2013 NFL Free Agency: William Moore

The recent comments made by Chip Kelly about Nnamdi Asomugha and the team's reported disinterest in Franchise Tagging Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, lead one to believe neither will be back next season. Given how atrocious the safety unit has been, it is also apparent, that the Eagles could have as much as four new starters in the secondary. As a matter a fact, the entire unit could have even more additions as Howie Roseman and Co. make their way through the off-season. With that said, we continue our epic DB Watch 2013 series. (Editor's note: George Wilson, who was featured on DB Watch 2013, has been signed by the Tennessee Titans.)

William Moore was a popular guy among the Eagles fanbase during the summer of 2009, right after the Birds let Brian Dawkins walk. Moore and Louis Delmas were the talk of the 2009 safety class and both seemed like suitable options as Dawks successor (but obviously not a replacement, as he is Brian Dawkins). Unfortunately or fortunately (depending how you feel about Moore & Delmas), neither was selected and the Eagles went with the likes of Macho Harris and Sean Jones.

Moore, who shares the same name as about a dozen U.S. politicians, was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons with the 55th overall pick (2nd Round, for those playing at home) in the 2009 NFL Draft out of the University of Missouri (where he was Jeremy Maclin's teammate). During his time at Mizzou, Moore was an All-American First Teamer and an All-Big 12 selection as well.

Let's take a look at his NFL statistics:

Moore started his career on a slow note, only playing two games in his first season, but has started all but two games he has appeared in since. Being that he has only really played three (full-ish) seasons, his 16 forced turnovers (11 INTs, 5 FFs) should make him appealing to Eagles fans. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 2013 as an alternate.

According to Pro Football Focus, Moore is pretty solid against the run and is the website's 5th best safety in free agency. PFF has also taken so much of a liking to Moore, that before the start of the season, he was named a "Secret Superstar," after having a good year against both the pass and run in 2011 at strong safety.

The former Mizzou Tiger has had a tough time with the injury bug, having missed 8 games over the last two seasons. While he has excelled against the run, he has been less consistent against the pass, as his "passing yards allowed" were among the worst in the league at his position, despite missing 4 games this past season. Moore is also expected to ask for a rather large contract, having had steadily caused plenty of the aforementioned turnovers and his recent Pro Bowl selection. Moore is a bit older for a guy entering his first free agency (28 in May) and is not a special physical specimen (6'0," 221 lbs, ran a 4.56 40-time) either.

Like with any rooking prospect or veteran free agent, there is going to be some good or bad, or the Eagles would not have a shot at him. That being said, now that you know more about Moore, would you add him in the off-season?

You can follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @mike_e_kaye. Mike and Dan Klausner (@dklausner) will have a running commentary on Twitter from Saturday-Monday during the Combine and there will be BGN Team Coverage throughout the entire Combine on Bleeding Green Nation. Happy Draft Season to all!