If the Jaguars go looking for tight end help in the 2020 NFL Draft, Louisiana State’s Thaddeus Moss may just be the guy to get.
Sadly, the college football season has come to an end as the Louisiana State Tigers bested the Tigers of Clemson in a hard fought offensive battle this past Monday. Many players got their spotlight in the last game as marquee players like Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons and Louisiana State’s J’Mar Chase shined in big ways. Another player who exploded onto the scene was Louisiana State’s tight end, Thaddeus Moss.
Curiously, despite being the son of one of the greatest NFL players ever, Moss’ college career has been rather quiet. Many fans don’t even know that Hall-of-Fame receiver Randy Moss even had a son playing college football. While fans may not know the name Thaddeus Moss, I can assure you the NFL sure does. The electric playmaker just announced his declaration for the NFL Draft just Friday.
Thaddeus Moss (6-foot-3, 249 pounds) has been one of the Tiger’s best playmakers this season. While receivers Chase and Justin Jefferson were the main staples of Louisiana State’s high-powered offense, Moss came up big in big moments. In the playoffs, Moss played at a high level, reeling in nine catches for 135 yards, with three of those catches being touchdowns.
Moss is incredibly well-built and is a fluid mover for his size. His exact speed won’t be known likely until the NFL combine in February, however, I expect the Tiger’s mismatch weapon to perform well in Indianapolis. His speed was awfully evident in his time at LSU. Moss was often used on vertical routes, trusting his ability to get behind the secondary quickly.
In the play below, Moss comes from the slot and runs a scissors type route concept with the outside receiver, attempting to find the soft spots in the zone. Moss gets behind the outside corner and Joe Burrow finds Moss in space for a bomb.
Another play that really displays Moss’ speed is one from the Tigers’ game against Oklahoma. Moss doesn’t do anything especially impressive, however, the Sooners had a bust in the coverage, springing Moss free down the sideline for a huge touchdown. The impressive part is just how well Moss moves for his size. Most tight ends easily get caught; However, Moss is just flat out different.
Look at the big fella move!
The last part of Moss’ game I want to touch on is his contested catch ability. I was quite impressed by Moss’ hands as a whole, but his contested catch ability was exceedingly impressive. On many occasions, Moss outleaped defenders to snatch the ball out of the air. He understands high points and makes use of his big-bodied frame to create separation. The best example of this came against Alabama midway through the season.
That just isn’t fair.
Moss is too big and moves t0o fast not to be in consideration as a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft come April. His ability to create space and be a physical player down the field make him one of the best tight ends in the class and a player team’s will have to monitor as the draft cycle continues.
Oh yeah! he isn’t a bad blocker either.
The Jaguars have been in constant search for tight end help since — well forever. Marcedes Lewis was a dominant blocker in his time at Jacksonville, however, failed to bring the receiving ability to scare teams. Moss could be that type of receiver and with last year’s third round pick Josh Oliver returning from injury, the team could be set up to be better than ever at tight end.
I think Moss is definitely a player that the front office will be keeping close watch on as the offseason draws near. Even more important, who wouldn’t want to see the son of the great Randy Moss in some teal and black!
