The New York Giants spent a ton on money to upgrade the safety position in 2010, bringing in free agents Antrel Rolle and Deon Grant. On top of that, they spent a third-round draft choice on Chad Jones, whose career is in doubt due to the devastating car crash he was in last spring.
Despite all of that, and a full season from 2008 No. 1 draft choice Kenny Phillips, Giants General Manager Jerry Reese came away from 2010 concerned about the number of big plays the Giants surrendered in the passing game.
The concern is justifiable. The Giants gave up 10 plays of more than 40 yards in 2010, and only seven teams gave up more. The Giants gave up that same number of 40-yard plays in 2009. Looking at plays of 20 yards or more, the Giants surrendered 51 in 2009 and 44 in 2010 -- just seven fewer.
Bluntly, that is not good enough.
Enter the subject of today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile. UCLA junior safety Rahim Moore has the reputation of being a terrific coverage, center field-type safety. At 6-foot-1, just 196 pounds he is a little small to be a guy pushed to the line of scrimmage in defensive coordinator Perry Fewell's three-safety set, but if the Giants are looking to add a safety in hopes of improving the coverage in the back end Moore is an intriguing option.
Scouting reports after the jump.
Rahim Moore
S, UCLA (Jr.)
6-foot-1, 196 pounds
Projection: Round 2 or 3
Scouting Reports
From National Football Post:
A lean defensive back with a long set of arms and very average overall girth on his frame. Doesn't seem real muscular and needs to continue to hit the weight room. Lacks ideal pop/power as a tackler and is more of a drag down guy. Possesses good instincts when asked to fill the alley and attack downhill and for the most part breaks down well in space.
Will make his money in the NFL because of his ability to consistently play the pass. ... Doesn't waste much motion, possesses a good but not great first step when asked to turn and run, but has the straight-line speed to ball hawk in the center field type role. Displays good instincts and consistently is able to get early jumps on the football on all areas of the field and loves to attack the football at its highest point. Exhibits good ball skills.
Is an extremely productive safety who had 10 picks as a sophomore last season, 14 for his career, but had only one in 2010. Is a high character kid and team leader, but does have some questions about his work ethic in the weight room, considering he was at a big time program and has a really unimpressive frame at this stage.
Impression: A tall, lean, fluid defensive back who can cleanly change directions, possesses good range in the deep half and knows how to play the football. Would like to see him become a bit more physical in run presence, but will make his money playing the pass. Has the ability to come in and start in an NFL secondary earl in his NFL career.
From SB Nation's Mocking The Draft:
If a team needs help in pass coverage at safety, Moore is a great option. He has a natural nose for the football, but didn't get to show it as much in 2010.
As a junior, Moore was used closer to the line of scrimmage. He did pretty well against the run, but is much better dropping into coverage. He has good instincts to quickly make a break on the ball.