Drew Sample

TE · Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers · 42 graded snaps

Replacement

Drew Sample performed at a replacement level, flashing quality point-of-attack run blocking against Pittsburgh's edges while being offset by occasional quick losses and special teams mistakes.

Receiving6013Special teams6013Run block6711Pass block605

The full breakdown

Sample spent most of his afternoon working in the trenches and on coverage units, finishing with entirely neutral grades across 18 combined receiving and pass protection snaps. His run blocking drove most of his positive value, highlighted by back-to-back quality seals on T.J. Watt (Q3 14:53) and Alex Highsmith (Q3 14:17) to clear running lanes. However, his score was kept near baseline due to critical lapses, including allowing Nick Herbig inside across his face for a run stop (Q3 01:54) and getting beat on a kickoff return that led directly to a tackle (Q3 15:00).

Strengths

Perimeter edge sealing
Point-of-attack body positioning

Weaknesses

Vulnerable to quick inside penetration
Sustaining second-level blocks

Plays that moved the grade

+1Q3 14:17, 2nd & 4Controlled Alex Highsmith on the perimeter and anchored to open the edge for a 13-yard gain.
-1Q3 01:54, 1st & 10Beaten inside across his face by Nick Herbig immediately at the snap, yielding a tackle for no gain.
-1Q3 15:00, kickoffWhiffed on his lead block against Jack Sawyer, allowing the primary tackle on a 13-yard return.

Every graded snap · 9 wins or losses, 33 routine

+0.5Q1 00:52 · Special teamsDelivers a clean engagement against the coverage rush to widen the running lane.
-0.5Q2 14:17 · 2 & 7 · Run blockEngages Payton Wilson but fails to sustain leverage as Wilson stacks and helps make the tackle.
+0.5Q2 06:59 · 1 & 10 · Run blockEngages #90 T.J. Watt at the line of scrimmage, maintaining body positioning and stalemating the edge.
-1Q3 15:00 · Special teamsBeaten on his block by #33 Jack Sawyer, allowing the primary tackle to be made for a short return.
+1Q3 14:53 · 1 & 10 · Run blockExecutes a solid reach and seal block on Watt, preventing him from crashing inside into the rushing lane.
+1Q3 14:17 · 2 & 4 · Run blockEngages Alex Highsmith on the perimeter, controlling his chest and anchoring to maintain the edge for the runner.
-1Q3 01:54 · 1 & 10 · Run blockBeaten inside across his face by Herbig immediately after the snap, conceding the tackle for no gain.

Drew Sample's season grades →