LSU Football: Where will Thaddeus Moss land in 2020 NFL Draft?

Thaddeus Moss is one of many LSU football players who declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. Where could the son of Randy Moss land?

Thaddeus Moss joins several LSU athletes declaring for the draft this year.

The tight end is a redshirt junior and transferred to LSU from North Carolina State in 2017. He had to sit out the 2017 season as a transfer student and was injured in 2018, sidelining him for the year. He rehabbed in time for the 2019 season and was a monumental piece of the LSU national title core.

Thaddeus is the son of Hall of Famer wide receiver Randy Moss and is in a sound spot to carry on the Moss name in professional football. As mentioned, Moss spent his freshman year at North Carolina State and played in five games, recording six receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown.

During the 2019 season, Moss played in 12 games, posted 47 receptions for 570 yards and four receiving touchdowns. Two of the four touchdowns were in the national title game against Clemson. In two seasons, Moss was able to play as he recorded 53 receptions for 619 yards and five receiving touchdowns.

Most certainly, had Moss been eligible and well to play in all four collegiate seasons, his stats would be much better.

Strengths

With a hand measurement of 9 7/8 inches, Moss is instinctive as a pass catcher and he is reliable in catches thrown to him. He also has a wide body frame that is intimidating against safeties.

Moss will do whatever it takes as a run blocker and blocks the run with determined consistency. He’s able to get into space and adjust accordingly with moving targets and can use his hips in base blocks and will strain to sustain the block.

Weaknesses

Moss has a less defined body than desired and doesn’t display extraordinary athleticism. He needs more consistency with his hand placement so he can put them to better use, and his wiggle after the catch needs improvement.

Moss isn’t very quick getting off the line and into routes and needs to increase his route tempo. The press often detours him and he has a sluggish foot quickness when he is getting in and out of breaks.

The LSU star has never really spent more than two years actually playing for one team, perhaps with a consistent home base and experience these improvements will come and Moss will continue to grow as a player.

Draft Projection

Moss received a 5.80 prospect grade following the cFL Combine which is a “backup/special teamer” score. His score doesn’t necessarily reflect his talent and ability, he just needs consistency and experience. I didn’t draft Moss in my first attempt at a mock as I don’t think he will go in the first round. I think he’ll have an advantage with his father being who he is and he does have more strengths than weaknesses. I project him going in the late second, or early third round.

Projection: Late second, early third round