Patriots Rookie Zach Moore Ready For Spotlight

The New England Patriots have made a habit of making good decisions in the NFL draft. They’re hoping that 2014 sixth round pick Zach Moore can be the next one of them.

There comes a time in every rookie’s career that they are given an opportunity. What they do with that opportunity puts into motion what their career may end up looking like. For former Division II, Concordia University, St. Paul, football player Zach Moore, that time has come.

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Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots spent a sixth round draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft on a big prospect from a small school. Zach Moore may not have been a name known on the national scale, but judging by the amount of scouts traveling to Seafoam Stadium off of I-94 in St. Paul, the NFL had definitely taken notice.

After being inactive for the first few weeks of the season, Moore finally got his opportunity in the Patriots game against the Buffalo Bills. A late first half fumble recovery of C.J. Spiller by Moore helped to set up a field goal by Stephen Gostkowski before the half. A week later, he found himself in on a handful of third down plays, chasing New York Jets’ quarterback Geno Smith in Foxboro.

Now, with starting defensive end Chandler Jones out for one month with a hip injury, a quick glance at the Patriots depth chart indicates Zach Moore is about to get his shot.

I had the privilege of catching up with Moore, and picking his brain to provide some insight at what the first few months of his NFL career have been like.

FanSided: After being taken in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL draft out of a Division 2 school, how did you manage expectations?

Zach Moore: I feel like I just stuck to what I do best. I hit the ground running when I came out to New England, got into the playbook, did what was asked of me from the coaches, and continue to improve mentally and physically on a day to day basis. To put that short I had to become a professional; setting small goals for myself that would eventually help me achieve bigger goals.

FS: Going from being a leader at Concordia, to watching and learning under Chandler Jones, what has changed and what have you learned about yourself as a player?

ZM: You learn a lot more about yourself as a player when you get to this level. Studying under seasoned veterans like Vince (Wilfork), Rob (Ninkovich), and Chandler (Jones) has really helped me grow as a player. Learning how they carry themselves as pros on the field, in the weight room, and in the film room has helped me make my daily improvements. This is a more competitive level of football and it’s 10x harder to play here than where I came from, so I had to re-evaluate myself and mold myself into a player who can compete at this level.

FS: Having made a big impact in recovering a pivotal fumble against the Bills and Spiller in week 6 this season, was that somewhat of a culminating moment that made you feel as though you’ve made it, or a high that drove you to want more?

ZM: To be honest, it still hasn’t 100 percent hit me that I’m playing at a level that most dream of playing at as a kid growing up. I think that has helped me take everything in slowly, and get my feet under me to not get to overwhelmed with being an NFL player. I always humble myself to never let myself forget who I am, and where I came from. That play in particular did indeed make me want more action. My very first NFL defensive snap was a turnover that helped put points on the board and is something I’ll never forget.

FS: Thursday Night you saw a lot of action on third downs against Geno Smith and the Jets. While he’s been struggling of late, his ability was on full display. What’s the biggest difference chasing NFL quarterbacks as opposed to those in the NSIC?

ZM: Like I said before this is a very high level of football, much higher that the NSIC. The offensive linemen are bigger, faster, and stronger. The quarterbacks are smarter, tougher, and faster. It has been a real pleasure to play against some notable names like Geno Smith. You really have to study players at this level; from their tendencies to what the scheme is, and how they play off of each other.

You sometimes only get one shot at this, and I want to make the absolute best of it and prove myself step by step.

FS: Your former coach at Concordia, Ryan Williams, hadn’t been in his current position long but saw early success. Can you describe what playing under a coach like Bill Belichick has been like?

ZM: I would say he’s [Belichick] one of the most, if not thee greatest football minded coaches I’ve had the pleasure of being around. I can see why the Patriots have had as much success as they’ve had under him. He really makes you a smarter football player by how he coaches. Situational football is big, and I haven’t been around anyone that breaks it down the way he does. I’ve become a better player mentally because of the way he coaches. He is very good at what he does.

FS: Finally as a team, the goal is obviously a Super Bowl, but on an individual level, where have you set the bar for yourself this season and what are you hoping to accomplish in year one?

ZM: I want to be a great teammate. I try to make sure I’m doing the right things day in and day out to make sure when my time comes that I’m ready to step in wherever I’m needed and be ready to help the team win. I have practice goals that I want to hit in every practice so that I am showing improvement, and hopefully that will lead to playing time on the field and that can lead to more opportunities to gain the trust of my teammates. Putting the team first, playing smart, physical, and fast football and being ready when I’m needed. You sometimes only get one shot at this, and I want to make the absolute best of it and prove myself step by step.

As Zach Moore continues his journey from relative unknown to a force coming off of the edge on the Patriots defensive line, the transformation as a player will continue also. Look for Moore to be relied upon more heavily with Jones out in the coming weeks.

The New England Patriots host the Chicago Bears on Sunday at 1:00pm ET on Fox.

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