Draft Analysis: Elijah Moore

February 23, 2021 /
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Weight: 185lbs
  • College: Ole Miss
  • Tape watched: Alabama 2020, Florida 2020, South Carolina 2020
  • NFL Comparison: Eddie Royal

Pros

  • Combat Catches
    Moore catches just about everything in tight spaces. Contact never phases him, as he locks onto the ball and absorbs hits. He is especially effective on RPO slants where the ball is released fast into small windows in the defense.
  • Hands
    Sticky is the perfect word for Elijah Moore’s hands. High, low, in front, behind, he catches every pass in his area.
  • YAC/Athleticism
    Consistency is key here, as Moore has shown to be electric with the ball in his hands for the most part. There were instances that Moore didn’t seem to have the juice he shows against South Carolina, specifically Florida and Alabama. Moore seems more quick than a true speed receiver. He has the ability to make big plays after the catch and, paired with his hard-nosed play style, should set up a productive career.
Moore at his best
  • Awareness
    Moore is great at finding the seams and holes in defenses. He reads zone coverages well and sets up in space for his quarterback.
Moore shows off his feel for zone coverages. Identifies the defense and is patient to his spot.

Cons

  • Route Running
    Moore’s route stems at times lack explosiveness, and more so strides to his route break. He was lethal with his “sluggo” and post corner routes, showing great patience and deception on double moves. His footwork on his release is sound, however he really struggles with contact and breaking holds by defenders. Moore could help himself with varying his tempo through his routes, something that really showed up positively against South Carolina.
  • Penalties
    Moore needs to clean up some of his play in terms of penalties. Blindside blocks, holdings, and offensive pass interference calls really set offenses back.
  • Size
    While Moore does play “above the rim” well for his size, he will most likely be limited in some capacity. Whether that means he moves to slot receiver almost exclusively, or has routes tailored to his strengths.

Overview

For his size, Elijah Moore doesn’t go down easily. He doesn’t break a ton of tackles, but he excels at staying away from defenders in open field. Moore is the type of receiver you want in the middle of the field. With great hands and an excellent ability to absorb contact at the catch point, Moore should be a trust worthy weapon from the slot.

Whether he was battling through injuries against Alabama and Florida, or he found a new level of confidence against South Carolina, he looked like a different animal. He hit holes with burst and attacked corners through his routes with aggressiveness against the Gamecocks. That consistent type of play will be a huge threat at the next level paired with his consistency across the middle.