Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 195 pounds
School: Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
Pro Day Results
40-Yard Dash: 4.32 seconds (would’ve tied for best at 2018 Combine)
Vertical Jump: 39.5 inches (would’ve tied for second among linebackers at Combine)
Broad Jump: 11 feet, 1 inches (would’ve led linebackers at Combine)
Three-cone drill: 6.89 seconds
Tarvarius Moore 2018 NFL Draft Profile
Safety Tarvarius Moore is not your average household name among this year’s NFL prospects. After earning Conference USA honorable mention in 2017, Moore was not even among the 300+ attendees invited to the 2018 NFL Combine. Despite the lack of recognition, Moore looks to make a name for himself in the NFL.
I can’t believe I just got to USM safety Tarvarius Moore. His testing numbers were insane at 4.32, with 38.5 VJ and 11’1″ BJ, but the tape matched the testing. Excellent cover skills too. Easy second day selection and one of the most under-the-radar safeties in the class.
Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 4, 2018
Football Career
Long before blowing up at Southern Miss’ Pro Day, Moore attended Quitman High, where he appeared in three consecutive South State title games. His senior season, Moore accumulated 10 tackles, three pass deflections, two interceptions, and a sack. The senior earned the title of Second-Team 3A All-State safety. Yet, the all-state center-fielder received no offers from major universities and looked elsewhere to play.
The absence of offers from FBS schools ultimately landed Moore at Pearl River Community College. Moore’s freshman season as a Wildcat was ordinary, but his second collegiate season garnered well-deserved recognition. Moore burst onto the scene as he produced 72 tackles, eight pass deflections, one interception, and two forced fumbles. Moore also displayed his elite athleticism by averaging 39.6 yards per kick return and recording a 97-yard kick return for a touchdown. For these efforts, Moore received the honor of First-Team All-Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges as a kick returner and defensive back. Moore then accepted his only major college offer from Southern Miss.
The newest Golden Eagle made an impact in 2016. Moore collected two interceptions – including one against the LSU Tigers – and two pass deflections in a limited role. Similar to his sophomore year at Pearl River, Moore made the most of his opportunity. In 2017, Moore’s senior season, he recorded 87 tackles, three interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and forced one fumble. Moore displayed quickness, instincts, and athleticism that has gone unnoticed by NFL scouts and teams.
Strengths
- shows range from sideline-to-sideline;
- solid tackler;
- stays under control in pursuit;
- can cover man-to-man in the slot;
- doesn’t shy away from contact;
- feels routes developing behind him;
- plus closing speed.
Weaknesses
- not a physical tackler;
- often misses tackles on bigger targets;
- just one year of starter level reps;
- can be late to recognize developing routes.
NFL Comparison: Nick Collins
Projection: Third to fourth round
Bottom Line
Moore’s range, athleticism, and instincts at the safety position are highly sought-after traits for NFL teams. He displays what is required to be a premier center-fielder at safety, similar to Earl Thomas. Unlike Thomas, it is expected that Moore will need a year or two to become accustomed to the NFL. Even so, Moore’s ability to cover slot receivers, play close to the line-of-scrimmage, and be a single-high safety will make him a solid selection. Look for Moore to be a serviceable rookie in the NFL with the potential to become one of the league’s most productive safeties.
