Oregon quarterback Dante Moore hasn’t announced his decision about returning to college or declaring for the NFL Draft following the Ducks’ 56-22 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff.
NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes Moore faces significant risk if he enters the draft, particularly if he lands with a struggling franchise like the New York Jets.
Kiper told The New York Post that Moore’s situation requires careful evaluation given the quarterback’s limited starting experience.
Jets Should Draft Moore Despite Risks
Kiper believes New York should select Moore if he’s available, but only with proper development plans in place.
“You have to, but you gotta handle him properly. You’re drafting him based on traits and talent. You can’t have him thrown to the wolves. You gotta get that personnel to where it needs to be, and you gotta get some weapons around him, and you gotta allow him some time to grow into that position.”
The Jets haven’t reached the playoffs since 2010 and continue rebuilding their roster. Moore would enter a division featuring established quarterbacks Josh Allen and Drake Maye.
Kiper projects Moore as a potential second overall pick, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza going first.
Limited Starting Experience Creates Concerns
Moore’s biggest challenge stems from his low number of college starts compared to most successful NFL quarterbacks.
“I would say Dante Moore is a risk worth taking with the second pick based on obviously what they need,” Kiper said about the Jets. “You’re in a division with Josh Allen and Drake Maye. Dante Moore is a heckuva quarterback prospect, there’s no question about it.”
The analyst emphasized historical trends working against quarterbacks with limited college experience.
“You gotta beat the odds a little bit with Dante, because that number of starts isn’t the number you prefer, and history tells us when you have those low number of starts has not bode well for those quarterbacks.”
Staying in College Could Help Development
Kiper advocates for Moore returning to Oregon for another season to gain more experience.
“I think the more you play in college, the better off you are,” he explained. “They don’t grade on a curve, you’re getting graded as a rookie like you’re an eight-year veteran, so you’ve gotta be ready for that scrutiny, that criticism, all that hate that comes your way.”
The analyst stressed the importance of proving himself at the college level before facing NFL pressures.
“In my opinion, you gotta figure it out at a very high level in college.”
Moore has until the NFL Draft declaration deadline to announce his decision. Oregon hasn’t indicated whether they expect him to return for another season.
