2021 NFL Draft: Grading the Steelers fourth round selection of Dan Moore

Good news, Steelers Nation. After being subjected to a mind numbing amount of mock drafts and plenty of unsubstantiated speculation during what seemed like an inordinately long pre-draft process, minus the Scouting Combine to break up the monotony, the 2021 NFL Draft is finally upon us. I have been given the distinguished task of trying to apply a letter grade to each Steelers selection.

There are specific criteria necessary when attempting to accurately and fairly grade any draft pick. Only time will reveal the validity of any grade given, but I will utilize certain parameters as I attempt to apply an initial grade for each Steelers draft pick. I base each grade on projected roster fit, potential immediate impact, and assumed draft value. Draft value is achieved by evaluating each players actual selection against their projected draft position, whether that be player rankings or projected round.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Texas A&M OT Dan Moore with the 128th selection of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Steelers entered the draft determined to improve their running game and they have utilized the first three rounds to make that goal come to fruition. I thought I had a rather firm grasp on how the Steelers were going to go about implementing that plan, based on their initial three selections and the Kevin Dotson selection last year. However, this pick has me questioning what I thought I already knew. This selection screams zone blocking philosophy, instead of the power concept I was projecting.

Based on the aforementioned parameters of need, fit, and value; I am generously giving the selection of Dan Moore an initial draft grade of C, based solely on my faith in Colbert and the scouting department. There definitely appeared to be more polished prospects available at his selection that could have made a more immediate impact for the Steelers.

Moore has solid size and athleticism for a offensive tackle, particularly for the left side. He is 6'5" and weighs 312 lbs. He has long arms and big hands. Mobility is a plus, and he was a three year starter on one of the top collegiate offensive lines in the nation last season.

Honestly, other than that I really don't know what else I can tell you. The evaluations are all over the place with this guy. Some say he would be a better fit in an aggressive power run blocking scheme, while others feel certain he will excel in a zone blocking concept. Some say he slides smoothly around the arc in pass protection, but others say he is a heel clicker. They praise his long arms and big hands, but speak negatively about his grip strength and hand placement. The dreaded words "needs to improve his intensity and aggression" were present in each evaluation, regardless of the wording. Like I said, the evaluations struggled to reach a consensus. For what it's worth, based on the limited amount of highlights l could find on him on such short notice, he looks like a guy that would fit a zone blocking scheme. He actually has some similarities to our very own Chukwuma Okorafor.

In conclusion, Moore looks like a developmental project at this time, based on the aforementioned limited information. Therefore I don't think he offers the Steelers much in terms of immediate contributions, but many of us were way off on Kevin Dotson's potential impact last year. His development will take patience and plenty of practice reps. OL Coach Adrian Klemm will have his hands full coaching up the young man and cleaning up his technique. The talent appears to be there, but tapping into it will take time and hardwork. The Steelers must believe he has a very high ceiling, and they are willing to wait for the payoff.

Now we want to hear from the BTSC community and from Steelers Nation. What do you think about the selection and what initial grade would you give it. Please place your vote in the attached poll and share your reasoning in the comment section below.

I am pleased to welcome Dan Moore to the Steelers family on behalf of the BTSC community and Steelers Nation!