Steelers 2013 Draft Prospect Profiles: OLB Sio Moore – Connecticut

Connecticut linebacker Sio Moore saw his draft stock increase initially thanks to solid weeks at the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game. Moore continued to turn heads at the NFL combine last week with a 4.65 40 yard dash, 29 bench reps, 38″ vertical and a 10\’07” broad jump. He was pretty much the combine warrior, at least in the linebacker group. Many consider him a candidate to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and below is my draft profile of him aft yer studying the tape.

When you turn on Moore\’s cut-ups and game tape you will see him play all over the place. He plays on both sides as a rush defensive end and outside linebacker, out in the slot on tight ends and wide receivers, and occasional inside.

Moore has long arms (33 5/8) and he usually uses them to his advantage when taking on blocks. Against the run, when responsible for back-side contain, he has a tendency to not be disciplined and gets himself out of position up field as a result. I regard him as an average tackler and he doesn\’t show a lot of pop.

When rushing the passer off the edge he has a nice dip and appears to be a natural bender with heavy hands. Because of his short stature (6006), he his able to get under the punch of tackles and his strong lower body makes him an adequate bull rusher. He is not dominant, however, in that ability. He is best rushing out of a two-point stance than he is standing up. His footwork needs improvement and he is not the soundest when it comes to edge containment or gap responsibility. Let\’s say it\’s average. His recognition is also average in my opinion.

In coverage, Moore moves well when dropping and is good with his hips. He is above average when asked to bump-n-run. He locates the football while in air, but does not have the best of hands.

As far as his motor goes, Moore is hot and cold and he lacks aggression. He does not like to chase once the play is past him. Because he moves around so much on defense he is a jack of all trades linebacker, but a master of none. Teams will most likely see him as an outside linebacker in either a 3-4 or a 4-3, but he has a lot of developing to do before he can contribute.

Moore appears to have good character and is durable. He posted a 1.92 production ratio in his final two years with the Huskies, but only had 5 hurries and 2 forced fumbles. The competition level that he played against wasn\’t the best.

Many see Moore as possibly being an early third round selection in the draft, but I don\’t see it on the tape as he does not jump out. I see him as a fourth or fifth round developmental linebacker at the next level.