Rod Moore

S·Michigan#161 overall
See where he lands →

Draft Movement

#155 · Jun 8#161 · now

Down 6 spots since Jun 8

Scouting Report

Rod Moore is a versatile safety out of the University of Michigan who brings a well-rounded skill set built on speed, range, and football intelligence. Listed at 6'0" and 198 pounds, he has an adequate frame for the position but will need to add functional strength to withstand the physical demands of the NFL. Moore arrived at Michigan as a four-star recruit from Dayton, Ohio and made an immediate impact, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman while contributing 32 tackles in 11 games in 2021. His sophomore breakout saw him lead all Wolverines defensive backs with 71 tackles and a team-high four interceptions, earning All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition. Per Bleacher Report's scouting staff, Moore operates with a smooth backpedal and explosive change-of-direction ability that allows him to function effectively as a deep single-high safety, a box defender, and even in slot coverage against certain receivers. He reads quarterback eyes well and attacks the ball in the air with good timing, showing genuine ball-hawk instincts across six career interceptions. PFF's safety overview praised his mirror ability in man coverage and described a Pro Bowl-caliber ceiling if he can improve his strength at the catch point and as a tackler. His big-game production stands out: he recorded a game-sealing interception against Ohio State in 2023 that helped preserve Michigan's rival streak. His most significant obstacle is a torn ACL suffered during spring practice in 2024 that cost him the entire season, forcing him to serve as a team captain from the sidelines during what should have been a key developmental year. NflDraftBuzz noted he returned for a fifth season in 2025 with an extended rehabilitation process, and his long-term durability remains the central question for pro evaluators. WalterFootball projects him as a Day 2 target, noting his versatility and ball skills while flagging the injury history. Sam Teets of SportsTalk ranked him 129th overall (Day

Strengths

  • Blazing straight-line speed with a 4.4 forty that provides exceptional sideline-to-sideline range
  • smooth, quick backpedal ideal for free safety work and single-high coverage
  • six career interceptions reflecting genuine ball-hawk instincts and timing at the catch point
  • explosive change-of-direction movements with the hip fluidity to play man coverage in the slot against certain receivers
  • strong zone coverage processor who reads quarterback eyes pre-snap and anticipates route breaks
  • willing and effective run defender who fills lanes downhill with good leverage and tracking ability
  • natural leader who earned team captaincy and commanded respect from teammates while sidelined in 2024
  • big-game producer with clutch interceptions against Ohio State (2023) and Alabama that demonstrate competitive temperament

Weaknesses

  • Torn ACL in spring 2024 cost an entire season and raises legitimate long-term durability questions
  • slender, undersized frame creates matchup concerns against bigger tight ends and physical slot receivers who can physically overwhelm him
  • tackling security is inconsistent, can fall off ball-carriers and struggles to disengage from blockers due to limited strength
  • allows too much separation in man coverage situations due to occasional hip fluidity limitations
  • can bite on play-action fakes and lose deep coverage discipline
  • limited 2025 returning production given extended ACL rehabilitation makes current evaluation incomplete
  • questionable strength at the catch point means bigger receivers can win jump-ball situations against him

NFL Comparison

Taylor Rapp (per Bleacher Report; similar versatile safety profile who contributes in coverage and run support without elite physicality); Antoine Winfield Jr. (zone-coverage instincts, slot versatility, and ball-skills profile with size limitations that require scheme-fitting)

College Stats

2021 (Freshman): 11 G, 32 tackles, special teams contributor, Defensive Rookie of the Year; 2022 (Sophomore): led DBs with 71 tackles, 4 INTs (team high), All-Big Ten honorable mention; 2023: 11 G, 34 total tackles, 1.0 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PD, All-Big Ten third team (Coaches); 2024: missed entire season, torn ACL (spring practice), served as team captain; 2025: returned for fifth season, extended rehabilitation process

Measurables

Height
6'0"
Weight
198
40-Yd
4.4

Awards & Honors

Michigan Defensive Rookie of the Year (2021); 2022 All-Big Ten honorable mention (Media); 2023 All-Big Ten third team (Coaches); 4-star recruit per 247Sports (2021 class), ranked No. 26 safety nationally; team captain (2024)