Sio Moore continues to bring it in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. The former UConn linebacker had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and followed that up with an eye-popping effort at the combine on Monday.
Moore, who measured 6-1, 245 pounds at the official weigh-in last week, busted out a 4.65 40-yard time to go along with 29 reps of 225 pounds, a 38-inch vertical and a 127-inch broad jump. Yes, this is the shorts-and-T-shirt portion of the pre-draft process but a good showing here can go along way in getting teams' attention (just as a bad showing can raise red flags).
Here's what NFL Network's Gregg Rosenthal wrote Monday evening:
"NFL Network's Mike Mayock said UConn linebacker Sio Moore leveraged a strong East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl into a great combine. Moore is moving up draft boards and looks like a second-round pick."
And ESPN.com draft analyst Kevin Weidl added this:
So what does it all mean (other than an improved draft position)? SNY.com's John Silver explains:
(Moore) was incredibly productive at UConn with 274 career tackles, 44 TFLs, 16 sacks with three interceptions and four forced fumbles as a three year starter. He follow(s) that up with energy and effort and impresses with his play an instincts at two postseason All-Star games. Moore has scouts interested and now he showcases elite athleticism and strength that I am sure raised some eyebrows.
Good motor, productive and great athlete. Now you have scouts interested. Moore is on the small side at 6 -1 and at 245-pounds isn’t big enough for the middle, where his instincts would serve him well. Moore to has to prove he can play outside, and athletically he has done that. The film and his technique will show where he will go now. His athleticism, speed and motor are all high-level NFL caliber, and that should translate to a career on the outside.
The combine is all part of the process.
Next up: UConn's pro day, individual visits with NFL teams and, ultimately, the draft. Then the work really begins.
