Devin Moore Emerges As NFL Draft's Late-Rising Defensive Prospect

Wisconsin cornerback Devin Moore has surged into Day 2 draft conversations following standout private workouts with multiple NFL teams this week. The 6'2" defensive back, once projected as a mid-round pick, now appears likely to be selected in the second or third round when the draft resumes Friday in Detroit.

Moore's stock rose dramatically after he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash during a private session with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday. At least eight teams have since conducted follow-up meetings with the former Badgers standout, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers, according to league sources.

The 22-year-old Florida native played three seasons at Wisconsin, recording 5 interceptions and 17 pass breakups. His combination of size, speed, and press coverage ability has drawn comparisons to former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman. Moore's late rise mirrors last year's draft surprise when Devon Witherspoon jumped into the top 5 picks.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah moved Moore up 32 spots in his final positional rankings Wednesday. "He's got the length teams covet and just tested better than anyone expected," Jeremiah said on-air. "This is exactly how mid-round guys become second-rounders."

The draft's defensive back class was already considered deep, but Moore's emergence adds another intriguing option for teams needing secondary help. The Green Bay Packers, holding pick 58, have shown particular interest according to Wisconsin State Journal reports.

Moore would become the highest-drafted Wisconsin defensive back since Jim Leonhard went undrafted in 2005. His rise comes as NFL teams increasingly prioritize tall, physical corners to combat larger receivers. The draft resumes Friday at 7 p.m. ET with rounds 2-3 in Detroit.