2024 NFL Draft Player Preview: Malachi Moore





  • Malachi Moore, 6-0/190

  • Safety

  • Alabama


  • Malachi Moore 2024 Preview
    By Charlie Campbell

    Career Recap: Moore is a versatile defensive back who plays the STAR position that was previously manned by the likes of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Xavier McKinney. Moore had a phenomenal freshman season in 2020, totaling 44 tackles, one forced fumble, three interceptions and six passes broken up. He had 16 tackles and an interception in 2021 while playing in nine games before going out for the season. In 2022, Moore was outplayed by Brian Branch, which turned Moore into a rotational backup. He totaled 31 tackles with 1.5 sacks and five passes broken up on the year.



    2023 Season Outlook: Moore is going to see some talented receivers during the 2023 season. The best matchups will be versus Texas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and LSU. All four of those programs have multiple talented receivers.

    Skill-Set Summary: Very few freshmen end up starting for Alabama, especially in the secondary because that position group is coached by head coach Nick Saban. However, the instinctive Moore was able to win a starting job as a true freshman in an extremely rare feat. What made the achievement even more impressive was that Moore learned the defense via Zoom meetings because of COVID-19 restrictions. Moore is a talented and versatile defensive back who can help a defense in a variety of ways. However, he has some limitations for the NFL as a hybrid corner/safety.

    On the plus side, Moore is a quality athlete and his instincts are good. Moore is skilled at reading receivers downfield and shows the intelligence to use the sideline well and keep receivers from getting open over the top. Moore plays the ball very well, using his size to slap passes away, and he shows no panic when passes are coming his direction.

    On the negative side, Moore struggles to stay attached in man coverage. He lacks a burst out of his break in transition, plus he lacks some strength. Moore does not play strong. Branch showed the speed and explosion to reduce space, while Moore did not show that same explosion in 2022.



    As a run defender, Moore is willing to contribute, although he has room for improvement. He could stand to become a better tackler, for one by utilizing more consistent wrap-up technique. Adding strength would help in this regard as well. Moore did not play a traditional eighth-man-in-the-box strong safety role, so it will be interesting to see if he can move into that role as well as a senior.

    It will also be intriguing to see if Moore can play deep free safety and serve as a single-high safety downfield. That would really help Moore with NFL scouts because true single-high deep free safeties are tough to find.

    Moore could have starter potential for the NFL if he plays well as a senior, shows more ability in coverage, and gets stronger.



    2024 NFL Draft Expectations: Entering the 2023 season, Moore has the potential to be an early-round candidate for the 2024 NFL Draft.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2024 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2024 NFL Draft Player Previews








    NFL Picks - Oct. 30


    2025 NFL Mock Draft - Oct. 30


    NFL Power Rankings - Oct. 28


    Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4