Eric Moulds

Moulds’ receiving average has declined in each of the last eight years – from his whopping 20.4 yards per catch in 1998 all the way down to 12.2 in 2003, 11.9 in 2004 and 10.1 last year. At 33, we don’t him reversing that trend too significantly, even if he has more room to roam with Andre Johnson getting attention on the other side of the field. At 6-2, 204, Moulds is a big, physical receiver whose leaping ability, body control and good hands allow him to make tough catches in traffic. He’s a good route runner, but lacks quickness and explosiveness off the line. Essentially, he’s a reliable possession guy who’s not likely to beat defenders down the field at this stage of his career. In fact, Moulds has only four catches of 40 yards or more in the last three years.

Looking at Moulds’ receiving averages the last few seasons (12.9, 12.2, 11.9), it’s hard to remember that he averaged a whopping 20.4 yards per catch in 1998. But his age (32) and the emergence of big-play threat Lee Evans make Moulds merely a possession receiver these days. Despite being targeted 155 times, Moulds had just 12 catches of 20 yards or more and just two for 40-plus. And while Moulds saw 25 passes in the red zone (tied for fourth), he converted just three into scores. (Contrast that with Evans, who converted 5 of 12). Some of Moulds’ struggles and Evans’ success is undoubtedly due to opposing defenses keying on the veteran. So, if opposing defenses roll some double coverage toward Evans, Moulds could increase his per-catch production. A big, strong, athletic receiver, Moulds runs well and has good hands. He’s tough to bring down after the catch, and he can make defenders miss in the open field. But given his role and that he’s playing with an inexperienced quarterback on a run-oriented team, Moulds does not have a ton of upside.

Moulds, hampered by hamstring and groin injuries, had his worst season since 1997. Gutty as it was that that he played through the pain, Moulds was basically a non-factor after an overtime win in Week 5, catching no more than 66 yards in passes in any game the rest of the way. Should we be worried about Moulds? We’re not buying into it. When healthy, he’s still one of the league’s elite and it’s worth noting he only missed three games in the five seasons leading up to 2003. Moulds will also have more room to get open with the addition of burner Lee Evans (No. 13 pick in the draft). If Moulds slips a good way in your draft, he’s a nice value play and should rebound into that top 10-15 range among wideouts.

Moulds, hampered by hamstring and groin injuries, had his worst season since 1997. Gutty as it was that that he played through the pain, Moulds was basically a non-factor after an overtime win in Week 5, catching no more than 66 yards in passes in any game the rest of the way. Should we be worried about Moulds? We’re not buying into it. When healthy, he’s still one of the league’s elite and it’s worth noting he only missed three games in the five seasons leading up to 2003. Moulds will also have more room to get open with the addition of burner Lee Evans (No. 13 pick in the draft). If Moulds slips a good way in your draft, he’s a nice value play and should rebound into that top 10-15 range among wideouts.