2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Elijah Moore





  • Elijah Moore, 5-10/178

  • Wide Receiver

  • Ole Miss


  • Elijah Moore Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Dangerous playmaker
  • Threat to score and rip off long gains on any touch
  • Good hands
  • Natural hands catcher
  • Smooth route runner
  • Has a burst out of his breaks
  • Consistently generates separation
  • Sudden
  • Stretches a defense vertically
  • Finds soft spots in zone
  • Speed to go vertical
  • Tough and competitive
  • Tracks the ball well
  • Deadly on double moves




  • Weaknesses:
  • Undersized
  • Light
  • Short
  • Will have problems with long NFL corners
  • Limited to being a slot receiver
  • A bit straight line and not as elusive as one would think


  • Summary: Prior to 2020, Moore was best known for a touchdown celebration in which he mimicked a dog urinating. The ensuing penalty for that pushed back the Rebels’ extra point attempt, which was missed and gave an Egg Bowl victory to Mississippi State. Moore changed the narrative in 2020, however, dominating the SEC with 86 receptions for 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns over only eight games – he opted out late in the season. Moore was an electric playmaker who put together huge games against South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Florida. Under Lane Kiffin, Moore showed a big improvement over his 2019 (67-850-6) and 2018 (36-398-2) seasons.

    There is a lot to like about Moore for the NFL because he is dynamic receiving weapon. Moore is a dangerous playmaker who is a threat to score and rip off long gains on any reception. With his speed off the line and his second gear, Moore is fast through his route and his burst out of his breaks consistently creates separation. He is deadly on double moves because his route running and suddenness allow him to get open downfield while challenging defenses vertically. Moore is also a natural hands catcher who is very reliable in terms of securing ball. He is feisty player whose gritty and competitive style energizes his team beyond his big-play ability.



    Moore has some limitations for the NFL in being short and light. He could have problems with longer cornerbacks, and getting off jams and reroutes could be issues for him. Even though Moore is fast and a shifty route-runner, he is surprisingly not that elusive after the catch and is more of a straight-line receiver with the ball in his ahnds. Moore’s size limits him to playing as a slot receiver in the NFL.

    Moore looks likely to be a second- or third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has an outside chance of sneaking into the first round.



    Player Comparison: Jamison Crowder Crowder (5-9, 177) and Moore are almost identical in size and are both dangerous slot receivers. Crowder is a quick route runner who can get open and has reliable hands. In the NFL, I think Moore could be similar, and perhaps a better, version of Crowder.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2021 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2021 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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