On the most recent episode of The Scho Bro Show podcast, our topic as we continue to go through the different position groups this offseason for the Steelers dealt with the offensive life. Whie the biggest question mark at the position has to be at center, that was not the only discussion that was made. After looking at the different possibilities for the Steelers to add to the center position, we briefly went through guards as the Steelers are pretty set at the position. But as the discussion continued to offensive tackles, the options seemed slightly more narrow.

For me, I feel the Steelers should employ a specific philosophy when it comes to adding to the offensive tackle group this offseason: Go big or go home.

Although the Steelers lost Chuks Okorafor as they released him fairly early in the offseason, the Steelers are returning their two starting tackles from 2023. While a lot of Steelers’ Nation, many of which probably don’t know all that much about the offensive line, are majorly down on Dan Moore, he may be receiving a worse reputation than what many paint the picture. While some feel that he’s constantly being called for penalties, he only had two accepted penalties against him in 2023 according to Pro Football Reference. And for others who deem him a “revolving door” at tackle, he was credited with giving up eight sacks last season according to Pro Football Focus, which averages to one every other game. And all those sacks, one might want to ask themselves how many times it was due to Kenny Pickett ducking and spinning into the pressure when he should have stepped up into the pocket.

While it seems like I’m giving a huge defense to Dan Moore, all I’m actually trying to do is paint an accurate picture. To call him an average NFL offensive tackle would probably be on the top end of the spectrum in what he has shown in his first three seasons. If the Steelers had desperate needs in many other places on their team, I would suggest not worrying about the offensive tackle position for 2024. But I don’t believe this to be the case for the Steelers, therefore it becomes a key position where the Steelers could look for an upgrade for next season.

If the Steelers are truly looking to upgrade offensive tackle, particularly Dan Moore as Broderick Jones is only entering his second season, doing so on the free-agent market is probably not the best allocation of their resources. Tackles are expensive, even right tackles. And even though Moore is currently playing left tackle for the Steelers, the progression of the upgrade seems to be obvious by having Broderick Jones slide over to the left tackle position and the Steelers acquire a better option at right tackle.

To truly get an upgrade over Moore, the Steelers most likely place to do so would be in the NFL draft. If the Steelers are going to draft a tackle, I believe they should allocate the resources to make it as great of an upgrade as possible.

What do I mean by this? I would prefer the Steelers to go offensive tackle in the first round, or at the latest the second round, of the 2024 NFL draft.

If the Steelers decide to take a player in the third or fourth round at offensive tackle, or even beyond, are they truly going to be an upgrade this season over Moore? Would they even see the field? If the Steelers are going to invest in this position at all, they might as well shoot for the stars and have a higher probability of finding the right player.

But what about the replacement of Chuks Okorafor at swing tackle?

Believe it or not, the Steelers have a developmental tackle, and possibly even two, on their current roster. This is not including a player like Spencer Anderson who could play anywhere across the offensive line. The Steelers have Dylan Cook returning for 2024 who surprised many during the preseason last year and became an obvious choice for the 53-man roster. Although Cook did not see the field for the Steelers in 2023, he continued to practice with the team every day and the Steelers saw the value in his position to keep him on the 53-man roster all season. Because of this, I believe the Steelers like what they saw.

Outside of Dylan Cook, the Steelers also had an interesting prospect who they signed to the practice squad at the beginning of the 2023 season. Kellen Diesch is a very interesting prospect out of Arizona State who may or may not develop into a quality NFL tackle. But if Diesch can continue to develop for the Steelers, he would be available to step into the role that Dylan Cook held last season.

Because of these options, I feel the Steelers either need to invest highly in the other offensive tackle position, especially with Dan Moore entering the final year of his rookie contract, or hold off on trying to find an answer this year. The Steelers know what they have in Dan Moore. If the player they select in the draft isn’t going to be one who will give a higher quality of play, then what’s the point?

To hear more about the discussion about the Steelers offensive line, check out the episode of The Scho Bro Show podcast below: