2012-2016- The Fisher Era

Can WR T.J. Moe crack the roster?

The NCAA can provide a grand stage for some football athletes. Other players hope to reinvent themselves upon entering the NFL. Former University of Missouri wide receiver T.J. Moe hopes to do just that with the St. Louis Rams.

Prior to joining the Rams, Moe entered the league as an undrafted free agent was eventually picked up by the New England Patriots. He never had the opportunity to prove himself, because he tore his Achilles tendon before the season started. The Patriots cut him as a result.

The Rams don’t have any professional stats to look at when evaluating Moe, but they do have plenty of college film to sift through. Moe’s most productive year came during his sophomore season. He had 92 receptions for 1,045 yards and six touchdowns. But part of the reason his draft stock fell was because his stats began to diminish shortly after. He was limited to 40 receptions for 399 yards and one touchdown during his senior campaign.

Moe put up some impressive numbers at the NFL Combine, but not where it mattered. For example, he recorded 26 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, which is excellent for a receiver.  He had a less-than stellar 40-yard dash time, finishing it in 4.74 seconds, which would be a killer time for an offensive lineman.

What the Rams have in Moe is a fundamentally gifted football player. He is great at the basics which includes: catching, mental and physical toughness, route-running and surveying the open field. He isn’t afraid to catch the ball over the middle of the field and is capable of taking hard hits. That quality alone is intriguing because the Rams do not have many receivers on the roster with that ability.

Unfortunately, sometimes knowing the fundamentals aren’t enough. To make an impact on the NFL level, a receiver must possess the correct physical tools. Moe is a tad undersized measuring at 6’0 even and has a small wingspan to match. His speed is also a concern too. Even so, toughness means something in the NFL, and he will provide sufficient competition to the receiving corps.

One way for Moe to secure a roster spot is to make an impact on special teams, an area that could use some help. Moe does have some experience with the Tigers as a special teamer. He will really need to work with special teams coach John Fassel in order to have the best shot at making the roster.

Source:  NFL.com, Pro-sports-reference.com

You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.

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