Our first three scouting reports covered players who could potentially be taken with the 11th overall pick. While there are other options at that spot to discuss, I wanted to look into some later options for the team. It was while watching the Senior Bowl that Jay Moore, a defensive end from Nebraska, popped onto my radar screen. He had 3 sacks as the North defensive line dominated the South offensive line. As a defensive end, Moore would be undersized in the NFL. However, with the 49ers switching to the 3-4 on a more full time basis, his potential athleticism could make him quite an asset on the outside.
I had Jon over at Corn Nation, the SB Nation Huskers blog, provide an overview of Moore. Here's what he had to say:
Jay Moore - Nebraska Defensive End
Over the past few years, Nebraska has quietly become the NFL's supplier of high-power defensive ends. Many people know the name Grant Wistrom as
he played in Super Bowls in 2000, 2002, and 2006. Along with him there are three other former Husker defensive end starters in the NFL - Mike Rucker (Carolina Panthers), Kyle Vanden Bosch (Tennessee Titans), and Chris Kelsay (Buffalo Bills). In addition, two more are backups - Trevor Johnson (New York Jets), and Benard Thomas (Atlanta Falcons practice squad).
Nebraska defensive end Jay Moore is one of a handful of Huskers expected to be taken in the NFL draft. Projections currently have him going in the third or fourth round.
Background
Moore is from Elkhorn, Nebraska, which is near Omaha, with a population of around 7,600 people. He played fullback and defensive end in high school, earning all-state honors in both football and basketball. During his junior season he led his class level in rushing but his senior season was cut short by injury - a torn ACL. He is majoring in secondary education at Nebraska.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One key word to describe Moore is 'potential'. He came into the 2006 season under Adam Carriker's shadow. He finished the season by making a name for himself at the Senior bowl where he had three sacks for 21 yards lost, and forced two fumbles. Moore has good speed - we'll find out how much at the upcoming NFL combine - and like other Husker defensive ends, a great motor. He plays smart, but there is some question about his ability to shed blockers and his lateral movement. He has a good burst off the ball, and made a lot of plays behind the line in his college career. In 2005, Nebraska was first in NCAA Division IA in tackles for loss and sacks. In 2006, Nebraska's defense suffered from lack of depth in the defensive secondary - the Huskers played a soft defense so they weren't as aggressive as they were in 2005.
Moore's biggest weakness is his size at 6'4", 275 pounds. Teams using a 4-3 alignment will need him to beef up to play the defensive end position. In a 3-4, Moore may be a better fit in the outside linebacker position where his pass-rushing technique and speed will make him or break him. Tampa 2 defenses will like Moore's speed and ability to play to the outside as a defensive end.
Character
There is no indication of any character problems for Jay Moore. There's no history of any type of problems dating all the way back through high school. Moore is a good student, with multiple selections to the Big 12 honor roll.
Thanks again to Corn Nation for putting this together. Personally, I think Moore being in the shadow of Carriker reminds me a little of how Manny Lawson was in the shadow of Mario Williams. Maybe the less known guy helped make the bigger name that much better. Also, it's possible the weakness of his size could in fact turn into a strength at the next level if he's moved to outside linebacker. It's just one more thing to consider over the next two months.