Carolina Panthers need more smarts out of D.J. Moore

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver D.J. Moore was cited for driving 113 mph in a work zone in Charlotte, perhaps showcasing immaturity.

Carolina Panthers first-round draft pick D.J. Moore has had a high ceiling bestowed upon him if you’ve listened to his teammates speak about their expectations for him.

Last week, Moore was named to Pro Football Focus team of the week due to his strong preseason performance against the Buffalo Bills, grabbing four passes for 75 yards. But Moore being cited for driving 113 MPH in a 65 MPH that was also a work zone Aug. 10, shows that maybe at the moment, Moore doesn’t believe he’s valuable to his own team.

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Moore, 21, has a court date in October to face the music. While the youngster reportedly admitted his error to head coach Ron Rivera and feels bad about it, actions speak far louder than words. Moore has to show that he can keep himself out of the news.

At the University of Maryland, Moore was a star. The 24th-overall pick caught 80 passes for the Terrapins in 2017, notching 1,033 yards and eight touchdowns. Combined with his talent and the lack of depth in Carolina at the receiver spot, look for Moore to make an immediate impact if he can stop the nonsense off the field.

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The Panthers have a few weeks before the start of the regular season, when they take on the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina went 11-5 last season and lost to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card round, and is hoping to take the next step with a talented roster.