The Pittsburgh Steelers have started Dan Moore Jr. in 49 regular season games and two playoff games since he was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. While opinions vary largely on the Texas A&M product, the fact that he has managed to rise from a mid-round pick in the draft into an NFL starter is commendable. That doesn’t mean that Pittsburgh isn’t looking to find his replacement, however. Broderick Jones arrived in Pittsburgh via the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the proverbial clock started ticking on when Moore would lose his job.
Jones took Moore’s job at left tackle due to injury when he made his first career start in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. He didn’t get another start until Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans when he replaced Chukwuma Okorafor, who had been benched at right tackle. The rookie from Georgia started the rest of the season in place of Okorafor, who played very sparingly and signed with the New England Patriots following his release.
At the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, General Manager Omar Khan stated that Jones was drafted as a left tackle and will be a left tackle eventually. Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ray Fittipaldo, said those comments lead him to think the team will target a tackle early in the draft to allow the team to follow through on the general manager’s promise.
“I think if you’re looking to read into Omar’s words and he wants to do that sooner rather than later,” he said of moving Jones to his natural side. “I think that a tackle has to come either on day one or day two. I don’t consider guys drafted after the second round as potential plug-and-play guys.”
Jones made his first career collegiate start with the Bulldogs in 2020 as a right tackle during a fourth quarter drive against South Carolina. In his second season, Jones played in every game and started the last four at left tackle, In his final season at Georgia in 2022, Jones started 15 games all at left tackle.
Pittsburgh loves having positional flexibility on the offensive line. Knowing that Jones can move over to the right side and provide them with quality play is an asset. However, if a player is more comfortable on one side or the other, it probably behooves the team to have the player in the best spot to succeed. This is a lesson they might have learned with some offensive line picks in the recent past.
The good news for the Steelers is that 2024 is a solid offensive tackle class. While Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, who is considered by many as the cream of the crop, likely won’t be around when Pittsburgh picks at 20, there’s a decent chance they’ll have a shot at a future difference-maker at the position.
Steelers Will Have To Evaluate The Future Of Moore
If things fall Pittsburgh’s way and a tackle lands in their lap in the first round, Moore’s future with the organization will be a serious question. Fittipaldo wondered earlier in the offseason if selecting a tackle could mean Moore isn’t even on the team once the 2024 season begins.
Pittsburgh has two other tackles for the 2024 season. Spencer Anderson was chosen in the seventh round by the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft. He only played in two offensive plays during the regular season, but he played every position on the line during the 2023 preseason. Dylan Cook hasn’t played a single snap of regular season football.
It’s important to note that Moore has only ever played left tackle, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin stated in November that Moore is significantly better on the left side. This would make it difficult for him to be a swing tackle if he’s moved to the bench. As his rookie contract is about to end, he would be a cheap option for depth, but if he can’t improve his position flexibility, his spot on the team could be at risk.
Do you agree with Fittipaldo that a first or second-round tackle is likely?
