Why T.J. Moe To The Patriots Is A Great Signing

Nov 10, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver T.J. Moe (28) celebrates defeating the Tennessee Volunteers 51-48 in quadruple overtime at Neyland Stadium. Missouri defeated Tennessee . Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots have needed to upgrade at the wide receiver position and they did that during the draft. But, this is a great deal for the Patriots as Moe is a bigger, faster, and stronger version of Wes Welker. Moe is a great option for this offense and a good back up option in case of an injury. He’s listed at 6’0″ and 204 pounds. Moe is a little heavier than most of the aforementioned receivers who have made a living in the slot in the NFL. This will allow him to make the tough catches over the middle, as well as break away for massive gains as Wes Welker did for us over the years.

Moe was a dual-threat quarterback in high school and compiled 61 total touchdowns. This gives him a big advantage as it allows him to find holes in the defense and gives him the opportunity be on the same page as his quarterback with relative ease. Another thing will be that he can be an effective kick and punt returner.

He’s been a proven leader in the locker room at Missouri. Moe was named a team captain last year in his senior season. He’s also someone who’s proven that he’s dedicated on proven to get better every year. He works relentlessly to improve on and off the field, and has never had any off the field issues which Bill Belichick loves.

He  operated out of the slot at Missouri and flourished in 2010 with Blaine Gabbert under center, as he recorded 1,045 yards receiving and scored six touchdowns.

When Gabbert left for the NFL, Moe’s stats started to decrease over the next two seasons when James Franklin took over. When he took over it was more of a run oriented offense, which resulted in fewer balls thrown Moe’s way.

Just being outside of being reliable and having the potential every down for the big play, Moe was also utilized at times in some trick plays and formations because of his high school experience as a quarterback.

If Moe ends up making this football team, expect him to make an impact next season right away as he was in a similar system at Missouri when Gabbert was the quarterback.

The fact that he’s a good blocker helps his chances more because if you can’t block very well, you won’t be on the field too often.

Regardless of the fact that he went undrafted, Moe could very well turn out to be one of the steals of the draft. He’s a prototypical slot receiver who can make plays in almost every situation, can be used in trick packages, can contribute on special teams and can possibly develop into an Amendola- or Welker-type player. Which is what Patriots fans will hope for next season.