The Dallas Cowboys added some interesting names to their practice squad yesterday, which now consists mostly of players who showed some flashes in training camp and the preseason, but got lost in the numbers game that these coaches must play when deciding to carry established depth over potential.
One player new to the Dallas Cowboys is defensive end Zach Moore, who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Moore, a raw prospect out of Division II Concordia College of Minnesota, appeared in just one game for the hometown Vikings.
Prior to that, Zach Moore got his start in the NFL with the New England Patriots – who drafted him with the 198th overall pick in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Active for eight games, Moore did not see any playing time in the postseason that saw the Patriots beat out the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Still, the 26-year-old edge rusher brings a Super Bowl ring to The Star and the Dallas Cowboys.
With the releases of both Ryan Russell and Mike McAdoo, Moore could quickly bring Moore more than that to Dallas’ less than stellar defensive line, but he will have to earn a roster spot on a team that is currently settled on the majority of its 53 spots.
Let’s dive into some tape to find out more on what Moore can bring to the Cowboys.
— ✭ Sean Martin ✭ (@ShoreSportsNJ) September 5, 2016
You have to go back to 2014 to find the last time Moore played significant snaps in the NFL, and because of that his rookie tape left a lot to be desired. However, there were plenty of positives to take away on the film, such as the ones you see above.
Rushing from the left end, Moore is able to use his hands to fight off the right tackle and capture the edge. Off the snap, the RT was able to do a decent job of sitting down on Moore, which linemen were able to do to him pretty consistently.
While it certainly wasn’t the standard for Moore to be able to get back into these plays, the potential you see here has gone untapped for a while, and could be the beginning of a career under Rod Marinelli for Zach Moore.
— ✭ Sean Martin ✭ (@ShoreSportsNJ) September 5, 2016
— ✭ Sean Martin ✭ (@ShoreSportsNJ) September 5, 2016
As mentioned, Moore gets sat on easily by blockers, and lacks the consistent bend to counter their power moves. When he is able to bend, Moore showed the potential to be a violent player that will rally to the football and break down in tight spaces to tackle.
Should he get practice snaps against the likes of Tyron Smith and Doug Free, the Cowboys will need to see Moore become a lot less predictable with his moves and consistent with his leverage, in order to make any impact at all and earn playing time.
— ✭ Sean Martin ✭ (@ShoreSportsNJ) September 5, 2016
While it may sound too simple to be noteworthy, a good starting point for Zach Moore is that he consistently knocks his man backwards on first contact. An NFL Combine leader in the broad jump, Moore displays an impressive combination of arm length and lower body strength.
With work in all of the negative areas discussed above, Moore could become an incredibly valuable rotational DE in Dallas, with the ability to take offensive linemen by surprise and capture the edge in the passing game while being physical at the point of attack against the run.
Go find the 🏈 #90… pic.twitter.com/hlt1Q398fO
— ✭ Sean Martin ✭ (@ShoreSportsNJ) September 5, 2016
The Cowboys know that they need help at defensive end to contend in 2016, and are beginning their search for bargain players with upside to develop under Rod Marinelli. Whether a big move is on the way to accompany this is yet to be determined. Or will the Cowboys’ reluctance to address a need that has existed for some time now hold them back once again when the season begins on September 11th against the Giants?
Hopefully Moore has something to say about all of this, as he celebrates his birthday today! Inside The Star wishes him a happy birthday as Zach attempts to earn his star in the coming weeks.
Give Moore a happy birthday wish yourself on Twitter by following him @zachmoore_90!
For now, let me know what you think of the newly added Zach Moore by commenting below this article! You can also take the discussion to Twitter, and follow me @ShoreSportsNJ for plenty of analysis and commentary throughout the Dallas Cowboys season!
Lot of emphasis on expecting Marinelli to “coach up” these rejects. You mean, like Ryan Russell?
Russell actually showed a ton of improvement from last season going into training camp this summer, but couldn’t carry it over to the preseason. Played out of scheme in college. Marinelli can only do so much of course, but I like his chances more with a guy that has been around and played at a level that’s likely better than what these current DEs can provide with any consistency. We’ll see if Moore amounts to anything sooner rather than later. Thank you for reading, Ethan!
The cowboys really need 2 swallow their pride and bring back Greg Hardy we could use him he already knows the system he’s the best available defensive player out there who’s looking for another chance and could get him 4 cheap under certain clauses.Besides we’re going 2 regret it if somebody else gets him especially somebody in our division.Been a cowboy fan all my life finally came 2 my senses hopefully Jerry will…No risk no reward!
Allen, you make fair points, but I think Greg Hardy’s time in the NFL is done. If not, his ship in Dallas sailed a long time ago.
Call Ip Zach Moore to Play this Sunday Night
Moore has been called up to replace Chaz Green. We’ll see if he is active, which he should be with Lawrence out.