Elijah Moore 2021 Production

Career Contextualization

Elijah Moore was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft (34th overall) after melting faces in the SEC. The Ole Miss wide receiver finished second in receptions per game (10.8), first in receiving yards per game (149.1) and third in YAC (yards after catch)/reception per game (64) among WRs in his 2020 draft class.

Moore drew rave reviews throughout training camp and started Week 1 for the Jets. He combined for 14 targets over the next two weeks but was then sidelined with an injury that knocked him out until after the team’s bye week.

He was brought back slowly in a part-time role before a massive breakout game in Week 9 versus the Indianapolis Colts. With career journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson under center, Moore caught seven of eight targets for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

Over the four weeks — despite not having his starting quarterback for three games — Moore was the dominating force in the Jets’ offense. The souped-up slot receiver ranked as the fantasy WR2 over his last stretch of six games played.

His 16.1 fantasy points per game would have ranked fifth had he continued the production for the remainder of the season. But unfortunately, his season was cut short due to injuries and COVID-19 implications.

But be sure not to overlook Moore’s 13th-highest target rate when on the field in 2021. It’s an incredible feat for a first-year player and bodes exceptionally well for the Ole Miss product as he heads into his second season.

Also impressive is that he is averaging 12 PPR fantasy points per game. Since 2016, the list of second-round WRs who averaged at least 12 PPR points per game as rookies includes: A.J. Brown, Deebo Samuel, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Michael Thomas, Chase Claypool, Tee Higgins and Elijah Moore.

Borderline elite company to be a part of.

Current Situation

I was hesitant to go after Moore in dynasty trades this offseason because I knew the Jets would add another WR to their roster. Lo and behold, Gang Green drafted Garrett Wilson 10th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The addition of Wilson makes Moore’s second-year ascension less certain as he did not have much target competition during his scorching finish outside of veteran Jamison Crowder.

There’s uncertainty about how targets will shake out between Wilson, Moore, Corey Davis and the plucky Braxton Berrios, who re-signed in free agency. Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson also comes with major question marks about whether he can sustain a fantasy-friendly offense for one or even multiple offensive weapons.

General Prediction for 2022 and Rest of Career

But I don’t care about any of the factors I just listed off in dynasty formats. Moore showed up and played out as a true baller in 2021, and that’s why he is a screaming buy. Moreover, his price is suppressed and attainable because of Wilson’s addition, so there’s never been a more opportune time to take action.

For 2022, I’d feel comfortable ranking Moore anywhere in the WR2/WR3 range. But acknowledge his upside as a target hog WR1 should targets open up in the Jets’ receiver room.

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