DJ Moore: Most Underrated WR in the NFL?

"DJ Moore, I like his game. I feel like it's not very conventional for a receiver. He catches everything thrown his way. He's one of the hardest to tackle in the league. He reminds me a lot of Deebo with the ball in his hands." - Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown

Game respects game. It might not be a coincidence that St. Brown appreciates Moore's game at such a high level, considering the stylistic similarities between the two players. Last season, both players ranked top 8 for yards after the catch and top 10 for missed tackles forced amongst wide receivers, according to PFF. Despite being used in very different ways, both players fight for every inch with the ball in their hands.

Last season, Moore put up the best numbers of his career with 1,364 yards on 96 catches and 8 touchdowns. He shouldered an impressive 26.5% of the team's pass targets. His share of the passing offense could decrease in 2024, but his efficiency should improve with a more pass-centric offense and higher-quality pass catchers around him to draw the defense's attention away.

In 2023, the Bears offense ranked 27th in pass attempts. I imagine the Bears will throw the football far more often with Caleb Williams under center. In 2020, Moore averaged 18.1 yards per reception while playing with Chosen (Robbie) Anderson, Curtis Samuel, and Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback. That is not exactly an all-star cast, but it is a cast that could stretch defenses both horizontally and vertically in the dropback passing game. 

That type of situation is one where DJ Moore can excel, being a player who is dangerous at all three levels of the field. Now, compare that number to Moore's 14.2 yards per reception in 2023. That is where he can make up ground for any lost targets, and has a chance to meet last year's career high of 1,364 receiving yards.