Skyy Moore was on my radar in the pre-draft time frame. I liked what I saw, but my focus was almost entirely on the defense side of the ball.
Start with the basic Draft Profile
Height: 5’10”
Weight – 195
Age – 21 (looks like a young 21 to boot)
40 Yard Dash – 4.41
Vertical Jump – 34.5
Broad Jump – 125″
3 Cone Drill – 7.13
20 Yd Shuttle – 4.32
As you can see, the numbers are good. He isn’t in the 4.3 seconds 40 class, which means he is not a “new” Tyreek Hill, or for that matter, a “new” Mecole Hardman or Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That speed is the underwear Olympics-oriented speed. It will be about what he can do with the pads on. The rest of the metrics are a very good fit for the Chiefs. At the same time, Moore was not a round-one Draft pick, but Moore was drafted in round two, though I regard round two picks as being players who will have an immediate impact. His length is not to brag about, nor will he be a candidate for special teams. The value comes from what he brings to the aerial game, and that’s a bunch. In terms of the receiver rank for the Chiefs, I regard him as the #4 WR(preceded by Hardman, JuJu, and MV-S). Moore was a Bronco player for Western Michigan, the same school from which Mike Caliendo(OT, UDFA) graduated.
Looking at player weaknesses is tough to do but here is the list(Compiled from two sites):
- Needs to manipulate the defender without losing route momentum.
- Doesn’t have the sserious factor for a deep threat.
- His burst at the snap is only modest.
- Needs to work in a highly focused manner on route running.
- Has Average acceleration for ‘run after the catch’.
Moore’s Strengths:
- Consistently productive in all three seasons.
- Good overall pace.
- Efficient footwork in snapping off stop routes; has ankle-breaking agility.
- Creates space with route leverage.
- Squares up with QB after his cut or break. Eyes will find the ball.
- Squares to the throw and secures catch through contact.
- Was the entire offense – 36% target share as a Junior;
- Always been productive – 3 sequential seasons.
- Per PFF, led the nation in forced missed tackles.
The Rest of the Story
As you can see, Moore exploded in 2021. His Freshman season, Moore was a starter in 12 of 13 games. However, he put up very nice numbers in 2019. I do not know why he was relegated to a backup his Sophomore year, but that is reflected in the numbers. In 2021 Moore had a compelling 10 TD-1292 yard season.
In a virtual interview with Chiefs reports, he characterized himself tough and savvy WR. As far as where he might line up? Outside or in the slot. He is not afraid to make catches in traffic in the middle of the field. In the measurements function at the Scouting Combine, Moore had the largest hands of all WRs in the 2022 draft and has been characterized by PFF as a Julian Edelman-type receiver. When you consider the other WR in the group for the Chiefs, that type of fit would be a huge asset. I placed him as the #4 WR due to his “Rookie” status.
Moore has an elusiveness that is outstanding. He broke the most tackles of any receiver in the FBS last season (26). If I refer back to PFF, they observed that Moore has the agility which is “best in his class”. They stated that he possesses “Couldn’t touch him in a phone booth” kind of agility. They went on to describe that agility as perhaps the best in the entire class: “In a class with some seriously shifty wideouts, Moore would be my bet to win if they all played tag. He’s not only shifty, but he’s also so strong he’s unaffected by an outstretched arm.”
Moore’s big-sized hands are going to be a huge advantage for him at the NFL level. His hands are “as sure as they come” one author noted. Dane Brugler had this to say about Moore: “Moore creates leverage with his foot quickness and is extremely reliable at the catch point thanks to his large, sticky hands and quick-reaction ball skills.”
Watch his highlight film. You can see him catch the ball in traffic, move the chains, and score: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPhRbblZezI
This is why when round 2, pick 54 came to the board, Brett Veach chose Skyy Moore. Moore will get game snaps right out of the gate. The test will be how he applies those skills at the NFL level. I am anxious to see him in camp with the pads on. I have seen enough on film to believe he will be a success for the Chief’s Aerial game and a dependable target for Patrick Mahomes. After all, how many times have you looked to Edelman as a dire threat, anywhere on the field? If Moore can be that type of short-to-intermediate possession WR for the Chiefs? Brett Veach has then found another winner.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne