Panthers NFL Draft: D.J. Moore is better than Calvin Ridley
By Nick Yon
On the clock, the Carolina Panthers had their pick of wide receivers, choosing D.J. Moore over Calvin Ridley…
“With the 24th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select D.J. Moore, wide receiver, Maryland.” These words from NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell made Moore the newest member of the Panthers moving forward.
Talk about a guy who raised his draft stock. Throughout most of the evaluation process, the Panthers were linked to an Alabama prospect named Calvin Ridley. His route running ability was considered to be the crispest in the entire draft in addition to being capable of stretching the field.
However, Moore possesses better raw athleticism and ultimately general manager Marty Hurney decided he was the better option. Consider their numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine, held earlier in the offseason.
According to NFL.com Moore:
- Ran a 4.42, 40-yard dash
- Benched 225 pounds, 15 times
- Vertical 39.5 inches
- Broad Jump 132 inches
According to NFL.com Ridley:
- Ran a 4.43, 40-yard dash
- Benched 225 pounds, 15 times
- Vertical 31 inches
- Broad Jump 110 inches.
While both Ridley and Moore are very similar in speed and strength, Moore’s vertical and broad jump was in a completely different class than Ridley.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
According to Panthers reporter Bill Voth, Carolina ranked Moore and Ridley very closely together.
MH on why Moore over Ridley: They’ve very close. He’s a little bigger, very explosive.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) April 27, 2018
RR: Moore also has special teams value
To better fit Norv Turner’s new offensive system, Moore’s athleticism was valued more than Ridley’s route running ability. On offense, Panthers fans have a lot to be excited about with quarterback Cam Newton, receivers Devin Funchess, Torrey Smith, Curtis Samuel and now Moore.
Next: Greg Olsen Signs A New Contract
Running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end Greg Olsen will also help to move the football through the air.