Colts player is the best-graded slot cornerback in “NFL Next Gen Stats”

The Colts Kenny Moore II is the best slot cornerback in football right now, and the advanced stats seem to prove it.

As of Week 11, Kenny Moore II of the Indianapolis Colts is the best slot cornerback in the league, per NFL Next Gen Stats:

Rank 1

Kenny Moore

Indianapolis Colts

Coverage Score: 94

Pass Rush Score: 60

Tackle Score: 92

SLOT OVERALL SCORE: 91

Moore moved up to the top of this list because to his two pick-six performance in Week 9 against the Panthers, one of which resulted from a slot alignment.

In the middle of a spectacular year, the 2017 undrafted free agency signee is setting personal bests in target EPA (-14.1) and completion percentage above projected (-6.2%). Combining those stats with his slot corner alignment’s third-lowest expected receptions allowed (-3.2) earns him the highest coverage score (94) on this list.

In addition to playing pass defense, slot cornerbacks must also play a critical part in stopping big run plays that go to the outside. Moore has been extremely successful at achieving just that, as seen by his top tackle score of 92% on this list. Indeed, from a slot alignment this season, Moore has the most run stop EPA (-5.5) of any defender.

Moore II had a highly successful rebound 2023 season following a bad year owing to some dissatisfaction with his contract situation and a less-than-seamless transfer into then-new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme.

Maybe he should focus solely on football once more and try to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Throughout his ten starts, Moore II has accumulated 67 tackles, 3 interceptions (*two of which were for touchdowns), 5 passes defensed, and 1.5 sacks.

Moore II has been targeted 53 times in coverage, according to PFF. He has 40 receptions (75.5%), 363 passing yards (9.1 yards per reception), no touchdown receptions, 3 interceptions, 1 pass breakup, and a mere 69.9 opponent passer rating.

As one of the greatest core players on defense, the defensive captain and potential Pro Bowler is undoubtedly a valuable veteran who the Colts would like to re-sign for their secondary. Whoever his next team is, he should be rewarded with a big multiyear contract.