Lurker

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Per Matt Waldman: 5. Zack Moss, Utah (5-9, 223) Depth of Talent Score: 83.9 = Rotational Starter: Executes at a starter level in a role playing to their strengths. There are better backs above Moss on this list and there are backs that could easily have better careers listed below him. Regardless of talent, we all have our personal favorites. Moss is one of mine because I like smart, physical running backs. If there’s a player who can challenge Jonathan Taylor as the most physically imposing runner in this class, Moss is on the short list and is the most compelling. Moss’s game is a mix of Travis Henry and Ricky Williams. Like Chris Carson, Derrick Henry, Leonard Fournette, and Ezekiel Elliott, Moss is the type of back who, with enough work, will transform opposing cornerbacks and safeties into artful dodgers at the end of games. Moss brings it hard on every play and it’s why by the fourth quarter defensive backs hope they can tackle a power back like Moss without completely selling out their bodies to do so and that leads to long runs. We forget that football is a contest of will and, as wellconditioned as these athletes are, when one team imposes its will on another, even the top percentile of athletes will physically or emotionally quit. They don’t usually admit it until their careers are over but it happens weekly. Moss has this kind of will-breaking physicality. His stiff arm has the weight to drop linebackers to the turf, ward off reaches to his frame, or deflect glancing shots that set up his spin. He breaks multiple tackles during carries, including low and high hits and wraps. Because Moss has flexibility as an athlete, he has the pad level to hammer down low hits and float over the top or to work underneath contact and extend. He’s a short yardage hammer who knows he’s a hammer. When Moss doesn’t hit a crease hard, there’s logic behind the decision and space to make the decision a successful one.

Per Dane Brugrler (The Athletic) STRENGTHS: Elite run balance to squirm out of tackle attempts, keeping his feet through contact…punishing finisher…doesn’t admit defeat as a runner and bursts into contact, delivering a little extra into defenders and bouncing off hits like they’re an evening breeze…built with a solid core and powerful hips…agile runner with lateral cut-and-go skills to keep defenders off balance…allows blocks to develop and quickly clears holes…patient, but decisive as an upfield decision-maker, sensing defenders around him…admirable run toughness, using a strong stiff arm…competitive in pass protection, squaring up and slowing rushers…productive when targeted as a pass catcher…put several explosive plays on his film (accounted for 16 plays of 25+ yards in 2019)…plays through pain and wasn’t healthy for most of his junior (ankle) and senior (shoulder) seasons…productive career, becoming the first player with three 1,000-yard rushing seasons. WEAKNESSES: Only average start/stop acceleration…can be caught from behind and won’t erase pursuit angles…needs to keep a consistent weight, bouncing between 205 and 220 pounds while at Utah…durability is a red flag – missed the final five games as a junior after he aggravated a pre-existing issue and his knee “locked up” while getting into bed (November 2018); played through a right ankle injury for much of his junior season (September 2018); diagnosed with a grade two AC sprain in his left shoulder, missing one game (September 2019), but requiring injections down the stretch to finish the season. SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Utah, Moss lined up primarily in the shotgun in one-back sets for the Utes, producing in both gap and zone looks. He leaves Utah with the school records for career rushing yards (4,067), career rushing touchdowns (38) and 100-yard rushing games (19). Moss displays instinctive run qualities and forces missed tackles with his striking combination of body control, nimble feet and finishing mentality. With the way he attacks contact and plays through pain, there is no questioning his toughness, but his injury history makes durability a strong concern. Overall, Moss’ contact balance, smooth cutting skills and competitive play personality allow him to consistently create yardage, projecting as an NFL starter with every-down potential if the medicals stay clean. GRADE: 3rd Round

We just got the reincarnation of Frank Gore...! So happy with this draft...

Young Frank Gore....Just great!

YES!

Yes. It really makes my Pink Floyd posters light up in the dark as well...

Better stick a black light up your ass just to be safe. Belt and suspenders...

Damn It. Should have traded up ahead of the Saints. Now Joshua Kelly is the RB to target...

Or sooner, if we trade a 5th to move up--which I think we'll have to do...

Just like every year. They are the proverbial draft skill + luck champs year after year...

So, three years of Power 5 success is trumped by two days of the underware olympics. Got it...

Phil Hanson says, "That kid reminds me of me..."

Zack Moss (fingers crossed)...

LOL! No kids at Casa Vrabel tonight...

More like Brady saying, "Damn it, I know you'll just draft defense and give me no help. I'm out of here..."

Yep. The Phil Hanson comparable seems pretty good, although A.J. looks quicker. He'll be learning like a sponge from some pro's pro's in that DL room. Now make sure we get Moss in Round 3 and it will be a great night...

People need to watch game tape of Epenesa. He plays a lot faster than that combine 40. He's the new DE-version of Kyle Williams, IMO...

DE not a need? And a Fail for you...

Solid pick. I think his football IQ is well ahead of Shaq's. And 34.5" arms...a big, big advantage for a DE...

Don't jinxs him to the Rams...

Can't help it. It's Christmas day and that toy is already in the basement. Can't stand the other kids opening their packages...

This is why trading a first is so tough. My blood pressure is through the roof right now.....

Boy, giving up a 4th to jump up to get who they want seems like a strong possibility now...

He just fainted...