NFL Draft 2018: Maryland’s D.J. Moore could be second-round steal

Former Maryland football star D.J. Moore will be a valuable pick up for a team outside of the first day of the 2018 NFL Draft.

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The 2017 Big Ten Receiver of the Year D.J. Moore possesses many reasons as to why an NFL team should overlook him, yet his college career with the Maryland Terrapins suggests otherwise.

Moore spent three full seasons with the Terrapins before declaring for the NFL draft following the 2017 college football season.

Playing in double-digit games all three years, Moore became one of the more dangerous offensive threats in not only the Big Ten, but the country. His improvement over the course of his freshman, sophomore, and junior campaigns were very impressive, as he doubled his production, going from 41 receptions in 2016 to 80 in 2017. The 80 receptions is now a school record at Maryland.

Moore racked up nearly 1,100 yards receiving in 2017 and had 10 total touchdowns for the Terrapins. He also served as the Terrapins’ top return man during his time in College Park.

Strengths

For starters, Moore has a great mix of speed and strength despite his 6-foot, 210-pound frame. His quickness off line of scrimmage allows him to run great routes and his strength gives him the opportunity to go up and make a catch or break a tackle from a defensive back. This was especially important as Moore endured numerous quarterbacks during his time at Maryland, especially his junior season where the Terrapins were forced to go with their third-string the entire year.

Another strength of Moore is his ability to find the ball. While Maryland did not have much success in other areas of the offense, it often meant the quarterback was under duress or on the move- forcing Moore to abandon his initial route and make a play for himself. Again, his quickness and strength — along with his high IQ made it possible for him to turn nothing into something.

Weaknesses

A possible problem looming over Moore is his ease of performance in college. While his speed and strength are a big upside for him, at times it appeared he was not using it to his full advantage. Moore will not get by coasting at the professional level and will need some improvement on little things such as: 50-50 balls, getting open more, and securing catches before trying to make a run.

Next: Latest first round post-Combine NFL Mock Draft

Draft Expectations

This year’s pool of offensive skill players is very top-heavy, meaning Moore will likely fall out of the first day and into the second round. This is not a knock on his talent, but rather an opportunity for an NFL team to secure first-round talent in the second round. Moore might not see his name called on the first day, but could be one of the first ones to be drafted on day No. 2.

Projection: 2nd round, 44th overall by the Washington Redskins