The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Dan Moore Jr. from Texas A&M University with their first pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Here’s what different draft analysts were saying about Dan Moore Jr.
NFL Draft Bible
The Good
Smooth mover with a solid athletic profile, Moore looks like the perfect fit for a zone blocking scheme where his ability to move laterally and to the second level is highlighted to the highest degree. He has a guard body with a powerful lower half, able to gain a solid amount of power in tight spaces. Moore’s combination of foot quickness, lower body power and lateral mobility offer a developmental option somewhere on Day 3.
The Bad
There is a tentativeness to Moore’s game, lacking the mean streak to consistently dominate in the run game. Moore relies more on his movement to leverage that power profile. His hands can be a mess working in pass protection showing a solid initial punch and then stagnation throughout reps; losing inside positioning far too often.
Jordan Reid for The Draft Network
The Good
With long arms, adequate grip strength, and an average pass set, he has a solid foundation of traits to continue to build upon. He still needs seasoning in certain areas, but he already has a lot of the ingredients in the cupboard that are waiting to be put to good use. The intensity and awareness are evident as a run blocker, as he displays lots of willingness with sticking on assignments.
The Bad
With average foot speed, his pass sets will need to be tweaked some as he has troubles with ends that are able to quickly win the corner against him by attacking his outside hip.
Tony Pauline for ProFootballNetwork.com
The Good
Hard-working college left tackle who projects to the strong side in the NFL. Starts with good knee bend, stays square, and shows strength at the point. Anchors in pass protection and blocks down on opponents. Makes good use of angles in pass protection and picks up blitzes.
Fundamentally-sound tackle and shows the ability to adjust and recover. Keeps his head on a swivel and always looks for someone to hit. Effectively fights with his hands and correctly places them into defenders.
The Bad
Not a quick or nifty lineman. Stiffness hinders his ability to finish blocks. Lacks footwork off the edge.
Lance Zierlein for NFL.com
The Good
Play was much more consistent in 2020.
Pass pro movements are athletic.
Adequate recovery anchor against the bull rush.
Quality ability as cut-blocker.
Mindful of footwork and technique on double teams.
Runs feet to secure washdown blocks on outside zone.
The Bad
Outside hands are too wide, causing him to gather rather than punch.
Needs to pick a target and fully commit when faced with blitz.
Would like to see more aggression into first contact as run blocker.
Inconsistent body control and positioning to consistently secure his block.
Rarely controls the action with strong hands.
Below-average demeanor as block finisher.
Conclusion
Dan Moore Jr. is a big tackle with decent athleticism who has issues with his technique, both with his hands, and his footwork. He has a really good ceiling if he can improve that technique.
One thing that shows up a lot with Moore Jr.’s evaluations is people have a very different idea of his strengths and weaknesses. Part of that is inconsistency in his game. Marcus Gilbert was a maddeningly inconsistent tackle for the Steelers for years until Mike Munchak came to the Steelers. Often it takes the right coach to help these big, inconsistent tackles get the most out of their natural ability. We have to hope that Adrian Klemm is up to the task.