James Gladstone has set the Jacksonville Jaguars up for success in the NFL Draft.
"Best player available" is a mantra that many preach but do not practice. Especially with Arik Armstead tentatively returning at defensive tackle, the Jags don't have a major need to address as much as adding depth and talent across the roster.
That might mean dipping into the draft's strongest positions, which are undoubtedly EDGE and cornerback. Jacksonville, of course, has a dynamic pass-rushing duo of Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, but they could use a breather more often. especially when you take into account that this is a deep class. Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore could be that third piece.
Moore had 10.0 sacks for the Wolverines in a productive senior campaign, and his experience in college would translate well to the Jaguars' defensive scheme.
So what are the rusher's strengths and weaknesses? Could a fit be present at No. 56? Let's dive in.
Derrick Moore NFL Draft Profile and Combine Measurements
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 255 pounds
Arm Length: 33.4"
Hand Span: 9.1"
40-Yard Dash: N/A
10-Yard Split: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Derrick Moore NFL Draft Tape Evaluation: Strengths, and Weaknesses
Strengths:Â Power rush moves, hand placement, play-finishing, and coordinated movement
Weaknesses:Â Effort against the run, first-step explosiveness
In a more shallow EDGE group, Derrick Moore could have been a first-round pick.
Moore is a seamless evaluation as a 7-technique in a four-man front who understands his pass-rushing ability at a fundamental level. He won't blow anyone away with his first step, bend, or agility, but he maximizes his athletic tools with great hand placement to bull rush, and he's got sneaky counters and slips off of that core principle.
An underrated part of his game is his ability to finish plays, including his "wrap-up" and overall tackling. Moore rarely gets uncoordinated to blow by the quarterback or fail to finish the play with mediocre ankle tackles.
Other top EDGEs in this class just simply take more pride in shutting down the run. These are Moore's worst reps on tape and show a willingness to let teammates handle the cleanup after a passable job setting the edge.
I'd normally be uneasy about a second-round player who passed on the combine, but Moore was one of the most impressive players overall at February's Senior Bowl. It was best to leave things on such a high note. Moore is the No. 44 overall player on my board.
Derrick Moore's Fit with the Jacksonville Jaguars
As you look at Jacksonville's "shopping list" compared to what will be available in Round 3, it is extremely possible the Jags take an EDGE at No. 56 to satisfy that need in one of the best value ranges for the position.
Moore will step in and contribute right away on a rotational basis as a plug-and-play option behind Walker and Hines-Allen.
Beyond him in the second round, you get to the range of more athletic projects, like USC's Anthony Lucas, or smaller EDGEs with size concerns, like Texas Tech's Romello Height. I would not wait when this is a sneaky need. The Jags finished the final four games, including the postseason loss, with just five total sacks. This group wore down from a lack of depth.
Considering the Michigan alum's first-round frame and production, Gladstone and Coen would likely be thrilled to get him as a late second-rounder in a year where they shipped away their Thursday selection.