Leonard Moore (cornerback, Notre Dame) is a true junior coming into the 2026 season. In early 2027 NFL mock drafts, he’s viewed as a top 10 pick. Does the tape show an elite prospect?
Leonard Moore Early Scouting Report
Measureables
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs
Statistics
2024 (true freshman): 10 starts, two interceptions, and 11 pass breakups
2025 (true sophomore): 10 starts, five interceptions, and seven pass breakups
Leonard Moore’s Tape
Games Watched: at Miami, vs Southern California, and vs Syracuse
Strengths
Moore is a scheme diverse prospect who most often played the boundary corner position. He does have experience in the nickel position and even rotated to safety for a few snaps. He has that classic free safety frame and could even be viewed there later in his career.
Notre Dame used more zone coverage in 2025, but they did ask their cornerbacks to cover man-to-man frequently. Regardless of the coverage, they asked their cornerbacks to press. Moore could still add bulk to his frame and get stronger, but he is still effective in this area of the game.
In man coverage, Moore can generally stay in phase with his man. His movement skills and comfort on an island are clear to see, and he never looks like he’s stressed. He can mirror-match effectively without keeping his hands on a receiver.
His ball skills are excellent. His comfort in man means that he gets his head around to find the ball. In zone, he reads quarterbacks’ eyes well and has a nose for the ball.
On the odd occasion when he’s beaten initially, Moore shows a nice recovery burst. His length also helps get him out of trouble, as does his effective timing to avoid pass interference flags.
When playing zone, Moore is a fluid mover in reverse. He can get depth quickly and looks composed when passing receivers on to a teammate. When there’s a pass completed in front of him, he closes quickly and under control. He has a nose for the ball on slip screens and the like.
The biggest test for Moore was shadowing the twentieth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Makai Lemon (Philadelphia Eagles), all over the field in the Notre Dame/Southern California game. Moore had an excellent game and kept Lemon quiet, not an easy job.
Areas to Improve
When he’s up at the line, but not asked to press, Moore is a little less effective. He can be on his heels, which leads to trailing on free inside releases or getting stacked quickly. This is the only area of his game where some tightness in his hips is evident, unusual for a taller cornerback.
It will help Moore to get a little bigger and stronger. While his press at the college level is effective, projecting him against NFL boundary “X” receivers such as A.J. Brown or Mike Evans, it will only help him to be stronger. Right now, he might get bullied by the best big receivers in the NFL.
Moore could certainly be more active against the run. It’s the weakest element of his game.
As a tackler, he can throw his body around at times. He can come downhill under control and make form tackles; he does need to do so consistently.
As with most college cornerbacks, there will be an adjustment to the NFL’s five-yard no-contact rule. Moore does get “grabby” at times, and it should be something he works to get out of his game. In many cases, with his talent, it’s unnecessary.
Key Tests
The 2026 Notre Dame schedule contains only three top-25-ranked opponents. The obvious standout is the early November game against Miami in South Bend. The potential matchup against Malachi Toney, a smaller/quicker receiver, is exciting.
Outside of that, the SMU game two weeks later is a matchup where Moore could be tested.
A playoff berth for the Irish would help with scouting Moore in 2026.
The full Notre Dame schedule can be found here.
Last Word on Leonard Moore
Moore is an exciting prospect, and it’s easy to see why he’s placed so high in early 2027 NFL mock drafts. His ability in man and zone means he will appeal to every single NFL team.
He may not be tested too much in the 2026 regular season, but the Makai Lemon tape will be remembered by scouts.
Main Image: © MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
