Despite adding cornerback Cam Sutton, the Lions stayed busy on the defensive side of the football during free agency. To pair with Sutton, the Lions added cornerback Emmanuel Moseley. Oddly enough, the two of them were college teammates at Tennessee.
The Lions signed Moseley to a one-year deal worth $6 million dollars. That’s a fair price tag for a player that has ended consecutive seasons on injured reserve. It’s a similar strategy that the Lions did last season with wide receiver D.J. Chark but this time it’s on the defensive side of the ball. Even though it was a shortened season due to a torn ACL, there were plenty of promising moments on tape from Moseley.
While I could look at his pick-six against the Carolina Panthers from the 2022 season, I decided to go another route. Looking into his performance against the Denver Broncos in week three from last season, it was a solid performance from Moseley. He finished the game with 8 total tackles and had a pass deflection while playing 73 snaps in that game.
Let’s jump into some film and an interview to get a better idea of what new Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley brings to the table for the Detroit Lions.
Proper Positioning
Diving into the tape, it’s clear that Moseley is similar to Sutton as he’s also got a fluid lower half and is able to break quickly to the football. Primarily used on the outside for the 49ers in 2022, he played 273 snaps outside. In 2021, he played 526 snaps on the outside and only 5 snaps in the slot. I’d have to assume, that will continue while in Detroit.
One thing that stood out with Moseley’s tape is how he’s consistently able to be in the proper position to make a play on the ball. Whether he’s jumping the route or prepared to play through the hands of the receiver, he always seems to be around the football.
Looking at the play above, the 49ers are in man coverage. You’ll see Moseley (49ers CB 4) at the top of the screen and covering Courtland Sutton (Broncos WR 14). While it looks like the Broncos are going for a back shoulder throw, you can see how Moseley is all over Sutton and is in position to make a play on the ball. Even though it’s a poor throw, you can’t discredit Moseley being sticky in coverage.
Watching the play above, you’ll see a rare occurrence of Moseley playing around the box. While he’s covering Jerry Jeudy (Broncos WR 10), you’ll notice how Moseley reads and quickly reacts to Jeudy breaking towards the middle of the field.
Even though the ball gets tipped at the line-of-scrimmage, Moseley is still in the hip pocket of Jeudy. So much so that his inside arm is free and he’s prepared to jump the receiver and break up the pass.
Per PlayerProfiler, Moseley had a 31.8% burn rate in the NFL last season. That was 3rd best in the NFL. Now keep in mind that Moseley only played five games during the 2022 season. Regardless, he seems to be locked in on his targets and it’s rare for receivers to have a ton of separation against him.
Interview with Locked on 49ers Podcast Host Eric Crocker
To help get a better understanding of the type of player Emmanuel Moseley is or can be, I reached out to Eric Crocker. For those that don’t know, Crocker is a former NFL and AFL cornerback. He knows defensive backs like the back of his hand and it was only right that I asked him about one that played for the San Francisco 49ers. You can follow Crocker on Twitter @eric_crocker or find his work on the Locked on 49ers Podcast!
Russ: How would you describe the overall technique of Emmanuel Moseley? Is he fairly consistent between press or bail techniques or does he do one better compared to the other?
Eric: Moseley can play both man and off. I think his biggest value comes from being able to read concepts and mirror/match receivers from off coverage.
Russ: Do you think Moseley will be the same player after tearing his ACL? You’re a former player, what’s that whole process like for a player?
Eric: That’s the tough thing to know. Every player is so different. He was playing at a very high level before the injury. I’ve seen some guys bounce back right away and some take longer. I thought he’d make $12 – $15 million a year if he kept that up for an entire season.
Russ: How do you like the fit for Moseley in Detroit?
Eric: He has a unique skillset that allows him to play man press and zone. His ideal fit is a quarters defense but can play multiple coverages.
Russ: What type of player at the Lions getting with Emmanuel Moseley?
Eric: All Moseley needed to do was string together back to back seasons staying healthy and he would’ve gotten PAID. He just got hurt too much. Might be because of his slight frame but he’s a BALLER. Doesn’t back down from challenges. Would go toe to toe with DK Metcalf and outside of 2020, Moseley got the best out of THEIR battle. He was an undrafted guy who worked his way up. He’s gritty. He’s smart. And playing with Sherman probably helped. He just has to stay healthy.
Overall thoughts and fit for Detroit
Last season, Moseley only gave up 13 receptions for 135 yards while having an interception and three pass breakups. When you look at the one-year contract and the type of player that Moseley has been during his career, it’s great deal and worth the risk. It’s a gamble that could pay off tenfold.
At the Tennessee Pro Day in 2018, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds. Meanwhile, he posted a 38.5″ vertical jump and finished the 3-cone drill in 6.84 seconds.
Emmanuel Moseley got his hand up at the perfect time ✋ @Mannymoseley @49ers
📺 #GBvsSF on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO pic.twitter.com/4Wiy9XPu7j
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 6, 2020
Throughout the course of Moseley’s career, he’s primarily played as one of the outside cornerbacks in the 49ers defense. He’s played over 1600 career snaps outside while only playing 108 snaps in the slot. It’s fair to say that he’s got a particular role and it’s likely that he’s going to be staying in it with Detroit.
While the Lions are bringing back defensive back Will Harris, he could simply be a camp body. Harris could also be keeping the seat warm in managing the slot while Moseley recovers from his torn ACL. In a perfect world, the Lions will probably have Okudah and Moseley on the outside while Sutton manages the slot. Their depth players at cornerback could be a rookie from the 2023 NFL Draft, Will Harris and/or Jerry Jacobs.
Moseley has an intriguing skill-set and was playing his best football before the injury last season. Looking like a great athlete with fluid hips, he looks best suited to be a man coverage cornerback that can excel with his press technique.