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DJ Moore

Summary

D.J. Moore is a veteran NFL wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, originally drafted 24th overall, Round 1 in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers out of the Maryland Terrapins. NFL.com
Standing at about 6′0″ and 210 lbs, Moore blends speed, physicality, and yards-after-catch ability. According to PlayerProfiler metrics, he clocked a 4.42 second 40-yard dash (88th percentile) and posted an elite catch-radius (98th percentile) coming out of college. PlayerProfiler
In 2023, with the Bears he posted 96 catches for 1,364 yards and 8 TDs — his career highs.

Strengths

  • Yards After Catch & Physicality: Moore is effective in open space, breaks tackles, runs away from defenders, and shows a willingness to engage defenders after the catch. Mile High Report

  • Versatility / Alignment Flexibility: He lined up both outside and in the slot in college, which gives him more opportunities in NFL schemes. Last Word On Sports

  • Route Running & Open‑Space Awareness: He tracks the ball well, adjusts to it, and can settle into zones, showing good awareness and footwork along the sidelines. Last Word On Sports

  • Consistent Production & Athletic Metrics: His advanced metrics show strong athleticism (for his position) and he has shown ability to be a high‑volume contributor. PlayerProfiler

Weaknesses

  • Deep Separation / Elite Vertical Threat: While he has good speed/burst, some evaluators flagged that he doesn’t consistently create separation on deeper routes at the level of true “vertical threat” receivers. FFToday

  • Catch‑Radius / 50‑50 Balls & Contested Situations: Some draft profiles noted that although he plays bigger than he is, his catch radius is average and he may struggle more in contested catches compared to elite receivers. Mile High Report

  • Consistency in Target Volume / Quarterback Play Dependency: His production has at times been impacted by the quarterback or offensive system around him, which means his success is somewhat tied to those factors. PFF

  • Size and Frame Limitation (for an elite boundary receiver): At his reported size, some scouts saw physical limitations (in terms of length/reach or dominating bigger defenders) compared to top tier outside receivers. FFToday

Fit & Outlook

D.J. Moore projects as a very good to potentially elite starting wide receiver, particularly in an offense that moves the ball, incorporates him in varied alignments, and allows him to use his YAC and open‑space ability.

  • With his 1st‑round status and proven production, the floor is high: you can expect him to be a key contributor.

  • His ceiling is significant: if he continues to refine his separation, contested‑catch ability, and is in a system with a strong quarterback, he could be among the better receivers in the league.

  • Key factors for improvement: increasing deep‑route success, winning more 50/50 catches, maximizing alignment versatility, and benefitting from a stable/offensive scheme that leverages his strengths.