Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

In a city like New York, Damontre Moore having his birthday on September 11th holds special relevance. Long before Moore was drafted by the Giants in 2013, 81st overall in the third round, Damontre was born in DeSoto, Texas on that very day in 1992 — when the New York Giants were still in the final ugly days of Ray Handley. By the time Dan Reeves was coaching his first Giants game, Moore was taking his first steps. When the Giants got Coach Fassel, Moore was probably laying wood on preschoolers. This young man was truly a football player from the start. Now, let’s get to know Damontre Moore.

Damontre Moore was a stout defender during his first two years at College Station, compiling 14 sacks, 24 tackles for loss and 7 forced fumbles. But it was his junior season production that was the stuff of Legends. Moore took home Consensus All American honors in Texas A&M’s inaugural SEC season, as he finished with 12.5 sacks and 21 TFL against superior competition week in, week out. NFL scouts were ready to pounce EARLY — until that dreaded afternoon at the combine in downtown Indianapolis.

Athletic testing at the NFL Combine can play tricks with a prospect’s draft stock, and that’s precisely what happened with Damontre: 4.95 40-yard dash. 12 bench press reps of 225 pounds. Subpar numbers (to be kind) compared to the rest of his positional group. Alas… once upon a time projected to land near the top of the draft, Moore dropped headlong to the Giants at pick #81.

Moore’s rookie year was a mixed bag. At times he showed glimpses of great promise and energy, but had moments where he looked beyond his depth and overmatched physically. Let’s review:

136 defensive snaps

Pro Football Focus grades: +1.5 run defense & -2.0 pass rush

7 quarterback hits, zero sacks

11 solo tackles, 6 of which came on special teams

Blocked punt against Oakland in week ten

4 special teams penalties

Credit: NFL Game Rewind (Week 10)

Following a minor shoulder procedure this offseason, the immediate order of business for Moore was to add 15 lbs. of muscle to his 6’5 250 lb frame. His “go to” move as a rook was the aggressive bull rush, but he just wasn’t strong enough for that to be a consistently effective maneuver. Power and technique versatility will be Moore’s meal tickets to a prominent defensive line role.

Credit: NFL Game Rewind (Week 7)

Moore gave the Giants fanbase a peek into his potential versus Washington in week 17. He played his largest percentage of snaps all season (44%), getting three clean shots on quarterback Kirk Cousins and batting down a pass at the line. Moore has the DESIRE to improve and he plays his tail off. Behind a sturdier frame, we’re looking at a mainstay contributor. He has a realistic opportunity to see more field time than veteran Mathias Kiwanuka in 2014.

Will Damontre Moore open 2014 as a starter? Yes

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