Purdue WR Rondale Moore Still Available Entering Day 2 of the NFL Draft
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, five wide receivers heard their names called. But there remains a talented pool of prospects that will be potential targets for teams looking for a pass catcher; that includes Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore.
One trait that plagues some of the athletes falling to the second day of the draft — namely Moore and Mississippi wide receiver Elijah Moore — is their size.
Many analysts considered the Rebels' receiver a first-round selection. But with a height of 5-foot-9 and weighing 178 pounds, he is eerily similar to the Boilermakers' star. Both have yet to be selected.
Scouts and Purdue's Pro Day officially listed Moore at 5-foot-7 and 181 pounds. Now, he awaits the phone call that will send them to the professional level. And with doubts about his size and durability, it'll come down to the organization that feels his set of skills fits best for their offense and special teams.
Teams are still looking for receivers, and with rounds two and three on the horizon, there's a high chance Moore will be the first Boilermaker off the board by the end of the day Friday.
Rondale Moore instant impact wherever he go remember this tweet
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 30, 2021
ESPN Evaluation of Rondale Moore
"Moore is an undersized slot receiver with excellent burst and rare top-end speed. He makes defenders miss and has the second gear to pull away when he gets the ball in space. He averaged 10.1 yards per carry in 2018. He's more of a threat after the catch, but he tracks the ball well and makes some plays downfield.
He's an above-average route runner who has the burst to separate from man and settles into pockets working against zone looks. He's a hands catcher, but he's a small target who drops some balls. He's tough over the middle and after the catch."
Wide receivers taken in the first round
Player | Team | Pick |
|---|---|---|
Ja'Marr Chase, LSU | Cincinnati Bengals | 5th Overall |
Jaylen Waddle, Alabama | Miami Dolphins | 6th Overall |
DeVonta Smith, Alabama | Philadelphia Eagles | 10th Overall |
Kadarius Toney, Florida | New York Giants | 20th Overall |
Rashod Bateman, Minnesota | Baltimore Ravens | 27th Overall |
Top wide receiver prospects remaining
Player | School |
|---|---|
Elijah Moore | Mississippi |
Terrace Marshall Jr. | LSU |
Tutu Atwell | Louisville |
D'Wayne Eskridge | Western Michigan |
Rondale Moore | Purdue |
Anthony Schwartz | Auburn |
Amari Rodgers | Clemson |
Dyami Brown | North Carolina |
Nico Collins | Michigan |
Tylan Wallace | Oklahoma State |
NFL teams that may take a receiver
- Detroit Lions: Picks 41, 72 and 101
- Arizona Cardinals: Pick 49
- New England Patriots: Picks 46 and 96
- Chicago Bears: Picks 52 and 83
- Tennessee Titans: Picks 53, 85 and 100
- Kansas City Chiefs: Picks 58, 63
- New Orleans Saints: Picks 60, 98 and 105
- Green Bay Packers: Pick 62 and 92
- Houston Texans: Pick 67
Stories Related to the NFL Draft
- ROUND 1 DRAFT TRACKER: The Big Ten Conference is full of talent heading to the NFL this season, headlined by Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater and Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons. CLICK HERE
- RONDALE MOORE DRAFT RANKINGS: In his final draft rankings, ESPN's Todd McShay rated Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore as the ninth-best wide receiver prospect in this year's draft. CLICK HERE
- BOILERMAKERS' DRAFT RANKINGS: Purdue football has a number of players eligible for the 2021 NFL Draft, and Rondale Moore is likely to hear his name first. But teammates Derrick Barnes, Tyler Coyle and Lorenzo Neal may be selected later in the draft. CLICK HERE
- RONDALE MOORE DRAFT ANALYSIS: Sports Illustrated's college football expert Jim Mora shared his analysis of the Boilermakers' explosive wide receiver ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. CLICK HERE
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D.J. Fezler is a staff writer for BoilermakersCountry.com. Hailing from The Region, he is from Cedar Lake in Northwest Indiana and has spent the last two years covering Purdue football and basketball.