The NFL Draft has seen a major shakeup as a top-five prospect has decided to skip out on the event. Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore will return to college.
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Moore announced the news on Wednesday on ESPN. He pointed to the desire to win the National Championship as a reason for his decision. This provides the opportunity for him to rebound from a 56-22 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoffs.
"When it comes to me just making my decision, of course I want to feel most prepared and what's best for my situation, especially as a quarterback," Moore said. "And with my decision, it's been very tough.
"I prayed a lot about it, talked to many people, my mentors, and people I just look up to, and with that being said, of course I'll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions."
Moore appeared to be the second-best quarterback prospect in the NFL Draft after he threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He completed more than 71% of his throws.
This move means that Moore will miss out on an estimated $50 million in guaranteed money. It will also force other quarterback-needy teams to update their draft boards before the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 23-March 2 and the NFL Draft on April 23-25.
This particularly includes the New York Jets, the team that selects second overall. It also includes the Arizona Cardinals, the team that selects third overall. Both of these teams desperately need a quarterback of the future.
They are unlikely to have the opportunity to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza due to the Las Vegas Raiders possessing the first overall pick. The Raiders also need a quarterback after 35-year-old Geno Smith led the NFL with 17 interceptions.
The other top quarterback prospects include Ty Simpson from Alabama, Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss, Drew Allar from Penn State, and Garrett Nussmeier from LSU.
