NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt by Jody Jamieson 19/2/2009
DJ Moore is entertaining. He’s a cornerback, first and foremost and a pretty good one at that. He doesn’t project to be anything more than a #2 corner, but nonetheless he projects well as a #2 corner in the pros. He also projects as a dangerous punt returner, and in desperate times as a stand in wide receiver. Moore is a great athlete who did a bit of everything with the Commodores. Of course, if you’re looking for a wide receiver, you draft a wide receiver, but I thought it was interesting. What can’t be overlooked however is that Moore does play offense, defense and special teams to a bizarrely high level.
I do wonder what teams will see in Moore when they draft him. Do they see a Mike Vrabel type gimmick who gets overlooked for what they do in their proper position? Or will he be allowed to play cornerback full time and flourish while only playing offense in an emergency? Moore is one of the best athletes in this years draft (he was a 2 time All-State basketball player in high school) who can become a good kick returning nickelback right away and progress from there. Moore is a borderline first round pick, but the combine should ensure he goes in the first 32 picks.
What we like about Moore
Outstanding athlete. Good speed and cover ability. Good awareness, and probably more suited to a zone style defense as it allows him to sit on a route and jump it. You don’t often see a guy backpedal like he does which enables him to keep his eye on the ball while still in decent coverage. Playing wideout helps his cover skills as he understands the offense and how it works. Great hands, and doesn’t put too many opportunities on the floor. Good tackler. Never missed a game in college.
Question marks about Moore
His small stature makes it tough for him to cover the big receivers. Isn’t a great tackler who tends to go after the legs, and doesn’t always wrap up. Doesn’t do press coverage at all. Could be a pass interference candidate as he is sometimes too aggressive and hits the receiver too early.
Highlight of his college career
DJ Moore had a fabulous game against the Kentucky Wildcats last season on both sides of the ball. On offense, he had 3 catches for 51 yards and 2 touchdowns and on defense registered 2 interceptions and 4 tackles.
Other snippets
In 2008 Moore had 6 INT’s. Offensively he also had 76 rushing yards and 143 receiving yards. 5′ 10″ tall and weighs 182 lbs. 1st Team All-SEC in 2006 and 2007. He was a 2nd Team All-American in 2008. Was a state champion high jumper in high school. Will fit in well with the Vikings if they look for a corner in the first round. Indianapolis is another potential landing spot, as is New England.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
I do wonder what teams will see in Moore when they draft him. Do they see a Mike Vrabel type gimmick who gets overlooked for what they do in their proper position? Or will he be allowed to play cornerback full time and flourish while only playing offense in an emergency? Moore is one of the best athletes in this years draft (he was a 2 time All-State basketball player in high school) who can become a good kick returning nickelback right away and progress from there. Moore is a borderline first round pick, but the combine should ensure he goes in the first 32 picks.
