2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dylan Moses

  • Dylan Moses, 6-3/240

  • Linebacker

  • Alabama


  • Dylan Moses Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Sideline-to-sideline speed
  • Good pursuit defender
  • Closing quickness
  • Athletic
  • Ability to redirect
  • Potential to be good pass-coverage linebacker
  • Could help cover running backs, tight ends, receivers
  • Good sub-package linebacker
  • Quick; covers a lot of ground
  • Covers a lot of ground in zone coverage
  • Reliable open-field tackler
  • Dangerous blitzer
  • Fires into the backfield to pressure QBs




  • Weaknesses:
  • Lacks instincts
  • May be only an outside linebacker
  • Already suffered one torn ACL
  • Needs to get better at taking on and shedding blocks
  • Plays smaller than his listed numbers
  • Inconsistent taking on blocks
  • Durability
  • Did Alabama beat him up like other recent prospects?


  • Summary: Coming out of high school, Moses was a highly sought-after recruit and one of the top players in the nation. As a freshman, he was a backup who rotated into the game and totaled 30 tackles, 5.5 for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Moses won a starting spot as a sophomore following Rashaan Evans’ departure for the NFL, and broke out for the Crimson Tide, recording 86 tackles, 10 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass batted. Alabama played Moses at inside and outside linebacker. There was a lot of excitement for Moses being one of the best linebackers in college football in 2019, but he tore an ACL in training camp and missed that season.

    Moses returned to the field in 2020 and showed some rust in the early going. Eventually, he played better, but he still was not impressive late in the year when taking on tougher opponents like Florida and Ohio State. Moses totaled 74 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended and an interception in 2020. His 2018 season was much better overall.



    The NFL is a passing-driven league, and Moses is a linebacker with the size, speed, and athleticism to become a three-down starter. Moses shows the speed and athleticism to pick up receivers in zone and keep close coverage on them in the middle of the field. With his skill set, he could develop into a linebacker who has man-coverage skills on tight ends and running backs. Moses has the speed and agility to run with backs out of the backfield or tight ends down the seam. He covers a lot of ground in zone coverage, showing impressive vision to stay keyed into the play. On top of being able to cover, Moses is a dangerous blitzer.

    As a run defender, Moses is a seek-and-destroy linebacker, but his lack of instincts holds him back from being special. He flies sideline-to-sideline and covers a lot of ground. Moses is dynamic to defend the flat and also explodes into the offense to blow runs up at the point of attack. Moses shows nice vision and an ability to work through trash to make stops. Moses also is inconsistent about taking on blocks.

    Moses could eventually develop into being a starter, but he could use some refinement from pro coaches. Moses could be a second-day pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.



    Player Comparison: Tahir Whitehead. Moses’ size, speed and athleticism remind me of Whitehead. Whitehead has turned into a decent pro linebacker, but his lack of instincts has held him back, and that same issue could plague Moses in the NFL.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2021 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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