Relentless. He lived in the backfield with a combination of first‑step quickness and strong hands, winning both outside and on inside counters. He collapsed edges, forced the quarterback off his spot, and spilled runs back to help. The numbers won’t show how many plays he ruined by simply squeezing gaps and making the ball cut where the help was. On a night where Eastmark still found answers, Valdez’s disruption was the reason nothing came easy.

Steven Valdez is just flat-out tough in the trenches. He’s got that raw strength you can’t teach — the kind that lets him win reps even when he’s not in the perfect position. He plays with this relentless energy, like every snap is personal, and that motor shows up over and over again on film. You can see it in how he uses his length to keep linemen at bay, then powers through to collapse the pocket or blow up a run. He’s also got some sneaky speed for an edge rusher his size, which makes him even more dangerous when he gets a head of steam. Add in the way he fights through traffic like he’s locked onto the QB from the jump, and it’s easy to see why New Mexico State pulled the trigger. He’s the kind of guy who could carve out a role early just off effort and strength alone — and once he gets comfortable, watch out.

Valdez sizes up with a 6’3″ 240lb frame and showcases a solid bull rush to get underneath opponents use that powerful lower half to drive them back after a good initial strike. He started to flash those violent hands to go along eith his play strength which really made him a dangerous kid coming off the edges. Solid burst as well and he moves well within his frame- as I think he’s a dark horse kid to be top 5 in sacks this upcoming year. His size and frame alone should draw some eyes his way- and if he can put together a good first 3 games, I think he’ll start to see those offers really pour in. Really interesting kid to follow moving forward as he possesses all of the physical traits to be a dangerous player.

Versatile DL prospect that has the size and skillset to play both interior or the edge. At 6’3” 240 lbs. he’s got a strong build with a good combination of bulk and athleticism that makes him difficult to move in both the run game and as a pass rusher. Well proportioned to engage with offensive linemen while maintaining enough quickness to chase down ball carriers laterally. Like his strength at the POA to shed blockers, set the edge, and create disruption at the LOS. Good ability to rush the passer, he fight off blocks quickly and collapses the pocket forcing the QB to escape. Maintains excellent gap control, stays patient and doesn’t over commit to open up running lanes. Finished the 2024 season with 41 total tackles, 14.5 TFL, and 8.5 sacks.