Brandon Brooks retired, and Johnson and Mailata showing signs of wear (both missed time due to injuries in 2024), Steen represents the next generation. His ability to hold up against elite defensive fronts, like those of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or San Francisco 49ers, will be crucial as the Eagles aim to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
Challenges and Opportunities for Steen
Steen’s path to the starting role isn’t without hurdles. His limited starting experience—only two starts in two seasons—raises questions about his readiness for a full-time role. A false start during minicamp drills, noted by The Athletic on June 11, 2025, highlights areas for improvement. However, Steen’s work ethic and Stoutland’s coaching give him a strong foundation to overcome these challenges.
The opportunity is immense. If Steen secures the starting job, he’ll play alongside a Pro Bowl-caliber line, learning from Johnson and Jurgens daily. His versatility, honed at Alabama, allows him to adapt to Stoutland’s cross-training philosophy, which could see him serve as a swing lineman if injuries arise. As Yardbarker noted on June 22, 2025, “Philadelphia has always relied on its offensive line to provide stability for the offense,” and Steen’s emergence could solidify that foundation.
The Bigger Picture: Eagles’ 2025 Outlook
The Eagles enter 2025 as defending Super Bowl champions, with a roster brimming with talent. Young stars like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Jalen Carter anchor a defense coordinated by Vic Fangio, while the offense boasts Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and a deep receiving corps. However, turnover at key positions, including right guard, linebacker, and safety, creates uncertainty. Steen’s ability to step up could stabilize the offense, allowing new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo to maximize the unit’s potential.
Posts on X reflect the excitement around Philadelphia’s roster, with @nflpress_digest tweeting on June 25, 2025, “The Philadelphia Eagles are brimming with talent, yet one of the most pressing questions remains: Who will start at right guard?” Steen’s name is at the forefront, with fans optimistic about his potential to anchor the line.
Why Steen’s Rise Matters
Tyler Steen’s emergence as the likely starter at right guard is more than a roster footnote; it’s a testament to the Eagles’ ability to develop young talent. His journey from a third-round pick to a potential cornerstone reflects the coaching prowess of Jeff Stoutland and the team’s commitment to building from within. For fans, Steen represents hope for continued dominance on the offensive line, a unit critical to Philadelphia’s success.
As the Eagles aim to make history as the first team to repeat as Super Bowl champions since the 2003-04 Patriots, Steen’s role will be pivotal. His ability to protect Jalen Hurts and open lanes for Saquon Barkley could determine whether Philadelphia hangs another banner at Lincoln Financial Field.
Steen’s Moment to Lead
Tyler Steen is no longer a question mark but a rising star ready to anchor the Eagles’ offensive line. With Cam Jurgens’ vote of confidence, Lane Johnson’s praise, and Jeff Stoutland’s guidance, Steen is poised to claim the right guard role in 2025. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Steen to prove he can carry the torch for one of the NFL’s premier units.
Follow the Eagles’ journey on ESPN and NBC, and share your thoughts in the comments. Do you believe Tyler Steen will lock down the starting job? Let’s hear your predictions!
