2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Big Ten Conference
By Kyle Edmond
Purdue – Rondale Moore, Wide Receiver, Redshirt Sophomore
Although Rondale Moore might not be the best player on the Purdue roster in 2020, he is the best of those that will be draft-eligible. True sophomores David Bell and George Karlaftis will also be the leaders of the Boilermakers for sure, but won’t be able to declare just yet.
Moore redshirted the 2019 season after playing in just four games, but he had one of the more impressive freshman performances of the 2018 season. Posting 1,258 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns through the air, Moore also added over 200 yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns as well. Those stats led to him being the first true freshman to be a consensus All-American in Big Ten history.
If Moore can return to that form in 2020, he’ll be sure to reclaim his status as one of the better wide receivers in the country. His speed is his biggest weapon and with teams trying to replicate the framework of the Chiefs, many could see Tyreek Hill in Moore, making him a strong contender for the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Should Moore see a step back, there’s still plenty of time given that he’s just a redshirt sophomore. There’s no pressure on him to enter the draft this coming season and he can opt to return to Purdue.