The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has been a serious project for the organization over the last several seasons. There have been plenty of failed draft picks, such as Kendrick Green, Kevin Dotson, and Dan Moore Jr. Moore however, is still the starting left tackle, despite his below average play since becoming the starter in 2021. His starting job was in jeopardy going into the 2023 season after Pittsburgh drafted Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Moore is in the same position once again as the team prepares for the 2024 season.
Jones started one game at left tackle while Moore was injured, but eventually would become the Steelers' starting right tackle after the midseason benching of Chukwuma Okorafor. Moore is being challenged for his starting job once again, this time by rookie Troy Fautanu. Pittsburgh selected Fautanu with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and has played a little at both left and right tackle during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and rookie minicamp. Following OTAs on Wednesday, Moore was asked if Arthur Smith's new offense caters to his skillset and gives him a good shot to retain his starting job.
"Yes, definitely. I think it highlights my athleticism in running off the ball, which is what I love to do."
There is no denying that Moore has been seen as one of the worst left tackles in the entire league. However, he kept his starting gig through training camp and the start of the season in 2023 while Jones was looking to cement himself as the team's future left tackle. Moore is playing in a new offense for the first time in his NFL career, and is clearly confident in how it exposes his athletic skillset. In 2023, he didn't get discouraged when the team drafted Jones, and it seems he is attacking 2024 in the same way.
Moore has struggled ever since entering the NFL. In 2023, he gave up 8 sacks and posted a pass blocking grade of 39.7 with a 51.8 overall grade via Pro Football Focus. This made him one of the worst at his position during the season. Had it not been for Okorafor getting benched, Moore would have likely eventually been replaced by Jones at left tackle.
Pittsburgh had a ton of offensive flaws in 2023 that may have overshadowed Moore's consistently bad play. The unit also struggled at center with Mason Cole, the quarterback play was inconsistent, and the offense was so bad that Mike Tomlin had to fire Matt Canada during the season. Now that the other holes on the offensive side of the ball have been upgraded, Moore should be on a short leash, even if he keeps his job through training camp.
Pittsburgh didn't use their last two first-round picks on left tackles to continue to start Moore. He will be out of the starting lineup eventually, it's just a question of when and who exactly will replace him. Jones could go back to his natural side, while Fautanu takes over at right tackle, or vice versa.
Steelers' Troy Fautanu And Broderick Jones Have A Major Advantage Over Dan Moore Jr.
Moore may be a fourth-year player with a ton of experience, but Jones and Fautanu have displayed the ability to changes their games while Moore hasn't. Both Jones and Fautanu have the ability to play on either side of the offensive line, and are happy to do so. The same can't be said about Moore. He recently shared that he still isn't comfortable on the right side of the offensive line.
He was just being honest about his confidence in his abilities, which is perfectly fine. But the Steelers value versatility, and Moore not being able to move around the offensive line may lead to him losing his starting job, or even being sent away from Pittsburgh.
