The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.
Up next is Ole Miss receiver Elijah Moore:
What he can do
– Wins with explosive movement ability from a variety of alignments. Certainly not just a slot player. Think Tyler Lockett-like versatility
– Size is a concern. Only 5-9, 178. Won’t hit Packers thresholds, but plays much bigger. Size probably won’t limit his role as a receiver
– Catches just about everything. Teams are going to love his hands and toughness. Made difficult catches down the field despite size and made a ton of plays in the middle of the field in traffic
– Surprisingly good at making contested catches. Again, size shouldn’t define him as a pass-catcher
– Ole Miss found all the ways to get the ball in his hands. Teams like the Packers should do the same at the next level. Experienced with jet sweeps, touch passes, screens, quick throws. Can handle the gadget role
– Tape is filled with moments of excellence within scheme concepts that will translate easily to Green Bay’s offense
– Physical part of the game won’t intimidate him or change him as a player. Fearless receiver. May need to avoid more contact at the next level to avoid injury
– Terrific testing numbers. Explosiveness and straight-line speed all backed by the measurements. Elite athlete
– Tracks the ball well down the field. Uses late hands to trick defenders
– Caught 11 passes vs. Alabama and ended up breaking school record for total catches in a season in 2020
– Experience returning punts and kicks
– Still only 21 years old
How he fits
Of all the slot or gadget type receivers in this draft class, Moore might be the best fit. Not only can he handle all the duties of a Tyler Ervin type in Matt LaFleur’s offense, but he won’t be pigeonholed as a slot only. His potential for production while playing any receiver spot on the field enhances his overall value greatly. Moore lacks size and won’t fit the Packers usual tendencies at wide receiver, but his unique profile can’t be ignored. His transition into the Packers offense would be an easy one, especially based on his usage at Ole Miss. He could fill holes on the roster in the slot and on special teams, giving him Randall Cobb-like impact potential for the Packers early in his career.
NFL comp
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Moore to Antonio Brown, the ultimate compliment for a receiver his size. Tyler Lockett is an easy comparison given the size similarities and expected usage at the next level. Moore’s skill level entering the NFL is high.
Where Packers could get him
Getting Moore might require a first-round pick. Trading back into the second round or up from No. 62 might also put him in Green Bay’s range. Keep in mind: Lockett went 69th overall in 2015, and Cobb went 64th in 2011. The Packers getting Moore at No. 62 would be a tremendous value.
