We go back to the defensive side of the football for our next 90-man offseason roster profile, and the player highlighted can play both OLB positions, and the tenacity to play a huge role within the Pittsburgh Steelers defense.
Player: Arthur Moats
Position: OLB
School: James Madison
Overview:
In 2015 Arthur Moats finished second amongst Steelers linebackers with four sacks. While he split time with former first round pick Bud Dupree, the coaching staff significantly favored Moats during late game, critical situations. That’s indicative of Moats sheer dependability. While he’ll, most likely, never be among league leaders in the major statistics he can be counted on to execute and do his job to a reasonably high level.
One part of his game that looked exceptionally strong last year was his ability to disrupt the point of attack on stretch and zone rushing plays forcing runners to stray out of the play design and allowing Shazier and Timmons to collect numerous tackles while making many himself.
Though he lacks the elite burst off the line to really dominate NFL tackles, and can be somewhat of a liability in coverage he still often looks the part of a natural, fluid pass rusher who makes great use of leverage staying low, and getting up the field quickly. He uses a number of pass rushing techniques, but the interplay between his straight bullrush and a nifty slap and go move where he seems to fake the bullrush then accelerating upfield quickly seemed to give opponents fits.
Whether Moats can continue to fight off the talented Dupree for a starting job remains to be seen, but either way, Moats is the kind of player that it really helps a championship caliber team to compete late into January.
Strengths:
Full toolbox of pass rushing techniques
Dependably executes his assignments
Disrupts opponents running game and point of attack
Weaknesses:
Lacks elite burst
Can be a liability in coverage
Chances of Making the team: 100%