By Adam Aniba
Small School Spotlight; David Moore
Washington Head Coach, Ron Rivera, will certainly make upgrades along the offensive line this offseason, but he'll have a lot of work ahead of him. After re-signing Chase Roullier to a LTD and reportedly in negotiations with Pro Bowl RG Brandon Scherff on a deal, the line is trending in the right direction. The left side of the offensive line is where the most work needs to be done. Although veteran guard Wes Schweitzer stepped in as the starting LG slot with Wes Martin struggling/dealing with injuries and played well, but upgrading the position has to be a priority. Second year IOL Keith Ismael and Saahdiq Charles will also likely be in the mix for LG, but both played other positions primarily in college.
Every draft features that classic overachiever who flies under the radar until he makes a name for himself during the Senior Bowl and or NFL Combine. The feature of this spotlight and potential Day 3 gem is Grambling State's IOL David Moore Jr.
David Moore
4th-5th Rd Grade | IOL | Grambling State
Height: 6 feet, 1 5/8 inches
Weight: 350
Wingspan: 82 5/8 inches
Arm length: 32 5/8 inches
Hand size: 9 5/8 inches
Moore opted out of the 2020 season at Grambling State to focus on his training and preparation for the Senior Bowl as well as the NFL Draft. In an effort to help the draft hopeful refine his technique, Moore's camp sought out the services of Hall of Famer and former Houston Oiler lineman Bruce Matthews.
Prior to last week's Senior Bowl game in Mobile, AL we put out our 5 Offensive Under the Radar Senior Bowl Prospects with the Grambling State guard being the lone offensive lineman listed. David Moore Jr. was the first ever HBCU draft prospect to get a Senior Bowl invite with fell HBCU star cornerback Bran Mills from N.Carolina Central.
Moore was one of the week's best IOL and dominated 1-on-1's. He continued to be effective in 9-on-7 when he faced the American squad, flashing his superb upper body strength while routinely finishing off blocks. He displayed solid technique all week, particularly when facing upper level lineman. Watching him finishing off pass rushers, even when they lie on the turf, has been a recurring theme after watching his college film.
Achievements and Accolades
* First HBCU draft prospect invited to the Senior Bowl
* Named top OL on the Senior Bowl American squad in a vote from the DL group.
The award voted on by the opposing players in the position group they faced during practices is given to the top performing OL at practice.
Tale of the Tape
Finishes off blocks with a mean streak
Dominant in the run game with a potential to be very good in Pass Pro
Shows good athleticism to be an effective pulling guard
An enforcer in the run game
Short arms have been a knock, but he more than makes up for it with good hand placement, utilizing strong hands to engage rushers
Never late off the snap and always moving forward
Technically sound and effective in tight spaces
Won't get overwhelmed by the bull rush and shows a knack for redirecting pressure if beat to his gap
Fit in Washington
WIth Wes Schweitzer only 28 yrs old and set to make $5 million in 2021 and $6 million in 2022, Ron Rivera could continue to roll with the veteran as the starting LG for 2021. Unless Schweitzer raises his level of play, he'll only be the short term answer. Although Washington has a few young utility type options in Charles and Ismael, an upgrade is needed as well as solid depth.
David Moore's week at the Senior Bowl got the attention of NFL teams. His performance and the admiration he gained from opposing defensive lineman at the Senior Bowl was well documented, especially from many of the Power 5 prospects. Although he played some center and even DL in HS and college, he projects as a solid Day 3 interior offensive lineman prospect for Washington. Year 1 would likely be his developmental year while he gets into NFL level shape, but look for Moore to open eyes around the league regardless of what team drafts him.
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*Credit pictures from hbcugameday.com and official measurements from Seniorbowl.com