Unearthing a hidden standout or two is the main benefit of NFL training camps, and the Washington Commanders have one in the form of a not “flashy” veteran wide receiver who has a “leg up” in the battle for spots at the bottom of a crowded depth chart.
It’s 10-year pro Chris Moore who continues to impress at training camp, according to Commanders.com Senior Writer Zach Selby. He gave Moore a “shout out” after the former Arizona Cardinals wideout “had a really nice practice Tuesday morning and keeps finding ways to make plays. He’s neither flashy nor in contention for one of the top receiver spots on the team, but he’s a seasoned professional with 111 games under his belt and it shows.”
Although Moore is making a positive impression, Selby acknowledged “the bottom of the receiver group is extremely competitive, so he’ll need to maintain that consistency in August, but I think he’s got a leg up in that battle.”
Moore can still maintain an inside track to a spot on the final 53-man roster because the pass-catcher who’s also suited up for the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans, has been an unlikely star throughout this offseason.
Chris Moore Impressing the Right People for Commanders
Earning reps and targets for the Commanders means building chemistry with star second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. Fortunately, Washington Informer writer Skylar Nelson noted how “JD5 and WR Chris Moore connecting is growing.”
It’s hardly surprising Daniels is taking to Moore, since the latter is a big target not afraid to make tough catches over the middle. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder proved as much with this contested grab for the Texans against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021.
A receiver who can win in traffic will quickly justify the trust of his quarterback. So will a wideout able to turn less than perfect throws into big plays thanks to spectacular catches.
Moore has no problem getting his hands on the ball in unlikely situations. The 32-year-old “had a circus catch along sideline” during camp on Tuesday, July 29, per The Team 980’s Chris Russell.
Circus catches outside the numbers are nothing new for Moore. He reeled in this beauty for the Texans against the Dallas Cowboys in 2022.
The ability to make plays like this will keep Moore in the mix to be a factor within this season’s receiver corps, but he’s not short of competition.
Commanders Have Credible Competition for WR Depth
Perhaps the strongest competition will come from Michael Gallup. He’s well known to head coach Dan Quinn from their time with the Cowboys, and Gallup has a 1,107-yard season on his CV.
Gallup hasn’t been starring at camp, but he’s a playmaker when healthy. So is fellow former Cowboys receiver Noah Brown, a hero of one of last season’s most memorable victories.
Brown and Gallup are proven commodities behind exciting rookie Jaylin Lane and potential breakout candidate Luke McCaffrey.
All of these players will be complementary acts to Deebo Samuel, once offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s plans for the All-Pro are revealed. Samuel will share top billing with Terry McLaurin, assuming the Commanders end their contract standoff with the five-time 1,000-yard receiver.
If Moore can muscle his way into the underlying group, he’ll give the Commanders extra and intriguing big-play potential at a key position.
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