MOBILE, Ala. — When he received the invitation to compete in the Senior Bowl, University of Virginia offensive lineman Morgan Moses welcomed the chance to showcase his skills to NFL talent evaluators. But he also saw the week as a chance to get a taste of life in the NFL.
As a member of the South team, Moses has received his introduction to NFL life from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff. And from the first meeting, to the first practice, and every activity since, Moses has noticed a clear difference between college and the NFL.
“Day 1, the intensity was set high, from the way practices are run, and how guys came out and ran around and tried to make plays,” the 6-foot-6, 325-pound left tackle said. “Coming out here, knowing you’re playing with the top guys in the country allows you to raise your talent level and just want to compete out here.
“You’re coming out here, and you get prepared, go to meetings and then come out and perform the plays you learn right after meetings,” he added. “So it definitely gave us a look at a week of preparation in NFL life.”
Moses was a three-year starter for the Cavaliers – the first two at right tackle and his final at left tackle. In 43 starts, Moses yielded only two sacks on 506 pass plays, according to U-Va.’s statistics.
This week in Mobile, Moses has done well both in team and individual drills, winning the majority of his matchups with pass-rushers.
His size, athleticism and potential has him projected to go within the first two rounds of the draft. The evenings following practices have featured a busy schedule for Moses, who has interviewed with one NFL team after another.
“I’ve interviewed with a lot of teams,” he said. “Sometimes you just have to sit yourself down, look in the mirror and say, it’s a blessing to have the opportunity to come out here against the best people in the country but also showcase your talent to 32 teams.”
It remains to be seen if he plays on the left or right side in the NFL. But Moses said he doesn’t mind.
“I’m open to play wherever they want me to play,” he said with a grin.
Moses aims to cap the week with a strong performance in Saturday’s game, and then will spend the next month leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine working to improve his conditioning, strength and technique.
“I can get better at everything,” he said. “Just coming out here was the main point for me, to compete with the guys. It’s a great group of guys competing, and I’m just having fun. After this, I’ll just be working on myself, getting in better shape, focusing on next thing in front of me.”