Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore is 23 years old and entering his third season in the NFL. Out of Purdue University, Moore was selected by the Cardinals with the 49th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. One of the key factors that shot him up the ranks on draft day was his exceptional Pro Day and NFL Combine performances. During these showcases, he displayed elite athleticism and posted standout numbers.
Given his athleticism and increased target projection following the departure of DeAndre Hopkins, Moore has the potential to be a good value in fantasy drafts. Here’s the case for Moore as a sleeper entering the 2023-24 NFL season.
Rondale Moore Is A Top Fantasy Football Sleeper
Background
His remarkable physical measurements were noteworthy, including a 42.5-inch vertical jump and an unofficial 4.29-second 40-yard dash. His vertical jump and 40-yard dash times were some of the best recorded in recent history. These extraordinary measures of his vertical leap, speed, and agility captured the Cardinals interest.
. @moore_rondale unofficial, 4.29–40.
@nflnetwork @BoilerFootball pic.twitter.com/G9aP0WRnTE
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) March 23, 2021
During the 2022 season, Moore had 41 receptions for 414 receiving yards and one touchdown. He recorded these numbers in only seven fully healthy games. Notably, during these appearances, he ranked as the 30th-best wide receiver based on points per game in points per reception (PPR) formats.
However, a recurring issue that has plagued his initial two years in the NFL has been his durability. These injuries, including ankle, hamstring, and groin issues, have resulted in him missing a substantial 12 games in two seasons.
Factors to Consider
Moore’s production may experience a temporary dip as Colt McCoy temporarily takes the reins of the Cardinals’ offense in the absence of Kyler Murray, who is recovering from an ACL injury. This period of transition could impact Moore’s output. On a positive note, though, it’s anticipated that Moore will hit his stride in the latter half of the season, aligning with the crucial fantasy playoffs stage.
Yet, certain factors might impede his potential for scoring in the red zone. His height of 5-foot-7 and the anticipated struggles of the Cardinals’ offense to generate points could limit the number of red zone opportunities. Moore likely won’t emerge as a primary target in these situations. Despite these potential limitations, he remains an enticing option for mid to late rounds of fantasy drafts.
Despite his shortened season last year, Moore had eight or more targets in five games. Moreover, the departure of Hopkins to the Tennessee Titans could further elevate Moore’s role, potentially leading to a heightened volume of targets. As a result, he emerges as a sleeper pick, particularly in PPR formats, which could favor his expected increased targets and receptions.
Rondale Moore Average Draft Position
Value-based drafting in fantasy football can often be the key to success. One strategy is targeting certain positions early in the draft to gain a positional advantage over opponents; this could involve focusing on elite running backs, top-tier tight ends like Travis Kelce, or even a top quarterback. The rationale behind this approach is to build a strong core roster and find hidden gems to fill out the rest of your team in later rounds. In this context, Rondale Moore emerges as an intriguing option.
One of the primary factors when considering Moore lies in his potential to outperform his ADP. This season, Moore’s ESPN average draft position (ADP) places him at 49th among wide receivers. For context, he’s also 135th overall among all players. There might be concerns about his ability to play an entire season due to his injury history. However, Moore’s per-game performance cannot be overlooked.
On a per-game basis, Moore fits the mold of a borderline flex player or a solid WR3 option. These roles are crucial in fantasy football. They provide stability and potential upside to your roster, especially during bye weeks or injuries.
Moore’s versatility as a pass-catcher, involvement in gadget plays, and volume of targets make him an intriguing fantasy option.
Main Photo: Rob Schumacher – USA Today Sports
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