Alabama’s Malachi Moore to Sit Out On-Field Drills at 2025 NFL Combine Due to Injury Recovery

Alabama defensive back Malachi Moore told reporters on Thursday that he will not be participating in any on-field drills at the 2025 NFL Combine as he continues to recover from a recent surgery. The veteran leader of the Crimson Tide secondary emphasized that while he won’t be competing in Indianapolis, he remains committed to proving himself to NFL teams through interviews, medical evaluations, and other off-field assessments.

Moore, a versatile defensive back with years of experience in Nick Saban’s system, is considered one of the more intriguing secondary prospects in this year’s draft class. Though his decision to sit out drills at the combine might raise questions for some, he reassured teams that he is on track to return to full strength and is eager to showcase his abilities at Alabama’s Pro Day later this offseason.

The Decision to Skip On-Field Drills

Moore’s absence from the 40-yard dash, agility drills, and position-specific workouts is a notable development, but the defensive back made it clear that his health and long-term success remain the priority.

“I wanted to be out there competing, but my recovery is the most important thing,” Moore said. “I’ll be ready to show teams what I can do at my Pro Day.”

Sources close to the situation indicate that Moore recently underwent a procedure to address an injury sustained late in the 2024 season. While details of the surgery have not been fully disclosed, the recovery timeline suggests that he is expected to be back to full strength well before the start of the NFL season.

Skipping the on-field workouts at the combine is a strategic move that many prospects in similar situations have made in the past. Rather than risking an underwhelming performance while not at 100%, Moore is opting to focus on interviews, team meetings, and medical evaluations—aspects of the combine that are just as crucial in the pre-draft process.

What Malachi Moore Brings to an NFL Team

Even without on-field workouts at the combine, Moore’s game tape and reputation as a leader at Alabama speak volumes about what he brings to an NFL team.

1. Versatility in the Secondary

Moore’s ability to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield makes him an appealing prospect for teams looking for a Swiss Army knife in coverage. During his time at Alabama, he lined up at:

• Nickel cornerback
• Safety
• Outside corner in certain packages

This adaptability allowed him to stay on the field in a variety of defensive schemes, showcasing his football IQ and ability to match up against different types of receivers.

2. Experience in a Pro-Style Defense

Playing under Nick Saban and later Kalen DeBoer means that Moore has been coached in NFL-style defensive concepts. His understanding of coverages, route recognition, and pre-snap adjustments gives him a mental edge that some rookies struggle to develop.

NFL scouts often look for defensive backs who can diagnose plays quickly and react accordingly, and Moore has shown that ability throughout his college career.

3. Leadership and Communication

As a multi-year starter at Alabama, Moore was a key leader in the secondary. His ability to communicate with teammates, make adjustments on the fly, and serve as an extension of the coaching staff on the field is something NFL teams will value, especially in a league where defensive backs must process information quickly.

How His Draft Stock Might Be Affected

While missing on-field drills at the combine isn’t ideal, Moore’s draft stock remains strong, especially if he can put up good numbers at Alabama’s Pro Day.

Potential Draft Impact

• Without testing numbers, teams will rely heavily on game film to assess Moore’s speed, agility, and explosiveness.
• Medical evaluations will be crucial—if doctors give him a positive recovery outlook, his stock likely won’t take a hit.
• Team interviews could help—if he impresses in meetings, teams may feel comfortable enough with his football intelligence and leadership to overlook the absence of combine testing.

Moore is projected to be a mid-round pick, but a strong showing at Alabama’s Pro Day in March or April could elevate him into the Day 2 conversation (Rounds 2-3).

Looking Ahead: Moore’s Road to the Draft

1. Alabama’s Pro Day – His Next Big Opportunity

Since he won’t be participating in drills at the combine, Moore’s Pro Day performance will be critical. If he can demonstrate fluid movement, quick reaction time, and good speed, he could ease any doubts teams might have.

2. Team Visits and Private Workouts

Following the combine and Pro Day, Moore will likely receive invitations for private meetings and workouts with NFL teams. These sessions will allow him to:

• Showcase his football IQ through film study.
• Reassure teams about his injury status.
• Make his case for why he belongs on an NFL roster.

3. Draft Night – Where Will He Land?

Right now, Moore projects as a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, but that could change depending on:

• His medical reports.
• How well he performs at Pro Day.
• Whether teams prioritize versatile defensive backs in this year’s draft class.

Final Thoughts: Moore’s Decision is the Right One

While some might see skipping combine drills as a setback, Malachi Moore’s decision to prioritize his health is the right move. NFL teams value smart, disciplined players who know how to take care of their bodies, and Moore is making a calculated choice to ensure he’s at peak performance when it matters most.

His versatility, leadership, and experience in a complex defensive system make him an attractive NFL prospect, and if he can impress during team interviews and Pro Day, there’s no doubt he will hear his name called sooner rather than later on draft weekend.