The complete meltdown of 2007 first overall pick JaMarcus Russell has largely overshadowed that the Raiders selected another major disappointment in the 2007 draft, Quentin Moses.
The Raiders took Moses, a pass-rushing defensive end/outside linebacker from Georgia, with the first pick in the third round of the draft, and he played so badly in training camp and the preseason that they cut him before the regular season started, making him the highest-drafted player in the league not to make a Week One roster. Moses did catch on with the Dolphins later that year, but in three seasons in Miami he hasn’t had much playing time.
This year, however, the departures of veterans Joey Porter and Jason Taylor may finally make it time for Moses to contribute to the Dolphins’ defense. And Moses is saying all the right things about being ready.
“I came into the NFL with the mentality that I didn’t have to do nothing but rush the quarterback. Being released by Oakland and coming to Miami, it helped me develop into a better all-around player,” Moses told Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel. “I’m still learning, still improving, but [my career] taught me how to be tough. I wouldn’t say I was a very tough player coming into the NFL.
Moses says he views this as the year he can finally make a real impact.
“I’m just excited to still be a part of the team, to still have an opportunity to compete,” Moses said. “It’s a blessing. I’m still trying to get better. Still trying to improve and compete.”
It’s too soon to say whether Moses can earn a spot in the Dolphins’ starting lineup. But he certainly has a more promising future than Russell.
