Why Arthur Moats Is Pittsburgh Steelers' Most Overlooked 2015 Starter

In a draft filled with talented edge rushers, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a good position to find a future starter at outside linebacker. Given the time it takes for pass rushers to develop, the keyword here is "future."

Rather than force a rookie into the starting lineup as the Steelers did with Jarvis Jones his first year, they would be wise to allow him to sit and develop behind a veteran such as Arthur Moats.

Moats signed a one-year deal last offseason and performed well as a role player on the defense. He finished the regular season with 23 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 16 games—including nine starts.

Impressed with his performance, the Steelers rewarded Moats with a new three-year, $7.5 million contract. Matt Claassen of Pro Football Focus considers this a bargain signing by Kevin Colbert:

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Moats is a player who hasn’t been given a lot of playing time during his career, but has generally put good performances on film when given the opportunity. In his first season with Pittsburgh, the Steelers utilized him more as a pass rusher similar to his first two years with Buffalo. He earned a career-high +7.7 overall grade last season and earned positive grades in both run defense and as a pass rusher. His only ‘red’ graded game last season was due to a missed tackle against New Orleans in which he played just three snaps. He has been a solid tackler who has missed just two tackles over the last four seasons.

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Moats’ overall grade placed him 10th on Pro Football Focus’ free-agent edge defenders, not far behind James Harrison (No. 6) and Jason Worilds (No. 7). However, when it came to sacks per snap, Moats was as good as any outside linebacker on the roster.

Player	Sacks	Defensive Snap Count	Snaps per Sack
James Harrison	5.5	432	78.5
Jarvis Jones	2.0	229	114.5
Arthur Moats	4.0	337	84.3
Jason Worilds	7.5	978	130.4

If Moats can produce at the same rate over an entire season—approximately 1,000 snaps—he could produce upwards of 12 sacks and six forced fumbles next season. Will that happen? There is no way to know for sure, but more opportunities to rush the quarterback will only increase his production.

Even if he doesn’t get sack the quarterback, Moats was still effective as a pass-rusher last season. According to Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, he had 22 total pressures and these numbers will only increase with additional snaps in 2015.

Beside his ability to step in as the starter at left outside linebacker, Moats can also shift to the right side if needed or play on the inside. That type of versatility cannot be understated, especially as Keith Butler installs his defensive system.

Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to capability at every linebacker spot, Moats is a contributor on special teams. He will do whatever the coaches ask of him and he embodies what it means to be a team player.

Maybe more important than anything he does on the field is that he loves playing for the Steelers. Moats cherished his opportunity to play in Pittsburgh last season and he understands the expectations moving forward, via Teresa Varley of Steelers.com:

“I love this organization,” said Moats. “Even though I was only here for one year, from top to bottom it’s been a great experience. 

“At the same time there is an expectation here,” Moats added.  “You don’t want to be somewhere where winning four, five, six games a year is acceptable. You want to go where they feel like it’s Super Bowl or nothing. That is the feeling here and that is part of why guys like it so much.”

All Moats has ever needed in his career has been an opportunity and 2015 is finally his chance to earn a star role on the defense. He may never develop into a great pass-rusher, but his ability to stop the run and get to the quarterback will not go unnoticed.

Despite everything that he brings to the table, the Steelers will enter the draft looking to find his replacement. While that may damage the ego of many, Moats will take it in stride and not allow it to impact his game.

Moats will approach each week with a starter’s mindset and not allow a high draft choice to change that. However, he is also type of player that will help show a young player the ropes and prepare him to eventually take over as the starter.

With all of the attention focused on James Harrison, Jarvis Jones and a potential high draft pick, Moats will fly under the radar this season. Although he will be overlooked by many, that will not stop him from doing his job to help solidify the outside linebacker position this season.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of ESPN.com and all roster information is courtesy of Steelers.com.  

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