Dec 6, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) returns to the sideline after being unable to complete the two point conversion against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Denver Broncos defeated the Oakland Raiders 26-13. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
As a rookie in 2011 former Tennessee Volunteer receiver Denarius Moore, was a pleasant surprise for the Raiders.
Moore improved slightly in 2012 on his rookie numbers, but still proved to be inconsistent at times.
The second year wide-out struggled with more in 2012, something he’s hoping to correct this season.
"[I’ve been] catch[ing] Catch more balls normally in practice. Not just trying to catch reps during practice, staying after catching a little more, making sure that when I’m not on special teams, catch more balls with the quarterbacks……Basically just try to pick up on what I did and excel more."
Moore will have a new quarterback throwing to him this year, the Raiders picked up Matt Flynn, who previously served as the back to Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, before a one-year stint in Seattle. Flynn was expected to win the starting job in Seattle, but lost out to rookie Russell Wilson, who took a strong hold on the job.
Now Flynn will have to hold off another rookie named Wilson — Tyler Wilson. The Raiders selected the former Arkansas Razorback in the fourth round of the NFL draft in April.
Moore seems to think highly of Flynn, indicating he’s taken control of the team:
"He still has the leadership qualities. He’s stepping in and making sure he has control of the huddle, makes sure every wideout, every running back, everybody knows their job……I mean, he’s doing exactly what we expected of him. He’s coming in, showing leadership qualities, taking control of the team"
Moore added that Flynn is “a lot louder” and “leads by example”. If Moore and Flynn can get on the same page and develop some chemistry, then Moore could be in for a breakout season.
We’re not the only ones who believe Moore could be in for a breakout season. Michael Fabiano of NFL.com listed Moore as one of his top ten sleeper receivers for 2013, here’s what he had to say about the former Vol.
"Moore has displayed some real playmaking skills at the pro level. His receptions, yardage and touchdowns have all increased in each of his first two years, and the release of Darrius Heyward-Bey and the loss ofBrandon Myers should mean even more opportunities in 2013. As long as he can avoid the trainer’s room."
Moore indirectly addressed that last line during his media session after practice on Monday, saying “I feel 100 percent, a lot better than I did last year”.
We’ll keep you updated on Moore’s progression through the off-season into training camp. Make sure to follow along on Twitter for updates as well @AllforTennessee and @vols_zach