Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2018 mock draft, Vol. 6
By Peter Smith
Round 2: D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland – 6-0, 210 lbs.
- 146 receptions for 2,027 yards (31.9 percent) and 17 touchdowns (37.7 percent) in three seasons.
Age: 21 years old (Born Apr. 14, 1997)
40 Yard Dash: 4.42s
Broad Jump: 11′
Vertical: 39.5″
3-Cone: 6.95s
Shuttle: 4.07s
Bench: 15 reps
D.J. Moore is the best receiver in the class, but NFL teams may be hesitant to embrace it because he’s atypical. He doesn’t look the part of the true ‘X’ receiver like Courtland Sutton and he doesn’t have the NFL-readiness of a Calvin Ridley, so they could end up going ahead of him. No wide receiver in the class has as high of a chance of being something special as Moore does, so if by chance he is available, the Browns must grab him.
Moore has a unique combination of size and strength with impressive athleticism. He’s not a finished product, but he’s been dominant. Moore understands how to get open, creates space for himself, has good hands and is incredibly dangerous after the catch. His route running could use fine tuning, which is scary given how good he already is.
He’s a difficult matchup, because he is so multifaceted. Moore is someone who can physically wear on corners. He’s pretty fearless in traffic and can be a problem in the slot because he’s just faster than linebackers and safeties. Moore can line up anywhere in the formation, which is valuable to the Browns having players like Josh Gordon and David Njoku in the fold. It’s easy to find situations where Moore can be a nightmare in the slot or out wide.
The Browns may find themselves in a situation where they deem it necessary to trade up a few spots to secure Moore, but he’s exactly the type of player they should want. Remarkably talented both in terms of physical ability and his production and he’s young, so they have someone to grow with their new quarterback while getting comfortable in the NFL catching passes from Tyrod Taylor.