Elijah Moore Draft Projection: 5 fantasy landing spots that make sense

No longer an under-the-radar prospect, Ole Miss WR Elijah Moore has become a favorite value of many fantasy football players. With a draft projection creeping into the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, which landing spots would be the best for Moore from a fantasy perspective?

Elijah Moore could be the best value in the 2021 wide receiver class for fantasy football

Wide receiver is already the deepest position in fantasy football, and in 2021, it sees a massive injection of talent. In a class headlined by Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, Rashod Bateman, and Jaylen Waddle, Moore has the skill to vastly outperform his ADP. 

Moore was the premier weapon in Lane Kiffin’s offense in 2020. As a true junior, he totaled 86 receptions, 1,193 yards, and 8 touchdowns in just eight games. He finished second in the nation to Smith in both receptions and yards in 2020 and earned AP first-team All-American honors.

Moore wins at virtually every level of the field and especially off the line with lightning-quick footwork. He knows how to create separation, and his route running will allow him to produce right away in the NFL. Much like Rondale Moore and Smith, Moore is one of the best at finding the holes in a defense, allowing him to rip off extended plays after the catch. His awareness also keeps him from taking massive hits — a crucial trait as he is on the smaller side of NFL standards (5-foot-9 and 178 pounds).

Moore tested off the charts with a 4.35 40-yard dash, 36-inch vertical jump, 121-inch broad jump, and 6.67 three-cone drill. In the modern NFL, slot receivers are an integral part of the offense. As target hogs, they are also a pivotal component of fantasy teams. 

Top 5 landing spots for Elijah Moore based on draft projections

Should Moore hear his name called to a landing spot with a creative play-caller and accurate QB, he may end up a WR2 before the end of his rookie season.

Green Bay Packers

Moore needs to go to an innovative team if we hope to see his potential reach its ceiling. Matt LaFleur is just that, and it doesn’t hurt that some guy I saw on Jeopardy is under center — we see you, Aaron Rodgers.

Green Bay needs a slot receiver which Moore fills from Day 1. Davante Adams would occupy the primary role, and the Packers would continue to use a combination of Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the outside. Moore commands the second target in the progression, and he is someone we could see in the 85-90 target range in Year 1. 

In his draft news and rumors article this week, Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline reported that Moore could slide into the back end of the first round. Some teams reportedly project Moore to be selected in the late teens or early 20s.

Arizona Cardinals

Quite honestly, I love this landing spot for Moore’s fantasy value. The Kliff Kingsbury Air Raid-style offense is predicated on pace and space. Last season, they ran 67.6 plays per game with a 55.8% passing split. This is no fluke and what we should see this season. Although they added A.J. Green in free agency, his skill set would not compete with Moore. 

The keys are the fact Andy Isabella is not working out and the likely retirement of Larry Fitzgerald. All in all, the Cardinals have 28.6% of their targets vacated along with 24.8% of their air yards. While air yards are a contention point, they have to go somewhere, even if you choose different verbiage. Moore adds an incredible asset on a potent offense and one that could be a fantastic value for fantasy managers.

Los Angeles Chargers

Speaking of potent offenses, enter the Los Angeles Chargers. Justin Herbert is a bona fide superstar and already has a talented set of playmakers. Keenan Allen does not get the respect he deserves. Mike Williams, when healthy, is a talented deep and red-zone threat, and Austin Ekeler is one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL.

What they are still searching for is a slot WR. Also, there is turnover at tight end with Hunter Henry leaving and Jared Cook coming in. What is even scarier is the addition of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi from the Saints. Someone who utilizes motion, Lombardi might slide Moore around the offense, creating advantageous matchups. Very few CBs can keep up with his footwork off the line, which will make Moore Herbert’s favorite target over the middle.

New Orleans Saints

When you think of a team with a creative coach who needs more receivers, the Saints are the first team that comes to mind. With the ultra-creative Sean Payton at the helm, Moore could have a field day in the Big Easy. Moore can dominate over the middle of the field and be a fantastic complement to Michael Thomas.

The Saints need another receiver as they lack a true WR2, although there is hope that Tre’Quan Smith takes a step forward in 2021. Jameis Winston is expected to secure the starting role this year, and it would behoove the Saints to add more weapons on offense. We know Winston provides enough volume for multiple receivers, and Moore would receive all the opportunities he could ask for with the Saints.

San Francisco 49ers

This one seems obvious. No one is better at scheming players open than Kyle Shanahan. Their offense is predicated on short-area explosiveness and getting playmakers in space. Does this sound a bit familiar to Moore’s skill set?

For this to happen, Moore would have to reach the floor of his draft projection and be available at pick No. 43 unless the 49ers traded up. However, after selling the farm to move to No. 3 overall, trading more assets may not be the most ingenious idea. Still, can you imagine Moore with George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel? Talk about a loaded offense.

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Tommy Garrett is a writer for Pro Football Network covering the NFL and fantasy football. You can read more of his work here and follow him at @TommygarrettPFN on Twitter.