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Fabian Moreau came to UCLA as an running back. He leaves as a hard-hitting defender. UCLA Coach Jim Mora has previously said that Moreau had “first-round talent”, but a lisfranc injury in 2015 cost Moreau most of the season.
Overall, Moreau’s best season in Westwood was his junior year when he was a second-team all-conference selection and he ranked seventh on the team in tackles with 53. This past season, he had a career high 12 passes defended and was an honorable mention all-conference selection.
Moreau tore a pectoral muscle while working out on the bench press at UCLA Pro Day this year and had immediate surgery to repair it. He is expected to be ready in time for the start of training camp in July
Strengths
One of Moreau’s biggest strengths is his speed. As a former running back, he is able to turn it on when needed. His size lets him fight off receivers. He is a good open-field tackler and can use his hands to break up passes.
Weaknesses
He doesn’t get enough takeaways. In his entire time at UCLA, he only managed 3 interceptions. He is a frequent target of penalty flags from the Pac-12 officials for pass interference and defensive holding. He needs to do a better job fighting off receivers’ blocks.
Comparison
NFL.com compares him to Darqueze Dennard of the Cincinnati Bengals who was selected in the first round of the 2014 Draft.
Fabian Moreau Career Defensive Stats
| Season | GP | UA | A | TOT | TFL | TFLY | PD | FF | FR | BLK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | GP | UA | A | TOT | TFL | TFLY | PD | FF | FR | BLK |
| 2012 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 | 12 | 26 | 25 | 51 | 0.5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 13 | 40 | 13 | 53 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 12 | 24 | 7 | 31 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Fabian Moreau Career Interception Stats
| Season | GP | NO | Yards | TD | Long | Avg/R | Avg/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | GP | NO | Yards | TD | Long | Avg/R | Avg/G |
| 2012 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 12 | 2 | 32 | 0 | 32 | 16 | 2.7 |
Projection
NFL.com projects him as a second round selection.
But, I don’t think there’s any doubt that Moreau’s pectoral injury combined with a senior season which wasn’t quite as good as his junior season has hurt his draft stock.
That said, I’m still looking for Moreau to go on Day 2 in either the second round or the third round.
Go Bruins!!!