PITTSBURGH — The Steelers OTAs are over, and with mandatory minicamp as the final stop before training camp in July, some guys are going into the week with their stock on the rise. Who are some of the guys that stood out at training camp enough to make their stock rise?
Dan Moore Jr.
I know this probably won’t be a popular pick, but I’ve loved everything about how Dan Moore has approached this challenge from Broderick Jones. Moore completely reworked his body and looks fantastic. The strength is there and he looks a bit more athletic, too.
Meanwhile, he already started repping at right tackle before anyone told him to do so. That showcases a professional. Moore has mentored Jones along the way, too. Let’s not count Moore out from having a future with this football team.
I’m not sure if he’s going to play much this year. It’s more likely he’s relegated to swing tackle. But he’s still got two years left on that contract and there’s a chance he can really get some tread at right tackle in the future. We’ll see what happens, but I’ve liked what I’ve seen so far from Moore.
Damontae Kazee
This safety is like an open opportunity for these veterans to step up and really make a name for themselves. If you are into projecting needs out a year from now, strong safety is probably on the Steelers’ list. But if Damontae Kazee has his way, there’s a real chance he could erase that entire need.
Kazee is vying to become an elite ballhawk. That’s what he’s completely built his brand upon as a football player. They seem to have big plans for Kazee as a versatile player that can do a lot of different roles. He keeps making plays, too. His stock is up right from the jump of Pittsburgh’s versatile plans.
Breiden Fehoko
If you thought nose tackles were dead, don’t ask Breiden Fehoko. He brings two true elite qualities to the table — strength and defeating double teams. Fehoko is proving to be a technical master in the run game and despite a lack of length is a throwback space eater.
Listen, that nose tackle position is wide open. But Fehoko has something in that room that no one else can hang their hat on. He’s a high floor player that gets what it means to play AFC North football. I’d bet for him to be one of the defensive linemen kept on the team for his unique qualities alone. He continues to prove he has many positive factors working in his favor.
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