Thaddeus

Moss

Somewhat surprisingly undrafted, Moss (6’3/249) profiles primarily as a run blocker. His speed, short-area burst and agility are weaknesses. 31 of Moss’ 57 targets came between the numbers within 0-10 yards of the line of scrimmage. His below-average athleticism doesn’t allow him to separate from defenders, so he will be limited to short-yardage dump-offs in the NFL. He does have a big catch radius and doesn’t body catch in traffic, but he only had one red zone touchdown last season despite playing in the best college offense. PFF does note that he didn’t drop a single pass in 2019, but having only six receptions from 2016 to 2018 is a major red flag. Moss’ easiest path to a more diverse role is to lose weight because he currently does not move like his father, Randy Moss.

While Zierlein isn’t a fan of Moss’ athletic bonafides, the analyst digs his ability as a run-blocker, writing that the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder “us[es] above-average technique and [possesses] an impressive ability to strain and sustain against bigger opponents.” As a run-blocker, Moss drew a grade of 69.2 from PFF in 2019, with the outlet comping him to Kaden Smith. As a pass-catcher, Moss’ best attribute comes in his vice grip hands -- he did not drop a pass during the 2019 season. Moss did not test at the combine due to a reported Jones fracture in his right foot which required surgery. The expectation is that he will be healthy for preseason camp (assuming preseason camps occur this summer).

Per NFL Network, this injury was discovered during medical checks at the combine. As a result, the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Moss is not taking part in testing drills on Thursday. The sure-handed LSU tight end will be looking at a probable recovery timetable of 6-8 weeks after he undergoes surgery, but should be healthy for the start of his rookie season in the pros.

The graphic makes it a bit unclear if Moss’ zero-drop streak is throughout his career or just the 2019 season, but either way, it’s quite impressive. Moss, though not the quickest tight end around, is fantastic as finding space around the hash-to-hash area and sports a stellar catch radius. When coupled with his excellent catch rate, it’s easy to see Moss (6'3"/249) fitting into a “security blanket” type role in the NFL.

Moss (6'3/294) came through in style during the National Championship Game on Monday, catching five passes for 36 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He’ll now move on to try his luck in the pros. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller writes glowingly of Moss’ “up-the-seam speed, big body and ability to beat defenders with a big catch radius.” He sees a potential Day 2 selection in the cards, here.

While 36 yards isn’t much to brag about, Moss (6'3/249) secured to key touchdowns in the red zone to propel the Tigers to victory. Moss is a great security blanket and a bit of a menace to bring down once he gets moving. With a performance like this, Moss absolutely could toss himself into the NFL Draft pool and see where it takes him. However, he has yet to declare and still has a few days to officially make that decision.

Moss (6'3/240) caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow midway through the second quarter, showing off his strength component by running through a would-be tackler at the goal line to push LSU to a 42-14 advantage. Shocker shocker, there would be no miracle comeback for the Sooners. This was Moss’ best game of the campaign in terms of receiving yardage. Moss will try for another highlight reel play or two in next month’s title game.

“This isn’t a diva tight end afraid of contact but a three-down talent,” Miller writes, calling the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Moss the kind of “mismatch that teams want at tight end.” This season, the redshirt junior has posted a 38-435-1 receiving line. Moss is the son of NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss. While Moss is not without his intrigue, a Day 3 selection is probably his most realistic draft range if he is to land in April.

Moss is now LSU’s leader in receptions for a TE. As Brooks Kubena of The Advocate recalls, HC Ed Orgeron said before the season that the TE position would no longer be a sixth OL at LSU. Moss still has another year of eligibility, so he may end up extending that record even further if he returns to school for 2020.

Coach O floated on Wednesday that Moss might not end up practicing this week, but the team expects the 6-foot-3, 240-pound redshirt junior to give it a go on Saturday barring setback. This season, Moss has put together a 32-355-1 receiving line while working in LSU’s prolific offense.