Draft Analysis: Rondale Moore

February 11, 2021 /
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Weight: 180lbs
  • College: Purdue
  • Tape watched: Ohio State 2018, Vanderbilt 2019, Nevada 2019, Minnesota 2020,
  • NFL Comparison: Steve Smith Sr.

Pros

  • YAC
    A healthy Rondale Moore is an explosive machine. Moore’s play does not reflect his listed height and weight. He plays fast and aggressive after the catch, something that NFL teams cannot get enough of in today’s game. Moore is tough to tackle, utilizing his jump cut, strength through arm tackles, and often times pure speed.
Moore adds 11 yards to a routine slant and makes it look effortless. This is consistent with most of his plays.
  • Tracking
    Moore tracks the football over his shoulders well. He shows late hands and stabs the ball out of the air. He reacts quickly to off-target passes as well.
  • Route Running
    Rondale Moore is a fluid and cerebral route runner. He knows where linebackers and safeties are, and continues to identify coverages post-snap. Moore is excellent at varying his tempo through his routes as well. He has a nice snap to his route breaks, and can eat up the off-coverage cushions quickly. His release is sudden, adding active hands from snap to catch.
Watch how Moore hits the slot seam with eyes on the safety. He knows he has to arc back to the sideline to buy more time for the QB to fit the ball in a tight window.

Cons

  • Injury History
    “Hamstring injury” may be the most dreaded injury term for wide receivers, and Moore has missed significant time the last two years because of his. Since his 2018 breakout season, Moore has played in only 7 games. He had a reported knee injury that added to his short-lived 2019 season as well. Availability will be Moore’s biggest question heading into the NFL.
  • Usage
    Moore is almost certain to be a primary slot receiver in the NFL. With limited experience as a boundary receiver, and his obvious size limitations, Moore is best utilized in matchup disadvantages. A creative offensive mind could end up highlighting Moore’s skillset on the perimeter, however.
  • Drops/Ball Security
    At least four recorded fumbles in 20 games and some key drops at least raises the questions of ball security. More has strong hands and he is quick to secure the ball, but the way he plays he often takes unnecessary hits at awkward angles.
    This isn’t to say Rondale Moore has poor hands, because the opposite is true, but fewer key mishaps and preventing the ball from his chest could elevate him further up draft boards.

Overview

Rondale Moore and Kadarius Toney will be argued over up to draft night. Both offer an elite playmaking upside that teams like the Chiefs, Packers, and Ravens may not be able to pass up.

Moore is a polished route runner from the slot. He tracks the ball well and can make all of the big plays. Hopefully Moore can put together a fully healthy rookie season and showcase his talent from his 2018 college season. If that’s the case, the NFL is in for a treat.