If there's any position where a late-round draft pick can make it big, it's running back. Well, what about an undrafted free agent?
When the Seahawks signed Wyoming's Devin Moore, his was just another name amongst a group of signed free agents. But of them all, he may have the best chance at becoming a household name amongst the 12th Man.
That's because he brings something to the mix at running back that Seattle hasn't seen since maybe Ricky Waters, speed and big-play ability.
To continue...
Devin Moore
5-10
191 pounds
College stats:
The skills
Right now, Moore's best attribute is his speed. He reportedly runs a 4.3 40-yard dash, but he was not invited to the combine to prove it.
Still, the proof is in the video:
As a rusher, he has the patience and vision to take it inside, but he tends to go down on the initial contact and will need to bulk up some for the NFL.
He's a one-cut, downhill runner and should be capable of making some big plays running behind Seattle's zone blockers.
Unfortunately, his receiving skills aren't where they need to be, and he may not have the change of direction ability to be a great returner in the NFL.
Rookie projection
Seahawks fans shouldn't expect much from Moore his rookie year. In fact, it's going to be an uphill battle for him to even make the team. Assuming the team keeps five total backs, he'll likely have to beat out Justin Forsett.
Here's the projected lineup:
RB: Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, Justin Forsett
FB: Justin Griffith, Owen Schmitt
If he wants to make an immediate impact with the 'Hawks, he may have to prove himself the team's best returner. Still, he should have a heck of a preseason, much like Forsett last year. Between the two of them, it should be an interesting battle.
With all that in mind, the rookie projection for rushing stats is:
85 rushing yards
0 touchdowns
The long projection
OK, so the rookie projection is a little boring, but here's where things get interesting with Moore. It took him a couple years to make an impact in college, and the same should be expected in the pros.
There are a few things he'll need to improve on first. He still needs to work on his route-running as that will make the difference on whether he makes it in the NFL. He'll also need to bulk up some but just another 10 pounds or so should do the trick.
If he does all this, then Moore should develop into a terrific change-of-pace back in the NFL in the vein of a Kevin Faulk or a Charlie Garner (he, of course, eventually developed into much more).
To conclude, here's a video that details why Moore should earn a roster spot this year:
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
