Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore's performance during training camp earned the 2011 fifth-round pick a starting role. After catching 33 passes for 618 yards, an 18.7-yard average that ranked fourth among NFL receivers with 30 or more receptions, and five touchdowns in 13 games last season, Moore has surely gained the attention of opposing NFL defensive backs.
According to Paul Gutierrez of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Moore is fine with that.
"I still don't look at it any different," Moore said. "I just come out and do the job I'm supposed to do, understand what the coaches want and get my timing down with the quarterback and understand that we have a connection."
Moore's big-play ability was not a surprise. In 52 games at Tennessee, Moore caught 112 passes for 2,004 yards, a 17.8-yard average, and averaged 20.9 yards on 47 receptions as a senior. The 6-foot, 194-pound wideout ran a 4.43 at the combine and showed off his speed and soft hands during training camp. Adding more routes to his repertoire should help Moore take the next step.
"He's so explosive and can do so many things down the field, but for him to take that next step he needs to get more balls that aren't deep balls or big posts down the field for touchdowns," quarterback Casrson Palmer said. "He needs to catch slants and curls and digs and things like that. And the way things are lined up he's the guy.
"He's our 'X' receiver and I'm excited for him. I know he's excited about this year and he's got a lot to prove."
