Which Detroit Lions Rookie Has Impressed the Least Thus Far?

The Detroit Lions had an outstanding group of rookies join their organization in 2012, but not all of them have looked good in training camp and the preseason. While there is plenty of reason to be optimistic about the overall strength of this rookie class, the future of undrafted free-agent quarterback Kellen Moore does not look promising.

Moore came to the Lions after a sensational college career at Boise State. He put up remarkable numbers in college where he got away with his lack of arm strength by using his intelligence and anticipation to complete passes. He had bigger windows to throw the ball and he took advantage of the simple coverages that most college defenses run.

In the NFL, the window is much smaller and the defenses are significantly more complex. Moore no longer has the convenience of throwing to wide-open receivers as defensive backs are far more quicker and aggressive. 

Moore has undoubtedly struggled with a few aspects during training camp and in preseason. These are problems that he may not be able to overcome through coaching.

Moore’s delivery is too long, and it's because he does not have ample arm strength. He has to generate power to throw the ball by using his lower body to create torque, prolonging his release. Defensive linemen recognize that the throw is coming, and they get their hands up and knock the pass down.

Moore is a rhythm quarterback. He throws with a combination of touch and anticipation, and it has not worked to this point. He does not look like a QB who can threaten any part of the defense.

Moore saw his first game action in the first week of the preseason against the Cleveland Browns. He completed 4-of-14 passes for 40 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. He looked out of sync with the receivers and did not throw the ball well.

Moore was under center for seven drives during this game. He threw the ball for a first down three times. The offense was conservative as he threw short to intermediate routes in his first action as a professional.

In the second week of the preseason against the Baltimore Ravens, Moore completed 10-of-15 passes for 96 yards without a touchdown or an interception. He looked better in this game, but didn't vertically threaten the defense in any way. Still, he converted a first down five times during the three drives he had at quarterback.

Moore had four drives during the third preseason game against the Oakland Raiders. He looked out of sync when he first entered the game, and finished 10-of-19 for 87 yards. He threw one touchdown pass along with one interception.

It was another conservative offensive showing. Moore was content to throw to shorter routes and into the flats of the defense; his longest completion was for 17 yards, and it went to Lance Long.

From a football perspective, Moore struggles to make all of the throws that NFL quarterbacks need to make. He does not have a strong release, and the football does not come out quickly enough. He has a hard time getting the ball past the line of scrimmage, and he is not an accurate when he has to move his feet.

Moore can throw the ball accurately in the short-passing game, but he does not throw the ball well vertically—when a combination of touch, accuracy and velocity are critical.

He's an extremely intelligent quarterback, and the only way he makes an NFL team is with his ability to outsmart other signal-callers. He led his college team to some amazing accomplishments, but NFL defenses are an altogether different animal.

Moore’s case is curious though, as he has had a staggering amount of success with a limited skill set. He is a player that has gotten the most out of his physical talent by working hard, both on and off the field. It might just be that the pro game is out of his reach.

At the end of the day, there is a reason that Moore did not get drafted coming out of college. Those reasons have been abundantly clear through the preseason, as Moore has been remarkably average. He's 24-of-48 through three appearances, and that tells the entire story.