The 2020 NFL Draft is loaded with talented wide receivers, which should give teams plenty of options to get fantastic value in the middle and later rounds.
One such player who has the skills to make a big impact at the next level, no matter where he’s drafted? Tulane’s Darnell Mooney.
An explosive playmaker who burned up the track at the NFL Scouting Combine, Mooney recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience in Indy, how he attacks defensive backs of different sizes, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
DM: It was a great experience. There’s nothing like it. It can be kinda hectic. I spoke to some friends that have been to the combine before. I had a rough idea of what to expect. They told me that it can be a little bit of a time crunch. Our combine was a little unique though. It lasted five days for us, I think that’s a little bit longer than some of the previous ones. It was pretty cool overall.
JM: You got some attention with your 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds. What do you think is the overall impression that you left out there?
DM: I think I left a great impression. I’m a fast learner, and I love to finish what I start. My speed result was exactly what you saw on film. There’s no discrepancy there. I’m able to maintain my speed level throughout the course of an entire game. What you see is what you get.
JM: Do you think you turned a lot of heads out there?
DM: Yeah, I definitely did. Everybody was wondering what I was gonna run. I know a lot of NFL scouts and coaches were watching closely for that result. It’s funny, I see myself as more of a route technician than a speed guy. I know that I’m a fast player and everybody wanted to see what my time would be.
When I was running routes during the on-field work, all of the scouts or coaches that were on the field looked at me and said, “Wow, you can really run routes.” That feedback has remained consistent all throughout my FaceTime meetings. Every team I’ve met with has brought up how I ran routes at the combine. I hang my hat on route running, not speed. The speed is a bonus. That’s how I look at it anyways.
JM: How do you describe your play style?
DM: I’m very dangerous with the ball in my hands. I’m an explosive play-maker. The defense had to account for me every time that I stepped onto the field. They had to game-plan for me and they had to know where I was lined up at all times. I definitely make my presence felt out there. I always feel like I’m in a groove. The more touches I get, the more dangerous I become. I feel like I did my best work later in the game. I always try to make it tough on the defense.
JM: Were you able to get any private visits or workouts in before COVID-19 shut everything down?
DM: I had a private workout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I had a few others lined up, but the Buccaneers one was the only one that actually happened. They came down to Tulane and we did a workout. We also did some board work after the workout. We were able to get that in before the spread of virus shut everything down.
JM: Which teams have you met with via FaceTime?
DM: I’ve met with almost every single team in the NFL. There’s been about four teams that I haven’t met with, and I can’t disclose them at this time. I can confirm that the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings are on the list of teams that I have met with. There’s a very long list of teams that I’ve met with.
JM: Do you attack those bigger cornerbacks any differently than you do the ones who are more similar to you in size and stature?
DM: When it comes to cornerbacks, it depends on how long they are. In college, I kinda learned what I like to do versus those longer guys. I played college football for four years and I understand what my plan of attack should be. I tend to go a little wider on those longer guys. Over the last year, I started to get more comfortable being a little aggressive with them. I try to get into them when they can’t use their length as much. It works in my favor. I’ve never really looked at it as a weakness of mine. Whether I lined up inside or outside, I feel comfortable no matter what.
JM: Who are some of the best cornerbacks that you’ve gone up against?
DM: I have to mention one of my teammates, first and foremost. Thakarius Keyes always gave me a rough time in practice. Reggie Robinson II from Tulsa was a good one as well. He’s a very long guy and he understands how to use his length.
JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Darnell Mooney?
DM: I’m not a risk. I understand that NFL draft picks are long-term investments. I’m a great investment. You’re gonna get a great return on your investment with me. You’re getting somebody that’s gonna work hard and make plays for you. I’m a playmaker. You’re gonna get everything you expected out of me, and more. I can’t wait to hit the ground running.
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