The 2023 NFL Draft class features a stacked group of defenders, and NC State LB Iasiah Moore is a name to watch as the draft approaches. In fact, he might be one of the most underrated under-the-radar players in the LB class.
While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Moore’s scouting report suggest about his NFL draft stock?
Isaiah Moore NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Linebacker
- School: NC State
- Year: Sixth-year senior
A sixth-year graduate player, NC State linebacker Isaiah Moore has led the Wolfpack both on and off the field. The No. 30-ranked player out of high school in the state of Virginia, Moore redshirted in his freshman year but then wasted no time getting in on the action.
Moore was a consistent producer for NC State, playing in 35 games between 2018 and 2020, recording 216 tackles with 23.5 for a loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
What is even rarer — but glanced over — is that Moore was wearing the green dot as a redshirt freshman. You don’t see many redshirt freshmen nationwide with playcalling duties. That showed the team’s trust in and respect for Moore early on in his career at NC State.
2021 was a difficult season, though, as Moore suffered a torn ACL in the seventh game of the season against Miami (FL). At the time, he was the team’s leader in tackles for loss and second in total tackles (43). Additionally, this was Moore’s second season as a team captain, and he was also chosen to wear the coveted No. 1 jersey for the Wolfpack.
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Moore missed spring practice as he continued his rehab following surgery but put together an impressive 2022 season, recording 82 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, three sacks, and four pass breakups. The 6’2″ and 234-pound linebacker was also an honorable mention All-ACC recipient in 2022.
Playing primarily inside the box, there were questions about Moore’s speed and coverage capabilities. After not testing at the NFL Combine, all eyes were on Moore at the NC State Pro Day. Moore impressed scouts, with his 40-times ranging between 4.62 and 4.68 seconds, a short shuttle around 4.4, and a three-cone around 7.04 seconds.
Combined with a 9’10” broad jump at a 30-inch vertical jump, he did more than enough to answer many questions about his athleticism.
But this is simply one part of the evaluation process, and the scouting report for Moore tells a much larger story about his potential role in the NFL.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Isaiah Moore
Strengths: Underrated LB with a three-down game. Instinctive, remains disciplined with assignments, and quickly locates the ball. Breaks down well, uses his hands to protect himself, and holds his ground against blocks or slides off them altogether to make the play.
Doesn’t bite on ball fakes, stacks well against the run, and is a stout tackler. Easily changes direction, moves well laterally, and attacks ball-handlers. Fires upfield on the blitz and shows a closing burst.
Weaknesses: Possesses average ability in coverage. At times, makes his first move upfield and gets caught out of position.
Overall: Moore impressed me as a redshirt freshman and did a good job for the Wolfpack in a variety of defensive schemes. He possesses the athleticism to stay on the field on passing downs, though he needs to improve his ball skills. Moore comes with upside and could easily make a roster as a sixth or seventh linebacker.
Isaiah Moore Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 233
- Arm Length: 31 1/4″
- Hand Size: 9 1/8″
- Bench Press: 26
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.62*
- Vertical Jump: 30″*
- Broad Jump: 9’10″*
NC State LB Isaiah Moore Current Draft Projection
While there might not be a Micah Parsons-style linebacker in this year’s draft class, the 2023 defensive class is loaded with talent. However, the bulk of that comes from the EDGE and CB groups, which will be substantially featured over the first two rounds.
That said, there’s some quality at the linebacker position as well. Moore might need to wait a few rounds before he finally hears his name called, but he’ll almost undoubtedly be selected.
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Moore is currently the ninth-ranked inside linebacker and the 168th-ranked player in Tony Pauline’s Big Board. With a draft grade of 3.42, Moore has a projected draft capital that places him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
It’s hard not to come away impressed with Moore, who certainly showed all the intangibles it takes to play the linebacker position at a high level. But questions remain concerning his versatility to play outside of a 3-4 alignment.
With that said, in the right system, Moore could become a natural first- and second-down linebacker that becomes a centerpiece on the defensive side of the ball for years to come.