Weaknesses:
Summary: Moore is one of the biggest mysteries in the 2013 NFL Draft. There are lot of questions about him as a player and as a person. He was massively productive in college and displayed a natural ability to get after the quarterback. However,Moore also earned a bad reputation off the field of being extremely immature.
Moore was a contributor for Texas A&M from Day 1. He played the joker outside linebacker in the Aggies’ 3-4 defense his first two seasons. As a freshman, Moore backed up to Von Miller, but still chipped in 5.5 sacks, 6.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and 40 tackles. With Miller in the NFL, Moore took over as a starter in 2011. The sophomore totaled 72 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
The Aggies’ new coaching staff switched to a traditional 4-3 defense with Texas A&M moving to the SEC. Moore was moved to defensive end before the start of the season and took to the position quickly. The 20-year old junior was one of the most consistent pass-rushers in college football in 2012, amassing 12.5 sacks – one of the larger totals in the country. Perhaps even more impressive than that, Moore led his team with 85 tackles – four more than the next closest defender. He had 21 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up, a blocked kick and a forced fumble, too.
Moore picked up 10 tackles and three sacks against Florida in the Aggies’ 2012 opener. He later collected a sack and five tackles against Alabama. Moore was banged up some during the year, but played productively through the injuries. He had a great game against LSU despite an ankle injury, picking up 10 tackles, two tackles for a loss, one sack and a pass batted. To end the season, Moore was held in check by Oklahoma and left tackle Lane Johnson.
PLaying for Texas A&M provided Moore with excellent preparation for the next level. He took on good tackles in the SEC and Big XII, but his practice opponents of Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews are better players than those Moore played against on Saturdays. Plus, he went against Joeckel and Matthews multiple days per week, so he enters the NFL having taken on the best possible college talents at tackle.
Moore needs to add more weight to be a 4-3 end in the NFL. That was visible at the Combine when he put up a disappointing total of 12 reps on the bench press. He also ran a slow 40-yard dash. Moore did better at his pro day, but still there are a lot of work-ethic questions around him. If Moore were to give as much effort in the weight room as he does during the games, he develop into a special pro.
Scouts told WalterFootball.com Moore is extremely immature and they believe he will indulge in the party scene that comes with being an NFL player. They also said he may have some positive drug tests.
As a player, scouts said that Moore can get pushed around in the ground game because of his lack of strength. He also struggles with runs going straight at him. Conversely, Moore is awesome in pursuit. He has football speed to chase down running backs and quarterbacks. Moore is at his best when he is getting up field and making plays in the backfield. Scouts also said Moore’s natural pass-rush ability can remind them of Aldon Smith coming out. Moore has a good set of pass-rushing moves and uses his hands well.
Scouts stated they love Moore’s motor as he plays balls to the wall for all 60 minutes. Thus, Moore is a tough evaluation because his effort on the field and off the field are completely different.
For Moore to pan out, he will need to go to a good coaching staff and locker room that can provide him with guidance and leadership to force him to mature. Moore could play 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. If he goes to the latter, he should add 10-20 pounds of muscle to help him hold up at the point of attack.
Moore’s draft stock is very fluid. He could go as high as the first round and as a low as the third round. Scouts believe the character concerns will catch up with Moore and drop him out of the first round.
Player Comparison: Justin Houston. This was a tough comparison to figure out. As scouts said, when Moore is playing well, he can resemble elite edge players like Aldon Smith. However, scouts believe it is extremely doubtful that Moore will turn into as a good of a pro as Smith.
Still, if Moore pans out, he could be like Houston. Houston (6-3, 258) is similar size to Moore and both players lack elite explosiveness. Each was a good producer in SEC with demonstrated natural pass-rush ability. Houston had 10 sacks in 2012 and is a very good young outside linebacker for the Chiefs after being a third-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Moore could go in the second or third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and if he pans out, could turn out like Houston.
NFL Matches: Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Baltimore, Oakland
There are a few teams that could consider Moore late in the first round and down into the third round. The Colts could use a young pass-rusher, so he could be in play for Indianapolis.
The Eagles have switched to a 3-4 defense and could consider more edge-rushers for that scheme. Moore could be in play for Philadelphia in the second round.
Detroit could take Moore at the top of the second round. Martin Mayhew has taken players with character issues in the past. If the Lions draft an offensive tackle in Round 1, Moore makes a lot of sense for Detroit in the second round given the team’s need at defensive end.
Pittsburgh released James Harrison and has to get an outside edge-rusher to replace him. Moore could factor into the Steelers’ decision in the second round, especially if they draft a wide receiver in the Round 1.
The Cowboys and Ravens are set with their edge-rushers, but both teams have shown interest in Moore. They might take him to groom him and mature him behind their veterans.
If Moore falls to Round 3, Oakland could take him off the board. The Raiders have shown interest in Moore, and they badly need talent at defensive end. Oakland could also be inclined to take the character risk with Moore considering the team is without its second-round pick and Moore would give the franchise two players with first-round talent.
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