Does Chuks Okorafor have what it takes to be a starting left tackle in the NFL?

Welcome to the Steelers Trifecta! Over the 30 days leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 training camp, we will be highlighting three players every day in order cover the entire 90-man offseason roster. So without further ado, here are today’s three players:

Dan Moore Jr.

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Position: Offensive Tackle
Age: 22
Year: 1
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 315
Drafted: Round 4, Pick 128, 2021
College: Texas A&M
Roster Outlook: Very Likely
Analysis:

Rarely do the Steelers cut a fourth-round draft pick in their first season, but it’s not completely out of the question to a point to call Dan Moore Jr a lock for 2021. Most importantly, he will be given every opportunity to show what he can do for the Steelers while not having to be rushed into action. But if Moore blows the doors off the Steelers’ coaching staff during training camp and the preseason, perhaps he will contribute in 2021.

Tre Norwood

Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Position: Safety
Age: 22
Year: 1
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 194
Drafted: Round 7, Pick 245, 2021
College: Oklahoma
Roster Outlook: Bubble
Analysis:

Once again looking at the roster outlook based on draft position of a rookie, Tre Norwood does not have anything guaranteed with the Steelers this coming season. It’s not out of the question for a late-round draft pick to simply end up on the practice squad or not even make the team in any capacity (see Joshua Frazier). But Norwood will be given the opportunity to both make the roster and possibly earn playing time, especially in sub-package football. Ultimately it will be up to Norwood to cash in on his chances.

Chukwuma Okorafor

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Position: Offensive line
Age: 23
Year: 4
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 320
Drafted: Round 3, Pick 92, 2018
College: Western Michigan
Roster Outlook: Lock
Analysis:

The only returning starter for the season on the Steelers’ offensive line from 2020, Okorafor is slated to slide to the left side for 2021. Although his name was given as to who would get the first crack at left tackle by head coach Mike Tomlin several weeks ago, this is not a position which will simply be handed to Okorafor. Getting him back to the position he played in college, along with the fact he is only 23 years old entering his fourth training camp, and Okorafor is yet another piece on the Steelers offensive line who could rise to the occasion or completely fall off the map. It will ultimately be up to Okorafor to show he has what it takes to be a starting left tackle for the Steelers.

Be sure to check back everyday for anther ‘trifecta’ of Steelers, and as we go along click back on previous articles listed below so you don’t miss a thing.