Sio

Moore

We’re going to go out on a limb and guess this deal works out better than Colts GM Ryan Grigson’s Jerry Hughes and Trent Richardson trades. For whatever reason, Moore was immediately disliked by the new Jack Del Rio coaching staff in Oakland despite piling up 7.5 sacks, 140 tackles, and two forced fumbles in his first two NFL seasons. The 66th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Moore turned 25 years old in May. He can play inside and outside linebacker and should become a contributor as the season moves along. The Colts also acquire Moore’s contract, which puts him under Indy’s control for near-minimum base salaries the next two seasons. The Colts should win this one pretty handily.

“His ability to understand multiple positions has been good,” coach Dennis Allen said. “He’s athletic in space, which was something Philip (Wheeler) was really good at. I think he’s got great awareness for the game and he’s probably got a little bit more coming off the edge.” Explosive off the edge, Moore should force his way onto the field as a rookie.

Moore, the No. 66 overall pick, has been the talk of Raiders OTAs and minicamp. He can play all three linebacker spots, but Moore has been lining up at both the weak-side and strong-side positions. He’ll be a Week 1 starter as a rookie.

Moore (6-foot 3/4, 245) racked up a team-high 15.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and 11 pass breakups at outside linebacker for the Huskies last season. An explosive athlete, he ran 4.65 at the Combine with a 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-7 broad jump. Moore is a dangerous pass rusher with plus versatility, capable of playing essentially any linebacker position. The Raiders’ linebacker corps is a mess, but Moore should compete for playing time at one of the spots.

Miles Burris is running with the ones at “Will,” with rookie Khalil Mack at Sam ‘backer and Nick Roach in the middle. Moore flashed promise during his rookie season, but isn’t a natural fit on the weak side, and may be limited to a pass-rush specialist role. Moore had 4.5 sacks in 11 starts last year.

Moore missed the entire offseason and most of training camp recovering from hip surgery and an undisclosed injury. He’s been passed on the depth chart by Malcolm Smith. Moore started 22 games his first two seasons, but isn’t guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster.

Moore was held out of the first two preseason games with a hip injury and did not appear to play any defensive snaps in the third exhibition contest. Coach Jack Del Rio said Moore was “competing to be a role player” after missing most of the preseason.

Moore practiced on a limited basis this week, putting him on track to play. Jamar Chaney or Ray-Ray Armstrong would start if Moore is held out.

Moore was carted off the field during Friday’s preseason opener. X-rays later revealed he only suffered a neck strain. He should be good for Week 1.

Moore was chasing down a play when he got blocked awkwardly up high by Packers fullback John Kuhn. His neck was stabilized by the training staff and he was stretchered to the locker room. Moore, who was replaced by Miles Burris, was later diagnosed with a neck strain. His status for Week 1 is uncertain.