Typically starting my draft evaluations at positions of need for the Cowboys, I have studied the top WRs available in the 2018 NFL Draft. Following last weekend's Senior Bowl, the apparent depth available at the position would deter me from drafting a receiver in the first round if I was the Cowboys.
Rising up draft boards into late-first round conversations is Maryland WR D.J. Moore, a smaller target with explosive ability and soft hands. Moore has not played in any offseason exhibition games, so it will remain unclear where his draft value truly lies until after the Scouting Combine.
For now, let's take a look at his fit with the Dallas Cowboys.
“Moore is an explosive player with potential to do something special every time he touches the ball.”
This film clip and quote comes from my full scouting report on WR D.J. Moore at Slant Sports. Projecting best as a #2 receiver, Moore could play in a rotation with Terrance Williams and bring a quick-strike element to the Cowboys' passing game.
“D.J. Moore plays with exceptional awareness. For a smaller receiver, he shows no signs of discomfort catching the ball through traffic.”
Moore's most outstanding trait is easily his balance. A physical player for his size, Moore accelerates effortlessly in the open field with the elite balance that makes him difficult to bring down. This after-the-catch ability would not be as exciting if Moore was not sure-handed of course, which he was at Maryland.
“D.J. Moore is simply a player that will warrant touches in the NFL, both scripted and not. “
Not the type of receiver that wins easily off of the snap, Moore does well to cover up this concern with his willingness to catch the ball in traffic. D.J. Moore will flash as both as speed receiver burning defenses over the top and a physical one beating defensive backs at the catch point with soft hands.
“Moore takes some time to get going in his release, and lacks the physical attributes to attack defenders with overwhelming length, power, or strength.”
Turning over the WR position is going to take some time in Dallas, as their full cast of starters from a poor 2017 season remain under contract. This is another reason a WR with the 19th overall pick may not be as realistic as Cowboys Nation wants to believe.
D.J. Moore is far from a finished product, but does have enough traits to make an immediate impact on any team. The 50th overall pick that the Cowboys currently hold is the perfect spot for Dallas to get maximum value out of Moore – who very well may find himself at the end of the first round.
Earning a firm second round grade on my 2018 NFL Draft Board, D.J. Moore is a Dak-friendly WR that would fit wonderfully into Scott Linehan's offense.
“If D.J. Moore's next team taps into his full potential, we will likely be talking about that team landing one of the biggest steals in the 2018 NFL Draft.”
