Fabian Moreau injury update: UCLA corner hurts pec

UCLA cornerback Fabian Moreau suffered a pectoral injury, which might affect his draft stock. 

The 2017 NFL Draft is loaded with defensive talent. Specifically, the corner and safety markets appear very deep. However, two of the top corners have recently gotten injured. Sidney Jones tore  his Achilles’ tendon during his pro day. On Tuesday, UCLA corner Fabian Moreau suffered a pectoral injury while bench pressing. The extent of his injury isn’t known, but this could affect his draft stock.

Moreau is projected to be a late first round or second round pick. He has a lot of versatility with experience as a cornerback and as a safety. This is a huge concern because Moreau has had trouble staying on the field. In 2015, he suffered a foot injury which kept him out for all but three games. However, Moreau rebounded nicely in 2016, breaking up 10 passes and intercepting two.

Even though the extent of the injury isn’t known, this likely negatively impacts his draft stock. With so many good corners and safeties in this draft, teams likely won’t be willing to gamble on his pectoral injury if Moreau’s not 100 percent. His foot injury alone likely kicks him out of the first round. However, if Moreau can stay on the field, he could be a steal in the second or third round.

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Unlike Jones, his injury doesn’t appear to be too serious. But still, in a very deep draft full of corners, why gamble on one with an injury history? Moreau dominated in the Pac 10, shutting down virtually everyone he came across. Talent wise, he’s definitely a first round caliber player. But Moreau’s injuries are going to keep him from getting the huge pay day, at least until his rookie contract expires.