Doug Farrar’s first mock draft for Touchdown Wire explored an exciting first-round possibility for Matt LaFleur the Green Bay Packers.
Farrar has the Packers taking Purdue receiver Rondale Moore at No. 29 overall.
A dynamic playmaker for the Boilermakers, Moore produced over 2,000 total yards from scrimmage and scored 17 total touchdowns over 20 games and three seasons at Purdue.
Packers Wire asked Farrar what he liked about the fit between Moore and Green Bay. He described the versatility Moore would provide as an underneath weapon in the Packers’ offense, a potential key for unlocking the true potential of Matt LaFleur’s scheme with NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers under center.
From Farrar: “Aaron Rodgers wanted new offensive weapons last season, and though the Packers’ offense performed well without them, there were issues. Per Sports Info Solutions, Davante Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdowns when facing single-high coverage. When facing two-high coverage, he scored just one touchdown. Opposing defenses were able to double Adams with impunity with deep safeties because there was nobody to force safeties into the box as underneath weapons in the passing game. The addition of Rondale Moore would be huge for Matt LaFleur’s offense because Moore is so dynamic on screens, slants, and other quick routes. Combined with Green Bay’s pre-snap motion concepts and play-action game, having a weapon of Moore’s caliber, especially after the catch, would give the Packers an entirely different dimension.”
As a freshman in 2018, Moore was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and the recipient of the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the nation’s most versatile player. He turned 135 touches – including 114 receptions – into 1,471 yards and 14 total touchdowns. Injuries and a shortened season in 2020 limited him to just seven games over the last two seasons.
In Green Bay, Moore could give the Packers a true slot receiver type to combine with Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard at receiver. He’d also be a natural fit in Tyler Ervin’s role as the go-to jet motion option. In fact, Purdue used him extensively on pre-snap motions within the offense.
Pro Football Focus ranks Moore as the site’s 21st best prospect in the draft. The Packers pick 29th overall.
PFF likes Moore’s potential as an explosive offensive weapon who can create easy plays and chew up yards after the catch, even at only 5-9 and 180 pounds.
The Packers passed on a receiver in last year’s draft, but the position has long-term needs, and Moore would provide a new element to an already dynamic passing game. Then again, the Packers have other more pressing needs at key positions, including cornerback and offensive tackle. Is a slot receiver too much of a luxury pick in the first round for a team that needs help elsewhere? Regardless, there’s no doubting how exciting Moore would be in the Packers offense.
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