Former Steelers LB Weighs In On If Le'Raven Clark Can Be Competitive Against Dan Moore Jr. In 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan, has been very busy this off-season filling in gaps on both the offense and the defense. There have been holes in both lines for a few years and the team has been busy picking up splashier draft and free-agency picks instead of focusing on those trenches. Now it is like Khan heard the fans and media as the team has signed multiple offensive and defensive linemen. 

One of the latest acquisitions is journeyman offensive tackle, Le'Raven Clark. He is entering his seventh year in the NFL in 2023 and is expected to provide depth to a very thin offensive line. Clark was drafted in the third round in 2016 by the Indianapolis Colts. He stayed in Indianapolis for four years primarily as a backup. In 2021, he left and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent time on their practice squad. During the 2022 season, he went to the Tennessee Titans and joined their practice squad. 

Now he is in Pittsburgh and is hoping for another opportunity to find his niche starting for a team. Now former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats and his co-host Deke discuss how Clark can fit into the team and if he has a shot at competing with Dan Moore Jr. for the starting job. 

Arthur Moats Answers If The Steelers Le'Raven Clark Can Compete With Dan Moore Jr.

Moats hosts a popular Pittsburgh-centric podcast called The Arthur Moats Experience, and during a recent episode, he discussed Clark. Moats like that Clark has spent time on a team like the Eagles where winning has been a part of the recent culture. 

"He is a big body tackle, plays right, plays left. He is more so a career backup at this stage in his career. He doesn't have a lot of starts. Plays with good effort, like him more in the run game. In the passing game, his feet they gotta be better, they're a little bit slower. When you're talking about the speed rush that gives him some trouble too."

Moats says that he thinks the Steelers are looking to Clark to provide much-needed depth instead of replacing Moore. Currently, the Steelers only have Chukwuma Okorafor and Moore at tackle. It seems obvious that there are several holes to fill with that position. 

"I think it's just in line with the Chaz Green types. Those caliber guys that we've been signing in the past are just that depth. You don't want them starting but if you need him to get you out of a quarter you're hoping that he can do that. At times he's flashed that he can get you out of a stadium, at other times it hasn't been as consistent but that's ultimately why he's here at this stage in his career. You know, with multiple stops and stuff like that, but it definitely helps out." 

The Steelers will still have to bring in another offensive lineman according to Moats, either via the draft or through free agency. 

"Le'Raven, like I said, positional flexibility, size is decent in terms of run blocking. Outside of that though, I don't think you're hanging your hat one way or another. He is an NFL player, what I mean by that is that if he had to get you out of a stadium he could."

This pits Clark against Moore, who was the first rookie to start at left tackle since the 1970s. Moore isn't a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle and it seems unlikely that Clark will beat him out. While Clark had a great build and shows some solid talent against the run, he is terrible in passing situations. Clark was clearly brought in for depth, as a warm body, and not to solve any of the existing offensive line weaknesses. We will have to wait and see if they pick up another veteran talent or wait until the draft. 

What do you think about the Clark signing? Do you think he has any shot of beating Moore out of the starting position? Do you think Moore will start in 2023 or do you think they will look for a replacement? How confident do you feel in our offensive line as it stands now? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

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