Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
Eagles Trade for Bills tackle Jason Peters
Knowshon Moreno Scouting Report
Photo - Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
The second major blockbuster NFL trade over recent weeks has turned the first round of the NFL Draft 2009 upside down. The Eagles traded their late #1 pick plus a #4 pick next week and a 6th round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft to the Bills for Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters. The trade was discussed over recent days and was completed with the Eagles giving two later picks after surrendering one of their #1 selections. Interesting, the deal leaves both clubs interested in landing a feature back among their top priorities. Both will be interested in Georgia tailback Knowshon Moreno with the Eagles retaining the 22nd overall pick and the Bills now holding the 11th and 28th picks in the first round. The Peters deal leaves the Bills, Broncos and Lions with two #1 picks each for the NFL Draft 2009.
New Jersey high school running backs will be the prime focus in the NFL Draft 2009 with Knowshon Moreno our #1 prospect at the position. Other running backs with Jersey histories are Donald Brown and Shonn Greene and each is considered a highly rated prospect who will probably be prime draft choices next weekend. Both are NFL feature backs and most likely early pro starters.
Knowshon Moreno - Scouting Report
1. * Knowshon Moreno #24 - 5’11” 215 lbs. - Georgia - Sp. 4.50
Rating 92 - Hindu Theory - Marshawn Lynch
Athletic third year sophomore displayed big time talent as one of the nation’s premier playmakers over his Bulldog career. Knowshon combines all the athletic talent to become a top NFL feature back with well rounded skills. He entered Georgia after a record setting career at Middletown South HS as one of the most talented athletes in NJ history. He has natural running skills including terrific vision, excellent cutting skills and good speed to run inside as well as make the big play. He has shown soft sure hands as a receiver to rank among the best in that role in recent memory, though not fully utilized in that capacity as a collegian. His career began with a terrific freshman season that saw him surpass 1000 yards rushing to become only the 2nd Georgia back to accomplish that feat, the other being Herschel Walker. He combines an awesome athletic package that includes size, speed, quickness and hands with natural running instincts. He is very quick to the hole with a good burst of speed through the hole and the cutting skills to put together several moves to create a running lane. He has very good change of direction skills to create room in addition to following his blockers well with the cutback skills to hit an opening with good speed. He has above average breakaway speed to go the distance and make a big play, though he lacks the elite speed of premier backs like Marshall Faulk He has both the power to break tackles and the speed to outrun defenders with some growth potential to get bigger and carry the weekly load as a pro feature back. As a receiver, he has made nice improvement especially as a route runner to warrant a high complete grade, in addition to showing the ability to pick up the blitz consistently as a blocker. He has excellent triangle numbers that have translated into outstanding production on the field at a very high level in the SEC. He is capable of being one of the special prospects for the NFL Draft ’09 with further upside potential in time. Within a short area, his suddenness allows him to create running lanes, using his fine speed and power to be a dangerous runner both inside and outside. As a receiver, he creates problems for coverage with well developed hands and route running to play the 3rd down role immediately as a pro. He is refined receiver with the talent to be a fine weapon in that role. He is quick inside runner that allows him to dart through the hole without losing speed and exploding through an opening into the secondary. He ranks among the top backs recently, but not at the level of elite prospects like Adrian Peterson or Marshall Faulk who were the best backs of the last 15 years. He is similar to NFL star Marshawn Lynch in his size, speed, AA and openfield running skills. He runs in a couched style with low pad level to utilize his powerful burst to run inside and will probably add another 10 lbs. to his frame as a pro, making him very effective between the tackles. He provides both the big play ability and the talent and toughness to carry the weekly workhorse load in an offense. He has the combination of quickness, hands, toughness and instincts to become a top rookie NFL feature back. He is a fast fluid runner with quick feet, allowing him to accelerate through the hole and hit the opening using his natural running skills, such as vision, balance and change-of-direction skills to get to the 2nd level. He follows blockers well and can shift gears, hitting top speed quickly and uses his blockers well to set up defenders. He has the power to run between the tackles and the quickness to bounce outside and make a big play in the open field. He is a slashing type runner who must prove in the NFL that he can carry the rushing load on a weekly basis. He has shown the ability to get stronger over the course of the game with the power to wear down a defense and the toughness to earn much of his yardage after contact. He needs work as a blocker especially his reads and hand technique, though he has performed fairly well in that role. He shows the ability to pick up a blitzing backer, but must learn to use his hands better to adjust after the initial contact to sustain his blocks.
The Numbers: Over his final season, he played in 13 games with 250 carries for 1400 yards for a fine 5.6 yard average with 16 TDs and 33 receptions for 392 yards and 2 TDs. In ’07, he played in all 13 games with 248 carries for 1334 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 20 receptions working with a young passer Matt Stafford. Over his career, he averaged a fine 5.5 yard average per carry and totaled 53 receptions.
The Skinny: Well rounded young playmaker with the ability to be a fine NFL feature back and an immediate impact performer. He has produced in big game situations over his career and wants the ball in critical situations. He has proven up to the challenge vs the best competition in the SEC. Quick tough versatile back with well rounded skills to become an NFL star and impact as a rookie. He combines the size and power to run inside and fine speed and running skills to get outside consistently and make the corner. At the combine, he ran 4.54 and 4.56 times with 25 reps in the lifting. He added a 35.5” VL and a 9’7” BJ. He was impressive in the agility and positional drills with a 6.84 three cone and 4.27 short shuttle to complete a good workout. Highest rated feature back with a top 20 grade in a deep group that has the makings of an excellent overall class. Young athlete is one of underclassmen who entered this January to form a special group of runners. Tough workhorse back with the package to become a top NFL runner. Clubs like the Texans, Jets, Eagles and the Bills interested.
Draft Projection: 1st Round - Top 20 Pick