Oakland Raiders Rookie Wide Receiver Denarius Moore Is a Steal

When the Oakland Raiders selected wide receiver Denarius Moore in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL draft they expected to get raw talent. Instead, what the Raiders ended up with was one of the steals from this year's draft class and a player who should make an impact early.

Putting up a notable performance in the Raiders' first preseason game after dominating every day of training camp, Denarius Moore's name is officially buzzing.

Against the Arizona Cardinals, Moore caught three passes for 37 yards, returned one kick for 18 yards, and had three punt returns, one of which was for 56 yards but was called back due to penalty.

The rookie wide receiver, who has yet to miss a beat on the practice field, has been nothing short of sensational.  Moore is learning quickly and impressing both teammates and coaches.

"He's one of those guys you pick up late in the draft and wonder, 'How did this guy fall?'" quarterback Jason Campbell said. "He's so talented, so athletic." 

Along with notable catches, perfectly ran fly routes and freeing double moves, Moore highlighted training camp with a beautiful touchdown catch over tight double coverage by Stevie Brown and DeMarcus Van Dyke.  Moore's play has Raiders head coach Hue Jackson raving.

"Every day there's something. A ball goes up, he comes down with it and makes a play," Jackson said. "The game is not too big for him. There is no fear in the young man."

Coming out of the University of Tennessee, Moore had a solid but tumultuous career, dealing with three coaching changes and five different quarterbacks in his four years.  Playing in 52 games for the Vols, Moore was a contributor his entire career.  Known for making big plays, Tennessee fans recognized Moore's talents, comparing him to Saints receiver Robert Meachem, but it wasn't really until Moore's senior year that he received any attention on the draft scene.

H...

About the Author