Is Damontre Moore A Risk Worth Taking For Cowboys? (Film Review)

After staying predictably quiet the first day of free agency, the Dallas Cowboys decided to get busy on Friday night. After re-signing wide receiver Terrance Williams and bringing in veterans Stephen Paea and Nolan Carroll, the Cowboys thought to kick the tires on defensive end Damontre Moore.

Drafted by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Moore has bounced around the league a bit during his young career. Last seen with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016, Moore played just 104 total snaps, 13 of which came on special teams.

At 6’5 250 pounds and with above average arm length, Moore was initially expected to be a high day two pick coming out of college. He was productive at Texas A&M, and earned first team All-SEC honors in 2013. In the NFL, however, things have not gone as smoothly for Moore.

The two main reasons I’ve seen for Moore’s decline in play (on the field) are his lack of play strength, and lack of a pass rushing plan. Against New England here, we see Moore (#97) lined up as the left defensive end.

After false-stepping out of his stance, Moore is already at a disadvantage to win around the edge. He instead tries to counter with an inside move, but due to a lack of edge explosion, is unable to win.

From the get-go it appeared that Moore had absolutely no rush plan. He must improve on this awareness and planning in order to start seeing some real production.

I also would like to see him come with a stronger punch on the offensive tackle. Too often when Moore makes contact, it is not strong enough. He had a poor combine showing when it came to bench pressing, and that lack of strength is evident on the field.

In 2016, Damontre Moore was only able to account for 0.5 sacks in 104 snaps. Of course, injuries and being without a team hindered him, but his own play didn’t help either. Once again against the Patriots, we see Moore’s only half-sack of the season.

This time Moore is able to gain some leverage upfield, and force the right tackle to flip his hips parallel to the quarterback. Then, due to pressure created from the inside, Moore is able to stop and shed to the inside and get to Tom Brady.

Damontre Moore loves to hit these inside counter moves. He must first develop a more respectable edge rush first, if these are going to be consistently successful, however.

After reading countless articles about Damontre Moore’s “attitude” problems, I honestly expected to see a guy that didn’t care on tape. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

When given the opportunity, Moore hustled all over the field and rarely gave up on plays. Against the Eagles, I saw Moore chase down a run play from behind to get in on the tackle after being left unblocked.

Against Buffalo here, Moore crosses the tight end’s face and moves laterally down the line of scrimmage to make the tackle. No, it isn’t the cleanest play from a technical standpoint, but Moore’s effort and motor can’t be overlooked.

At times, Damontre Moore flashes the ability we hoped to see back in 2013. The problem he has is getting that ability to flash consistently. While much of his film screams “just a guy,” Moore will sometimes look like so much more.

In Seattle, Moore played both right end, left end, and three technique. He even took a stab at one-technique on some pass-obvious downs. This versatility is something that Rod Marinelli looks for in his defensive linemen, and something that was certainly valued when the Cowboys decided to sign Moore this week.

If you are expecting Damontre Moore to be a double digit sack guy, I wouldn’t hold my breath. The odds are he won’t make the final roster cuts come August. But considering that he is only 24 years old, and still has the athletic ability and upside that he does, I think signing Damontre Moore is a risk worth taking for the Dallas Cowboys.

Worst case scenario, you let him go after training camp.

But best case scenario? You might have a solid rotational defensive end/tackle who can contribute to your team.