As quickly as Troy Fautanu was chosen with the No. 20 decide within the first spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft, many assumed the clock on Dan Moore Jr.’s time as a starter in Pittsburgh had began ticking. But right here we’re coming into Week 3, and Moore stays the starter with no actual prospects of that altering anytime quickly.
Most individuals want to see the Steelers get a head begin on the long run configuration of the road with Broderick Jones on the left and Fautanu on the suitable, however Jones’ struggles and Moore’s progress this season have made that an not possible conclusion to come back to.
In accordance with Professional Soccer Focus, Moore is a top-10 sort out in your complete NFL by means of two weeks. I do know many don’t subscribe to PFF’s grading strategies, however there’s actually no denying if you happen to watch his 2024 tape that he’s having a strong season to this point. It began within the preseason, and it has continued proper into the common season.
He has gone in opposition to some fairly strong edge rushers, too. Matt Judon’s impression within the Week 1 sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons was restricted. He had a sack, however that got here in opposition to Jones on the opposite aspect. Moore’s Week 2 play was barely worse, permitting one stress and committing one penalty, however he nonetheless did a pleasant job in opposition to Baron Browning and Nik Bonitto.
Moore has a 78.6 total grade for the 2024 season. That features a 74.8 run-block grade, and a 77.5 pass-block grade. Contemplating his total grade was a 51.8 in 2023, his enchancment has been drastic. It’s a good drawback to have for the Steelers. Is it slowing down Broderick Jones’ growth? You would argue that for positive, however Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are all the time centered solely on the current.
If Moore finally ends up having an awesome season and performs all 17 video games, he’ll hit free company on the proper time and get a big contract elsewhere. That may play into the Steelers’ compensatory decide system for the 2026 NFL Draft and will even internet them as excessive as a third- or fourth-round decide in compensatory worth.
