After the season Tyler Shough had, the New Orleans Saints were never going to pick a quarterback with the eighth overall pick. Even if they were, Dante Moore wouldn't have fell far enough for the Saints to grab him. With all that being said, Moore announcing his plan to return to the University of Oregon is a bit of a gut punch for the Saints' NFL draft plans.
Moore's decision seems to be part of a movement by some of Oregon's top players to pass on the draft to play another year under Dan Lanning. Moore followed the footsteps of his fellow Ducks A'Mauri Washington, Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuitoi and others by going back to Eugene to give it one last shot.
By all accounts, it seemed like Moore was going to go second overall. There's been a lot made about the odds of going to the Jets, but whatever the reason is, geting Moore and the collection of talent to return is a big win for the Ducks.
Dante Moore going back to Oregon could take a real target away from the Saints
Moore's decision is great for Oregon but bad news on the Saints. On the surface, a quarterback going back to school should have nothing to do with the Saints. The Saints weren't going to pick Moore, but him going ahead of the Saints would have pushed down a talented player at an actual position of need.
Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love have begun to pop up as common players Saints fans are hoping to land. Once the team slid out of top 5 conversations, the Arvelle Reese began to feel a tad bit out of reach. It was completely possible that only Downs or Love would have been available at 8 when Moore was expected to be available. Without him, there's a chance neither player will be on the board when the Saints are on the clock.
The draft isn't filled with top end offensive tackles who will fill the top 10. There isn't another quarterback who is currently projected to fill Moore's position as the second overall selection. It's a good chance we see multiple edge rushers and wide receivers taken before the Saints pick. Even if Downs and Love are gone, there's still players like David Bailey who should be available.
Moore going back to college could take away one of the favorites, but it won't be the move that breaks the chances of getting a top tier prospect.