Pro Football Focus listed Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II as the best slot cornerback in the NFL entering the 2021 season.
You’ll notice that many of the top slot cornerbacks in the NFL were passed over in the draft before going on to have success. Moore is one such player. He was picked up as an undrafted free agent by the New England Patriots in 2017, only to be cut before making the final roster. Moore landed with the Colts off waivers and has since carved out a valuable role for himself on Indianapolis’ defense.
Since moving to a primary slot role in 2018, Moore has earned a 90.0 run-defense grade and 86.3 coverage grade when lined up inside. He brings both the physicality and knack for making plays necessary to excel in the slot. That has allowed Moore to be one of the 15 most valuable cornerbacks in the entire league over the last three years, according to PFF’s Wins Above Replacement metric.
Moore has been the Swiss-army knife of the Colts defense for years. He works mostly out of the slot while also providing strong run defense and the occasional blitz from the nickel spot.
While linebacker Darius Leonard and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner rightfully get most of the credit on the defense, Moore remains the team’s secret weapon.
Despite re-signing Xavier Rhodes to a one-year deal this offseason, Moore is the leader of the secondary as it’s longest-tenured player.
So while most of the national media sleeps on Moore, he finally gets some of the top recognition he deserves from PFF.