New York Giants: Damontre Moore set to break out

By Ryan Disdier | May 29, 2015

The New York Giants have always been synonymous with strong defensive line play, and last year, the defense finished with 47 sacks, which was good for fourth in the league.

However, with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo back in town calling the shots, the goal is to generate more sacks. One young player is in a perfect position to have a breakout 2015. Entering his third year, it’s time for Damontre Moore to finally become the player he’s capable of being.

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Considered a steal when the Giants selected Moore in the third round of the 2013 Draft, Moore has only amassed 5.5 sacks in his career, which all came last year. However, Moore did block two punts — one during the preseason, and one in the regular season — during his rookie campaign.

He made significant strides in year 2, but his immaturity hindered his performance. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by Moore negated what would have been a pick-six for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Moore was also ejected in the St. Louis game after he was involved in an altercation.

Moore’s mistakes must have driven head coach Tom Coughlin crazy, mostly because all of the talent is there for Moore to become a great pass-rusher.

Despite Moore’s mistakes, it appears as though he has done some maturing this offseason, which bodes well for the Giants.

Moore missed the first offseason workouts, but not without good reason. The former Texas A&M Aggie returned to college to earn his degree. Things went pretty well, too, as Moore shared his grades, via Twitter.

The maturation process of Moore should be music to the Giants’ ears. Although Moore isn’t an elite run-stuffing end, he has the speed and natural athleticism to be a consistent force coming off the edge. He’s best suited as a speed rusher, and he should be ready to make some noise this year.

The 6-5, 250-pound rusher has the highest motor on the defensive line, including Jason Pierre-Paul. He’s high energy, and he can be tough for offensive linemen to deal with, especially late in games.

Damontre “Feed Me” Moore should compete for a starting job as a defensive end during the preseason, nut even if he doesn’t start the game, he’ll benefit from playing on a stacked defensive line.

Spagnuolo loves to rotate in fresh d-linemen, so if Robert Ayers Jr. — who suffered an apparent leg injury Wednesday — ends up starting, expect Moore sprinkled in frequently, mostly on passing downs.

I don’t think Moore will be making the Pro Bowl, but I do think he’ll become a double-digit sack guy, and a player whose role will be similar to the one Osi Umenyiora had during his stint with the team.

Like Umenyiora, Moore is a better pass rusher than run stopper, but he possesses more athletic ability than the former stalwart.

The worst-case scenario for the Giants would be if Moore fails to do much in 2015. The good news, though, is that he’s not even 23 yet. Let’s not forget the fact that Michael Strahan, who is statistically the best Giants pass rusher to ever play the game, didn’t record more than 7.5 sacks until his fifth year in the league.

Moore has all of the tools and he has tremendous upside. With the proper coaching, which he’ll get from Spags, Moore is a player who is primed for big things this year.

If the Giants want to make it to the postseason for the first time since 2011, then the pass rush needs to be stellar.

Next: New York Giants: Could Jake Long be an option?

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