Andrew Harbaugh
May 29, 2024 12:55 pm CT
Summer is the most pivotal part of scouting for both teams and fans. The idea is to educate yourself on the players who could be selected in next April’s draft and who could play for or against the Vikings.
The latter part is critical to our Summer scouting here on Vikings Wire.
The Minnesota Vikings and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah only have three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft heading into the Summer. More could be acquired through trade or the compensatory variety, but for now, that is all the ammo they have.
The lack of draft picks means this series will focus on the players we are likely to play against or who could cause problems for the team in the future. Every position will be covered so that you, the reader, can be a complete NFL fan as much as you are a Vikings fan. Educating yourself on these prospects is critical to better understanding the offseason as a whole, and we feel we can fill in the gaps.
Player data
Syndication: Tuscaloosa News
Malachi Moore
- Position: Safety
- School: Alabama
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 198 pounds
- Year: Fifth-year Senior
Player background
Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore (13) as he throws a pass during the second half of a football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
- Four-star recruit according to 247 Sports
- Father played college basketball at Middle Tennessee
- Played cornerback and safety in high school
- College Football Playoff National Champion in 2020
- Second team All-SEC in 2020
Notable stats heading into the 2024 season
Syndication: Austin American-Statesman
- 143 tackles
- 12.5 tackles for loss
- 1.5 sacks
- 22 interceptions and pass breakups
- One defensive touchdown
Notable PFF numbers
Sep 2, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore (13) and defensive back Caleb Downs (2) combine to tackle Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Elijah Metcalf (9) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
- 77.5 overall grade
- 79.6 coverage grade
- 56 defensive stops
- 10.7 YPR when targeted
- 94.5 QBR when targeted
Player strengths
Oct 23, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) and defensive back Malachi Moore (13) pressure Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Versatility
Malachi Moore has been your typical Alabama safety under Nick Saban. Moore is tasked with playing manager on defense while also expected to play multiple positions to keep everyone level. He does handle multiple roles and positions very well, which should be something defensive coordinators in the NFL get excited about.
Range
Moore’s playing multiple positions allows him to show that he possesses the range to cover the field. He shows he has the range you want for a roaming safety and is effective in that role. The new coaching staff has announced that Moore will be moving to a true safety role in 2024, so it will be interesting to see how this trait is used for its natural intention. I believe he can be a playmaker on defense in this new system. Having one job to focus on will help with that.
Tackling
Once again, the various roles and positions that Moore was tasked with allowed for different traits to shine through. One major trait he has is the ability to be a reliable tackler, especially in the open field. He shows he can take down ball carriers when tasked with it and has the instincts to run down players if he provides help on a play.
Player summary
Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore (13) dives for a pass intended for Florida wide receiver Rick Wells (12) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The pass fell incomplete. Alabama defeated Florida 31-29. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-USA TODAY Sports
Malachi Moore has a lot of promise and potential as he heads into a pivotal 2024 season and beyond. He has shown in moments that he could be a leader in a defensive backs group but the consistency has been lacking. A strong season in 2024 would do him wonders, and having one role that he is responsible for will allow him to be better as a safety. Not sure where a team will feel comfortable drafting him, but he could be an extremely good value for someone next April as a leader both on and off the field.
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