2018 NFL Draft fantasy profile: WR D.J. Moore

Now I get to defend my reasoning behind having D.J. Moore ahead of Calvin Ridley in my rookie wide receiver dynasty rankings.

Ridley’s number one asset in my mind is his route running ability. For Moore, it’s his ability to score from anywhere on the football field. Whether it’s chucking the ball downfield or throwing a 2 yard screen, Moore has the ability to take any pass he gets his hands on to the house. He reminds me of Golden Tate in that he turns into almost a running back once he’s caught the ball with elite field vision and elusiveness. It also helps when you run a 4.4 40-yard-dash and are built like a bowling ball (5-foot-11, 210 pounds).

It’s likely that in the NFL Moore will primarily be a slot receiver but that doesn’t mean he can’t play on the outside. In fact, that’s where he did most of his damage at Maryland. He has the ability to win contested balls, though that’s far from his strong suit—he caught only 38% of his contested targets—but he did pull off a few highlight-reel grabs. Moore will also need to improve his route running and his explosiveness in and out of breaks at the next level, but teams can work around that as he’s developing using screens, end arounds and quick passes to get the ball in his hands.

When I watch Moore play, I see a guy who will fight for every yard and has the ability to make people miss as well as simply outrun them. On a team that has a plan for Moore and can take full advantage of him, I could see him becoming a PPR monster, much like Jarvis Landry or the aforementioned Tate. I don’t think he’ll be taken ahead of Ridley come draft day, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the more productive rookie between the two of them.

Best Fantasy Fits

• Dallas Cowboys: If I were a man who did the gambling, I’d put everything on Moore going to Dallas at number 19. Yes we know they need a wide receiver so I’m not making the most wildest of predictions but people are certainly thinking this could be a natural landing spot for Ridley. Personally, I think Moore is a much better fit for Dallas than Ridley. If you think of the receivers that Dak Prescott has had success with, it’s quick “slot” guys who can get off the line and are open immediately. Sure Dez Bryant got released because he lost a step but he and Dak also never seemed on the same page. I think Dallas goes all in on the quick passing game and build on Dak’s strengths. If Moore ended up in Dallas, I’d have a hard time not waaaaay over drafting him in fantasy (despite my whole “don’t draft rookie wide receivers” rule).
• Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have not been subtle about their attempt at getting faster on offense. They added Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel last year as well as trading away Kelvin Benjamin. Adding Moore would continue to improve upon the offensive speed but also give Cam Newton a guy would could be a true No. 1 receiver. Plus, small stocky wide receiver in Carolina? Where have I heard that before...
• Atlanta Falcons: Just imagine this offense with Julio Jones on the outside and Moore in the slot. Or on the other side. Yikes. We know receivers can produce fantasy numbers in Atlanta and Moore could quickly take that No. 2 receiver gig from Mohamed Sanu and never look back. Plus maybe with some young blood in the room, Julio will finally get over his touchdown allergy. Or if he doesn’t, then they can all go to Moore, which I’m not against.