Steelers' Dan Moore Jr. Is Poised To Fight For A Starting Spot In 2023, Yet Still Understands The Importance Of Being A Good Teammate

When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Broderick Jones in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, many anticipated that the Steelers would be content with moving on from Dan Moore Jr., who has been the team's starting left tackle for each of the past two seasons. However, spring practices have shown that this is not the case. The battle for the starting left tackle job seems to be a legitimate one, and Moore has given very little indication that he is willing to give up his spot as Kenny Pickett's blindside protector. 

Needless to say, Jones will at some point in the near future occupy the left tackle job. The Steelers would not have spent their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft if they did not feel as if he has the potential to be a long-term answer. However, it may be possible that he opens up the season as a backup. Moore, who played much better in 2022 compared to his rookie campaign, has not only shown up to offseason activities in incredible shape, but is also saying all the right things in terms of his role with the Steelers in 2023. 

During a recent interview following the Steelers' final day of veteran mandatory minicamp, Moore detailed how team camaraderie is crucial to a successful season. 

"At the end of the day, the goal is to be a good teammate. That's what I want guys to say about me. That's what I want my reputation and legacy to be left as, as a good teammate. That's what I try to achieve every single day," said Moore. 

Moore Still May Be Part Of The Steelers' Long-Term Plan At Offensive Line 

Moore was selected in the fourth-round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has since started 33 games for the Steelers. While his level of play has certainly been up and down during his two seasons in Pittsburgh, it is important to keep in mind that the young left tackle is only 24 years old with plenty of high-quality football in front of him. He possesses ideal size at 6'5" and 315 pounds and has shown glimpses of his athleticism during his time in the NFL. With this in mind, the Steelers seem adamant about keeping the former Texas A&M product around for the time being. 

Whether or not Moore keeps his starting spot this upcoming season is yet to be determined. However, there has been growing speculation that the team may potentially move on from their current right tackle, Chukwuma Okorafor following the 2023 season due to his sizable cap hit in 2024. Could this open the door for Moore to start at right tackle in 2024? Certainly possible.

If the Steelers do ultimately decide to go with Jones as their starting left tackle to open the season against the San Francisco 49ers, they will have one of the league's best swing tackles in Moore. With the team voicing their intentions of running the ball effectively, the team may end up using a lot of six offensive linemen offensive formations in 2023. Furthermore, if Jones or Okorafor go down with an injury, it will be Moore who will likely step up and take over. 

Fortunately for the Steelers, Moore's comments this offseason have proved that he is a team-first player, who is singularly focused on doing whatever it takes to help the team win games this upcoming season. As Moore points out in the interview, competition often brings the best out of those involved. While Jones has a much higher career ceiling, the former fourth-round pick has clearly shown enough promise for the coaching staff to give him a fighting chance of keeping his job at left tackle. The battle for blindside protector is perhaps the biggest storyline for the Steelers' heading into training camp.

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

Who do you think will end up winning the battle at left tackle? Do you think Moore is part of the Steelers' long-term plans? How many games will Jones start in 2023? Let us know in the comments! 

#SteelerNation