A scouting report on Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted free agent signing, Michigan center Greg Crippen, signed by the team out of rookie minicamp.
N0. 51 Greg Crippen/C Michigan – 6034, 301 pounds (Graduate Student)
MEASUREMENTS
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
Greg Crippen 6034/301 9 1/2 31 3/8 77
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
5.44 1.75 4.72 7.90
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
8’8″ 28 24
All Results From Pro Day
THE GOOD
– Filled out frame with good bulk
– Sets hips well and takes good angles in run game
– Lacks elite pop out of stance but is still able to reach and cut off, best working down the track on zone schemes
– Smart pivot who made line calls
– Able to stick when he gets hands on with grip strength, can clear way at second level when he gets into the defender
– Wide base in pass protection
– Improved throughout his career and regarded as having plus work ethic
The Bad
– Poor arm length
– On the ground too often overall, lacks coordination and balance
– Defenders too often make first contact and get into his chest, uprighting him
– Plays too tall and high as a run blocker and doesn’t create movement on drive blocks
– Prone to getting beaten on his edges
– Average to below-average foot speed
– Struggles to block looper on stunts
– Uses hop step to slow down bull rushes, but is too often knocked back and run over by bigger defenders who play with power
– Can be late coming off first level to make second level block
– Only saw time at one position and doesn’t have versatility
Stats
– Career: 1,505 offensive snaps across 40 games (21 starts)
– All career snaps at center
– 765 offensive snaps in 2025
– Allowed four career sacks, per PFF (two in 2025)
– Seven career penalties (six in 2025)
– PFF’s No. 84 center in 2025 among 127 qualifiers (No. 62 pass blocker, No. 94 run blocker)
– Dane Brugler’s No. 33 ranked center for 2026 draft
Injury History
– 2024: ankle/foot injury at end of fall camp
– 2025: didn’t finish Texas game due to undisclosed injury
Bio
– Turned 24 in February, 2026
– Three-star recruit from Northborough, Massachusetts
– Chose Michigan over Notre Dame, Alabama, Ohio State, and other big programs
– Initially committed to Notre Dame before changing his mind
– Committed to Michigan in part because he liked the cold (“that was important to me”), along with feeling more “comfortable” there, and crediting DC Don Brown for helping recruit him
– Attended IMG Academy in Florida for final three years of HS, was teammates with J.J. McCarthy, Daylen Everette, and others; played left guard first season before moving to center his final two
– Initially lost 2024 job to replace Drake Nugent but gained it midway through season after starter got hurt
– Coaches had “blunt” conversations about the need for him to improve run blocking throughout career, credits former NFL coach Juan Castillo for improving his game and technique
– Played QB and WR in grade school, moving to offensive line as HS freshman
– High school coach praised his work ethic and weight room ability
– Father, Tom, is a lieutenant with the Hudson Police Department; mother, Sue, became first female lieutenant for Framingham Fire Department
Tape Breakdown
Greg Crippen had a rough road at Michigan, failing to secure the starting job in 2024 and needing an injury to crack the lineup. But he didn’t waver or transfer and became the full-time starter in 2025.
Crippen is better known for his pass protection than run blocking. On the latter, he’s better on zone schemes. He sets his hips well and is able to reach block and block defenders down the track. Examples. He’s No. 51, the center, in all the following clips.
In pass protection, he flashed plus reps. When he’s able to stick and get into the defender’s pads, he can control the block.
Still, a lack of length hurts his ability to make first contact. Too often, defenders are into his chest and control him. As a run blocker, Crippen plays upright and tall, failing to create much movement on his drive blocks. He’s also on the ground too often.
In pass protection, bull rushes give him trouble. He’s not much better at protecting his edges. He needs to win early to win the rep.
Conclusion
Overall, Greg Crippen did something to impress the team out of rookie minicamp. His football IQ probably helped him stand out. But there are physical and athletic limitations in his game that will make sticking a tough climb. He’ll need to keep ascending the way he did late in his college career in order to make the practice squad.
My NFL comp is Jimmy Morrissey.
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