For years, the New York Jets receiving corps has been horrible. That being said, general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh sought out to change that this off-season. The team signed Corey Davis and Keelan Cole to join Denzel Mims and Jamison Crowder in the room. However, many assumed the Jets would also draft a receiver at some point during the draft.
Except, it surprised fans when the Jets took Mississippi receiver Elijah Moore 34th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft Friday night. The receiver was taken with a pick that could have been used on a first-round talent offensive lineman, cornerback, or pass rusher. Instead, it is Moore that is now the third member of the Jets draft class. And he just took the revamped Jets receiving corps to another level.
Elijah Moore Takes New York Jets Receiving Corps to New Level
Who is Elijah Moore?
In recent years, Ole Miss has produced wideouts such as D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown. Now, only time will tell if Elijah Moore will be the latest stud to come from Mississippi. He has seen significant playtime since being a freshman, improving every year at the school. Over three years, he played 31 games, hauling in 189 receptions for 2,441 yards and 16 touchdowns. He even racked up 71 yards rushing on the ground on 21 carries, while also being used to return both kicks and punts too
This past season, Moore managed to put up career numbers across the board despite playing in just eight games. He caught 86 passes, including eight for touchdowns. On the year, Moore had 1,193 yards receiving, as he quickly saw his draft stock soar. Before he knew it, he was considered a borderline first-round talent in a strong receiving class. And just like that, the Jets fell in love.
Elijah Moore’s Role with the Jets
No, Elijah Moore is not a number one receiver who will dominate on the boundary. He stands at just under 5’10” and only 178 pounds, which at first glance, one would think he is a typical slot receiver. Thus, making fans wonder why make the pick with Jamison Crowder still on the roster.
Well, the fact of the matter is, both can co-exist because of Moore’s versatility. He fits the bill to play a Deebo Samuel-type role for offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, being a yard-after-catch mastermind. Moore’s game is built around his short-area quickness and strong hands. Given how fast Moore can change direction, he can make a big impact on the offense out of the gate.
Deepest Receiving Corps in Years
As previously mentioned, the Jets have invested significantly into the wide receiver position this off-season. In 2020, the Jets top five receivers were Crowder, Mims, Breshad Perriman, Braxton Berrios, and Jeff Smith. Now, only four of those five remain on the roster, two being locks to make it.
The team added Corey Davis on a three-year deal worth $37.5-million with the hope he can be the number one wideout opposite Mims. Meanwhile, Keelan Cole signed a one-year deal to add fantastic depth and a guy who can start any given week. Throw Moore into the equation, and the Jets have given second overall pick quarterback Zach Wilson the weapons he needs to succeed right out of the gate.
Last Word
At the end of the day, the New York Jets hit a home run by selecting wide receiver Elijah Moore 34th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. His versatility opens up new scheme opportunities for New York’s offense. Moore gives the Jets a plan in the slot for when Crowder’s deal is up following this season. But above all, the addition of Moore gives the Jets their most talented receiving corps in years.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
