The 2021 NFL wide receiver draft class may not be as deep as the year prior, but there is still plenty of talent up for grabs.
While everybody knows about Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, other receivers have been flying under the radar.
Particularly Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore.
Moore, who opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID after three games, reminded everyone on Tuesday during Purdue’s pro day that he may just be the fastest of the group.
The 5-foot-7 speedster was clocked running his 40-yard dash at an unofficial 4.29 seconds.
Had there been a combine this year, it would have ranked in the top 10 40 times off all time.
While Moore has garnered comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill for his small stature and lightning-quick speed, his 4.29 40 comes in a hair short of Las Vegas Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III’s 4.27 mark from last year.
Moore’s height may be of concern to some scouts, but his vertical jump was impressive, too, showcasing a 42.-5-inch vertical.
For comparison’s sake, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf had a vertical leap of 40.5 inches. The all-time record is held by Gerald Sensabugh, who reached 46 inches in 2005.
Moore’s display of his athleticism on his pro day was fairly important because there has not been much tape on him in recent years — playing in just seven games over the last two seasons — something that may negatively impact his draft stock.
The last full season he played was in 2018 when he caught 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Still, Moore has been projected in mock drafts as a late first or second round pick.
The Packers, Saints, Ravens and Colts are all teams in need of a wide receiver drafting at the end of the first round. The San Francisco 49ers, who hold the 12th overall pick, were reportedly in attendance at Moore’s pro day.
Other teams, such as the Eagles, Dolphins, Jets, Bengals, Lions and Patriots could all use another wideout so it will be interesting to see how their draft strategies play out and if Moore fits into them.
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