Initial draft grades for every Steelers 2021 draft selection

Round 4: Dan Moore Jr., OT, Texas A&M

Grade: B-

Another pick that had me scratching my head at first, Dan Moore Jr. benefits from great athleticism and size as a tackle. He lacks proper technique and physicality as a blocker, but he has all the pieces in place to be a developmental tackle. He is in a good spot as well right now, as the team has enough depth at tackle to allow Moore to take this season as a redshirt year.

Long term, I think Moore projects well as a swing tackle and sixth offensive lineman for the team. If he really maxes out, he could become a starter, but I genuinely believe that is a few years away if he ever truly gets there. My biggest complaint is that he was projected to go a little later and the team still ignored defense here. That said, Moore has plenty of traits to like as he works as a developmental prospect.

Buddy Johnson, ILB, Texas A&M

Grade: A-

I love this pick, and out of all of the team’s picks to this point, he rivals Freiermuth as my personal best choice. While inside linebacker isn’t a supreme need this season, the depth at the position was tested last year. The team is shallower there this season, so adding an athletic linebacker to serve as a reserve makes a lot of sense.

As for Buddy Johnson, he should be an instant contributor on special teams due to his freaky athleticism. He already is a decent run stopper, so he could end up replacing Vince Williams next season at least on rushing downs. If he can improve his pass coverage, Johnson has legitimate starting potential. He was a great pick at this point and is a great fit for the team’s defense.