Former Vol Wide Receivers In Need Of A Big Year
By Seth Norris
Nov 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) returns a punt next to Denver Broncos strong safety Omar Bolden (31) in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Denarius Moore (5th round, 2011)
Denarius Moore finished his career at Tennessee with 112 receptions. His senior season, which propelled him to be drafted by the Oakland Raiders, was especially productive, as the Texas native shined with 981 yards and 9 TD’s.
The former Vol took that talent to the wasteland called “Oakland,” and averaged 43 receptions, 685 yards, and six touchdowns in his first three seasons. Entering the final year in his contract last season, Moore was expected to be a highly sought after free agent.
However, the wide out’s numbers plummeted to only 12 receptions in 10 games, and hurt his free agency status tremendously.
Instead of a possible long-term deal, Moore signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Moore has the potential to get back on track being out wide with A.J. Green and Mohamed Sanu, and can be a consistent deep threat for quarterback Andy Dalton. On the flip side, if Moore has another season like he did in Oakland, he could find himself out of work when the 2016 free agency period passes.