The Pittsburgh Steelers are enjoying their best quarterback play in over half a decade this season, with the Aaron Rodgers signing looking like a smart gamble. The veteran passer already has 14 touchdown passes in just six games, tied with Lions QB Jared Goff for the league lead.
Despite Rodgers' career revival with Pittsburgh, he isn't going to be the future of the position. He will turn 42 before season's end, and 2025 could easily be the final season of his Hall of Fame career.
The Steelers know that, and they haven't exactly been subtle about their interest in the big names at QB in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft. One name wasn't on many radars heading into the season, but Oregon's Dante Moore has exploded onto the scene this year with a strong first seven games of the season.
Pittsburgh sent scouts to his matchup against Rutgers this week, and he gave them plenty to return home excited about.
Dante Moore showed the Pittsburgh Steelers that he is future first-round QB in latest audition
In a 56-10 beatdown of Big Ten foe Rutgers, Moore was nearly perfect. He finished 15/20 for 290 yards and four touchdowns through the air, with his only interception coming on a great play by Rutgers defensive back Cam Miller, ripping the ball away from his intended receiver.
Moore displayed all the traits that have made scouts take notice of him, with multiple impressive downfield passes resulting in scores. He also displayed his surprisingly strong ability to play within the pocket, a skill that is becoming increasingly rare at the college level each year.
He even pitched in 49 yards rushing on just three carries, including a 35-yard run. While he isn't much of a rushing threat (especially by modern QB standards), he showed on that play that he is more than capable of taking free yards given to him by defenses. He also moves well outside the pocket to extend plays.
Moore isn't the flashiest athlete, and he doesn't have an elite arm for the NFL level. Still, he looks much more prepared to play at the next level than many of his fellow prospects. With the run game and play-action passing game returning to prominence in recent years, his skill set will be valued by offensive coaching staffs all across the NFL if he keeps up this level of play.
It's hard to say how early teams would be willing to draft him at this point in the season, but don't be surprised if the Steelers need to be picking in the top 10 to have a chance at securing his services.