New Lions Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley Is 'Ferocious Tackler'
Grant Cohn of All 49ers answered five questions about new Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley.
1.) What are the Lions getting in new cornerback Emmanuel Moseley?
Grant Cohn: They're getting a cornerback in his prime who has given up a passer rating below 67 each of the past two seasons. He's a former undrafted free agent who became a full-time starter by just his second season in the league, because he's a ferocious tackler and he doesn't give up big plays. In fact, he hasn't given up a touchdown catch since 2020. Not a typo. But, he also hasn't played a full season since 2019, and is coming off a torn ACL (which is why the Lions got him relatively cheap).
2.) What are his biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Cohn: He moves like a small cornerback, and hits like a much bigger man, which is a rare combination. He also is a supreme competitor and professional, which is how he secured a starting job with the 49ers so quickly. His main weakness is his durability -- he gets injured almost every year. And, it's unclear how good he'll be after tearing his ACL.
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley
© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
3.) How did the 49ers' secondary perform after he was lost for the 2022 season with an ACL injury?
Cohn: Moseley plays aggressive press man coverage, meaning he takes away the quick throws and forces the quarterback to hold the ball an extra second. When Moseley was on the field, he helped the defense generate lots of coverage sacks. When he went down, his replacement played much farther off the line of scrimmage, and the 49ers' pass-rush productivity took a major hit.
4.) How should defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn best use Moseley, based on his skillset?
Cohn: Let him play press man coverage. He's terrific turning and chasing wide receivers -- even the best ones in the league. He backs down from no one. But, he's not an instinctual playmaker in zone coverage -- he has intercepted only four passes in his career.
5.) How would you assess Moseley's grittiness and toughness, as the Lions want dedicated, tough football players in their secondary?
Cohn: He's as gritty and tough as cornerbacks get. In fact, he might be too tough for his frame -- he's extremely thin, particularly in his lower body, and he throws his body around with reckless abandon. Lions fans will love him.
