Tre’von Moehrig

Raiders Sign Second-Round S Tre’von Moehrig

The Raiders signed first-round pick Alex Leatherwood about a month ago, and now they finally have their second pick locked up. Las Vegas signed second-round safety Tre’von Moehrig to his rookie deal on Monday, the team announced in a release.

Moehrig was the 43rd overall pick of this past draft. He was widely expected to be the first safety off the board and was considered a potential first-rounder, but he ended up slipping a bit and going behind both Jevon Holland (Dolphins) and Richie Grant (Falcons).

The TCU product won the Jim Thorpe Award this past season, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back. He also earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in each of the past two seasons. Across those two years he had six interceptions and 20 passes defended in 22 games.

The Raiders’ secondary was a big weakness last year, and the team is hoping Moehrig can be part of a dramatic improvement. He’s the favorite to start at free safety next to Johnathan Abram.

The Raiders have now inked five of their seven draft picks, with only third-round defensive end Malcolm Koonce and third-round defensive back Divine Deablo remaining unsigned.

49ers Trade No. 43 To Raiders; Raiders Select TCU S Trevon Moehrig

Another trade! The 49ers are sending the 43rd overall pick to the Raiders, who will use it on TCU safety Trevon Moehrig.

Here’s the breakdown of the trade:

Raiders Receive

  • No. 43
  • No. 229

49ers Receive

  • No. 48
  • No. 121

Moehrig is a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, and many pundits — like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. — considered him to be the best safety in the 2021 class. He is a definite playmaker, having recorded nine takeaways over the past two seasons. He also earned the Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation’s top defensive back. He is at his best when asked to play a single-high, “centerfielder” role.

Still, no matter what role Moehrig is put into, his defensive coordinator should appreciate the player’s versatility. While he’ll have to improve his hands a bit in the NFL to play a position besides safety, he could eventually see time as a bruising slot corner.

It was a pretty big surprise that both Oregon’s Jevon Holland and UCF’s Richie Grant went ahead of him, as Moehrig was widely expected to be the first safety off the board. It’s quite possible the Raiders made this move specifically to get ahead of the Cowboys at 44, as many believed Dallas could be targeting Moehrig.

Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari, TCU’s Tre’von Moehrig Declare For Draft

Several high-profile collegiate prospects declared for the 2021 NFL draft yesterday. Per Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com, Georgia edge defender Azeez Ojulari is foregoing his final two years of college eligibility and will enter the draft, and TCU safety Tre’von Moehrig announced on Twitter that he is also turning pro.

Ojulari is arguably the best pass rusher in the draft, and most mocks have him going off the board in the first round. He has led the Bulldogs in sacks in each of the past two seasons, and he ended the 2020 season with 9.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 12.5 tackles for loss. He ended his college career on a high note, having piled up three sacks and two forced fumbles in Georgia’s Peach Bowl victory over Cincinnati. He took home defensive MVP honors for the game and was a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which goes to the nation’s top defensive player.

Ojulari is lauded for the series of pass rush moves that he has already developed, which will serve as a strong foundation for his future in the pros. His technique, along with his size and explosiveness, make him an especially intriguing prospect, and the Broncos, Browns, and Vikings profile as possible landing spots.

Moehrig, meanwhile, is a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, and many pundits — like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. — consider him to be the best safety in the 2021 class. He is a definite playmaker, having recorded nine takeaways over the past two seasons, and is a finalist for the Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation’s top defensive back. He is at his best when asked to play a single-high, “centerfielder” role.