(Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Steelers have a ton of needs heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, and with Ben Roethlisberger retiring last month, quarterback is at top of the list. However, the Steelers have the 20th overall pick and this year's quarterback class is considered weak. After quarterback, the Steelers have major needs on the offensive line and defensive line, especially if Stephon Tuitt retires, which he is reportedly leaning toward.
Cornerback is another need, along with wide receiver. JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud are all set to become free agents in March. Washington is as good as gone, and it appears that Smith-Schuster could be on his way out of Pittsburgh, as well. McCloud might come back on a cheap deal, but it really only leaves the Steelers with Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool at the receiver position.
Claypool had a down season in 2021, as he scored just two touchdowns compared to having nine touchdown receptions and two rushing scores in his rookie campaign. Claypool also struggled with his route-running and lacked separation. Also, it seemed like he fell down every time he tried to make a contested catch deep down the field. He definitely needs to fine-tune his mechanics this offseason.
As mentioned, the Steelers have a ton of needs to address. But, if they can get wide receiver Skyy Moore out of Western Michigan in the second or third round, it would be a steal. Moore can also separate, which is what the Steelers desperately need. Johnson was the only receiver last year who consistently won his one-on-one matchups. Just watch Moore's releases in the clip below.
In three seasons at Western Michigan, Moore had 171 receptions for 2,482 yards (14.5 average) and 16 touchdowns. In 2021, Moore had a breakout season with 95 receptions for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns. In Western Michigan's upset win over Pitt this past season, Moore had 11 receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown.
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports thinks Moore is this year's sleeper receiver prospect with first-round talent. And no coach in the NFL has been watching Moore as long as Mike Tomlin, as Moore played on the same team as his son, Dino, at Shady Side Academy. Moore was a quarterback then.
With it being a deep wide receiver class in this year's draft, most have Moore projected to go in the third round. Below is a brief scouting report on Moore by Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network.
"A late riser in the 2022 NFL Draft discussion, Moore is quickly earning fans ahead of April. The Western Michigan wideout has a tantalizing skill set, at the core of which is his explosive, violent play style. As a route runner, he’s a twitched-up ball of energy and can be ruthless with his sudden movements and short-area deception. His footwork is fast, sharp, and relentless. He has easy hip sink and burst out of his breaks, accelerating into the open field.
Moore has a skill set that’s conducive to easy separation. However, he has ability in tight spaces as well. He brings excellent focus and coordination at the catch point and also has solid hands. He actively guides the ball in with his hands and can extend for passes at the edge of his reach. Moore has great utility after the catch, too. He has brutally terse stop-and-start ability, and his constant energy carries over into that phase.
Moore does have a few knocks. While he has good explosiveness to go along with excellent burst, he doesn’t have breakaway speed. His wingspan also limits him in some respects. Nevertheless, Moore is a habitual separator with a competitive edge, a violent movement style, and a motor that never rests. Combine that with his ability at and after the catch, and he can be a productive NFL receiver."
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