Purdue is one of the most consistent programs in producing NFL-caliber players. Since 2000, however, the team has only produced two first-round picks in Ryan Kerrigan and Anthony Spencer. The Boilermakers haven’t produced a first-round pick at wide receiver since Larry Burton in 1975. Wide receiver Rondale Moore will look to break that trend for Purdue in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Rondale Moore NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Purdue
- Year: Junior
- Height: 5’7″
- Weight: 181 pounds
Tony Pauline’s Rondale Moore Scouting Report
Positives: Explosive, game-breaking skill player who can score from any point on the field. Displays tremendous initial quickness with a burst, has a second gear, and runs away from defenders in the open field. Tracks the pass in the air, adjusts to the errant throw, and displays strong hands with the ability to snatch the ball out of the air at full speed.
Extends his hands making the reception away from his frame, displays focus as well as concentration, and makes the over-the-shoulder reception with defenders draped on him. Comes back to the ball to make himself an available target, settles into the open spot in the underneath coverage, and displays strong hands. Possesses the speed necessary to beat defenders around the perimeter on reverses.
[sv slug=”drizly”]Negatives: Lets the pass get inside him on occasion. Not a stout receiver and often finishes plays by running out of bounds. Lack of height is a deficit.
Analysis: Moore is a playmaking receiver, return specialist, and reverse runner, who is a threat to take it the distance any time the ball is in his hands. The initial quickness he shows the first 2-3 yards when the ball is in his hands is unparalleled and has opponents playing back on their heels.
He’s size-deficient and lacks growth potential, which could be an issue at the next level. But in the proper system, Moore will be an outstanding NFL skill player.
Rondale Moore Player Profile
Rondale Moore had a level of NFL Draft pedigree right from the outset of his college journey. He was one of the most heavily recruited wide receivers in the 2018 class, despite being ranked 41st on 24/7 Sports Composite Rankings and being Rivals’ 100-ranked receiver. The 4-star receiver had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, and Purdue, among many others. Moore was the No. 1 player in Kentucky across every ranking and won the 2017 Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year. He was also named the 2017 Paul Hornung Award for Best Player in the state of Kentucky.
As a senior, Moore posted a Trinity high school record of 104 receptions for 1,461 yards and 16 touchdowns. Meanwhile, his rushing ability accounted for 537 yards and seven touchdowns on 50 carries in 2017. He also returned two punts for touchdowns as a senior. His playmaking helped Trinity finish undefeated.
Moore skips Texas, goes to Purdue
The wide receiver originally committed to the University of Texas before flipping to Purdue after Jeff Brohm joined the team. When he was asked why he chose Purdue, Moore said it was just the right place for him.
“At the end of the day, Purdue was where my heart was, and that was where I wanted to go and who I wanted to be surrounded by day by day,” said Moore. “The culture we were building. I wanted to leave a legacy. I wanted the chance to play early and everything. So just all the little things that mattered to me the most that I wrote down on a piece of paper, they were checking everything off.”
Moore exploded onto the scene as a true freshman, including a breakout performance in a stunning upset over the Ohio State Buckeyes. He smashed school records for all-purpose yards in a season (2215), and for single game game all-purpose yards (313). Additionally he received a raft of honors including first team All-American, Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year, and Big Ten Freshman of the year.
Following a breakout freshman season, Moore suffers two years of hurt
Unfortunately for Rondale Moore, injuries blighted the next two years of his college career at Purdue, limiting him to small snapshots of his undeniable ability. Although he opened the 2019 season with explosive performances against Nevada and Vanderbilt, his season would be over by early October. In the shortened 2020 college football season, he saw playing time in just three games.
Following the conclusion of the 2020 season, Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore opted to forego his remaining eligibility and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. The diminutive receiver’s injury history is the main objection for an explosive playmaker who otherwise might be considered a first round lock.
Rondale Moore’s best NFL Draft fits
Moore is the type of playmaker any NFL team will want on their team. His speed and elusiveness in the open field will bring him a ton of YAC at the NFL level. However, he’s a limited player in the fact that he’s best in a slot-role. He isn’t a proven deep-threat, nor has he displayed an aptitude for contested situations. It’s best to give him free releases and let him work upfield with the ball in his hands.
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Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore would fit in well with teams searching for an explosive playmaker. He’s a wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft that teams can deploy in a variety of ways. While the 49ers likely won’t be searching for another receiver in the first round, Moore’s fit with Shanahan would be devastating. That said, teams like the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and the Jacksonville Jaguars would be good fits for Moore and his skill set.
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