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David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

Sio Moore – Connecticut

Height: 6006

Weight: 245

Age when drafted: 23

Hometown: Apex, NC

Position: OLB

Collegiate Number: 3

Combine notables: 4.65 40, 1.62 10 split, 38” vertical, 10’7” broad jump, 29 bench reps

Games Viewed: 2012 – NC State, Pitt, Rutgers, Cincinnati 2011 – West Virginia

SIZE:

Sio Moore checked into the Combine at just under 6-foot-1 and 245. He has a solid frame that looks maxed out. Evenly distributed musculature with thick lower half.

ATHLETICISM/STRENGTH:

He’s an explosive athlete with quick twitch muscle movements. Sideline to sideline speed has surprising movement skills that showed the ability to cover the slot or tight ends at UCONN. Tested through the roof in the explosive drills in Indianapolis and it shows on tape. Moves laterally very well and can chase plays from the backside as well as any OLB in the draft. Didn’t play with outstanding strength but has heavy/explosive hands.

AGAINST THE RUN:

Three-year starter with football smarts. Rarely out of assignment. Excels when he’s shooting off the edge to make plays in the backfield. His speed makes it difficult on teams to get pullers before he’s reached the ball carrier. Great motor as he consistently is showing up on tape chasing plays from the backside. Needs improvement when taking on blocks. Can get overwhelmed by bigger, stronger lineman as he struggles to set the edge. That said, impressive pop in his hands and upper body strength is evident in disengaging from blocks.

PASS RUSH:

Connecticut used Moore all over the board as a pass rusher. He is best when he rushing off the edge and can use his speed to beat tackles around the corner. Lightning quick first step as he usually won in the first couple of steps, forcing the QB to flush the pocket early or be chased down by Moore’s speed. He was a nightmare for QB’s this season, when he wasn’t getting the sack he was moving the pocket and/or getting his hands in passing lanes. A bit of a one trick pony as he used his speed and first step to win off the edge. At the next level he will have to develop counter moves as he won’t be able to win with just speed. Has the power and understands leverage well enough to win with power.

COVERAGE:

Lined up over the slot and tight ends throughout his career. Overall an impressive athlete in coverage. Has the ability to turn and run and gets to drops quickly. Is at his best when he gets his hands on the receiver at the LOS. Came away impressed with his ability to jam while keeping his feet active. Looks like a trumped up safety in coverage. His coverage ability will be a major asset at the next level. Will have to work on feeling receivers in zone coverage. Lost receivers in his zone on occasion.

RED FLAGS:

None.  Senior leader of a veteran defense that appears clean off the field.

OVERALL:

Sio Moore is an experienced starter that could play on the weakside or strongside of a 4-3 defense at the next level. Moore is an explosive athlete that can cover and run sideline to sideline. He possesses an insatiable motor that has him staying plays from whistle to whistle. The knock on Moore was his ability to take on and shed blocks. While it’s a work in progress, I saw significant improvement in this area from 2011 to 2012. This is a guy that will endear himself to NFL teams and should come off the board on day two of the draft and is looking like he could be a solid bet late in round two.

VIDEO LINKS: Rutgers, Pittsburgh, NC State