NFL Draft profile: Maryland’s D.J. Moore has raw untapped potential
D.J. Moore wasn’t a household name last year at Maryland but after tearing up the combine could be the first receiver taken in the NFL Draft.
One of the more fun parts of the pre-draft process is seeing fans who follow the NFL Draft discover players college football fans have followed for the last few years. After Maryland receiver D.J. Moore opened up eyes at the combine, many had to go back to check the tape and see what they had missed.
Moore emerged late in his career with the Terps. He was often victimized by the lack of competent quarterback play because Maryland quarterbacks were a M.A.S.H. unit for the most part. Shuffling from one quarterback to the next can make it tough to develop any sort of chemistry or a rapport but nevertheless, Moore worked hard and overcame to be arguably the top receiver in the draft.
For more on what makes Moore such an intriguing draft prospect, check out my NFL Draft profile for him below his highlight tape.
D.J. Moore, wide receiver, Maryland
A big star at the NFL combine after he ran a blistering 4.42 time in the 40, but he opened eyes in his final year at Maryland with a school-record 80 receptions.
Moore was targeted heavily at Maryland where quarterbacks relied on him like a security blanket. He wasn’t asked to run too many sophisticated routes and was more of a safety valve. But he does have the necessary deep speed to take the lid off opposing defenses.
He’s still a little raw and needs to learn how to play as fast as his timed speed. He needs to work on his hands and using his body to wall off defenders, especially in one-on-one and jump ball situations.
Still, the potential is there because teams will love his speed so he’ll be over-drafted because of that, but he may be best suited as a No. 3 or 4 receiver to begin his career.
Moore can develop into a solid receiver reminiscent of former Maryland receiver Stefon Diggs and a player who garners Pro Bowl consideration by his third season.
Draft Projection: Mid-late first round