It’s been almost 30 years since Grambling State University had an offensive lineman drafted to the NFL. Following a Reese’s Senior Bowl-induced meteoric rise up NFL Draft boards, David Moore can put an end to that run later this spring. How did he get here, and how high can the Grambling State guard be selected at the NFL’s annual selection event?
David Moore NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Offensive Guard
- School: Grambling State
- Current Year: Senior
- Height: 6’1 5/8″
- Weight: 320 pounds
- Wingspan: 82 5/8″
- Arms: 32 5/8″
- Hands: 9 5/8″
Tony Pauline’s David Moore Scouting Report
Positives: Wide-bodied, explosive blocker who shows ability at the line of scrimmage and at the second level. Sets with a wide base, bends his knees, and shows strength at the point. Stays square, seals defenders from the action, and turns them from the line. Fights with his hands throughout the play, shows the ability to slide in space, and keeps his feet moving.
Fires into blocks, quickly gets out to the second level, and redirects in motion, displaying the ability to take linebackers from the play. Keeps his head on a swivel and looks for someone to hit.
[sv slug=”drizly”]Negatives: Lazy and late with his hands on occasion. Does not properly place his hands into defenders. Doesn’t consistently get movement run blocking despite his size.
Analysis: Moore is a short, squat lineman with above-average movement skills and a large upside. He needs to finish his game, but he’s a late-round pick with scheme versatility who could develop into a starter.
David Moore Player Profile
David Moore’s rapid ascent as an NFL Draft darling is almost the perfect metaphor for his entire football career. He has appeared virtually out of nowhere in the consciousness of the nation. In truth, he did precisely the same in high school football. The big man from Little Rock, Arkansas only played two years at McClellan High School. However, he made the most of every snap.
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As a junior in 2014, he earned All-Conference honors as McClellan went from a 1-9 program to a 5-5 record. The following year, he earned All-State honors as the school made a push for an Arkansas State Championship for the first time since 1971. Moore was an integral part of the school’s turnaround in football fortune.
Under-recruited out of McClellan, Moore made his way to Grambling State as a guard, where his size and physicality have made him a dominant force at the FCS level.
David Moore’s college career at Grambling State
After redshirting in 2016, Moore helped Grambling State lift the SWAC Championship. He saw action in nine games as the Tigers went 11-2, eventually beating Alcorn State 40-32 in the title game. Unfortunately for Moore and Grambling, the following two seasons would be less successful. The Tigers went 6-5 in both 2018 and 2019, finishing second in the West Division. As a result, they failed to return to the title game.
Amidst the disruption of the 2020 college football season — the FCS postponed their entire season until the spring — David Moore decided the best option was to focus on the 2021 NFL Draft. Following his decision, Moore then went to work with former Houston Oilers offensive lineman Bruce Matthews to work on the technical elements of the position.
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The offseason work paid dividends for Moore at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He went from effortlessly dominating FCS defensive linemen to facing some of the best in the nation and didn’t skip a beat. In addition to showcasing his skill set to NFL scouts, he also demonstrated his versatility. Despite solely playing guard in his Grambling career, he took snaps at both guard and center in Mobile.
After an impressive week of practice, the Grambling State standout earned Offensive Lineman of the Week honors. Furthermore, the defensive linemen who he went against all week voted on the award. As David Moore left his impression on the opposition in Mobile, his NFL Draft stock continued to soar.
David Moore’s best fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
Due to his strength, versatility, and athleticism, there will be no shortage of suitors for Grambling State guard David Moore in the 2021 NFL Draft. As a run defender, his aggression and athleticism would suggest that his best fit would be at guard with a team that likes to emphasize the ground game.
As a result, teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks would make excellent landing spots. Additionally, the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, and New York Giants could benefit from adding a player like Moore.
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Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.