Naples High graduate Devin Moore was picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round, bringing Southwest Florida its first NFL draft selection since 2023.
The Dallas Cowboys picked University of Florida cornerback Devin Moore with the 114th overall selection in the NFL Draft on Saturday, marking a moment that felt bigger than one pick for Naples and Southwest Florida.
Moore’s path from Naples High School to the Gators—and now to Texas—has been shaped by both persistence and timing.. For a region that hasn’t been seeing many players hear their names called on draft weekend. his selection lands like a proof point: talent still travels. even when the spotlight doesn’t.
Moore’s NFL Draft moment: pick No. 114
The Cowboys selected Moore in the fourth round, specifically the 14th pick of that round. He’ll now step into an NFL program with a clear job to prove himself as a defensive back—one who can match speed, read routes, and earn reps.
Moore enters the league as a product of Florida’s system, where he played cornerback for the Gators and became a reliable starter early in his college career. His college résumé includes 41 games at Florida with 160 tackles and 10 interceptions, plus an invitation to the 2022 All-American Bowl.
Who Devin Moore is—and why the comeback matters
Moore is a Naples native and a Naples High graduate who was a starter since his freshman year.. That detail matters because it speaks to development, not just raw recruiting hype.. He committed to Florida in December 2021 as a four-star recruit. and he arrived with expectations that grew as he became more visible in the program.
But his journey also included injuries along the way. the kind that can derail momentum and force players to rebuild confidence physically and mentally.. In his senior season, Moore showed what that rebuilding can produce.. He posted career highs across the board—35 total tackles, two interceptions, three pass deflections, a sack, and a forced fumble.
That performance didn’t just improve his statistics; it also signaled that he could still make impact plays when the margin for error tightens. In the NFL, cornerbacks are judged not only on coverage, but on whether they can create game-changing moments.
Pro Day and Combine snapshot: measurable traits
Moore’s evaluation wasn’t limited to film. After a groin surgery in the months before the process, he still participated in the NFL Combine in February. His recorded 40-yard dash time was 4.50 seconds, and he measured at 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds.
At the Gators’ Pro Day. he took part in the vertical jump segment as well—another step in translating his athletic profile into a clearer NFL fit.. Teams weigh these measurable traits differently. but for defensive backs. speed and explosiveness are often the bridge between college production and pro opportunities.
Why this pick resonates in Southwest Florida
Moore is Southwest Florida’s first NFL draft selection since 2023, and that context changes how local fans experience the story. The last time the region produced a drafted player was when Lehigh defensive back Quan Martin went to the Washington Commanders in the second round in 2023.
Before Moore, the last Collier County player drafted was Immokalee defensive lineman Deadrin Senat, selected in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons. That means Moore’s selection doesn’t just continue a streak—it helps restore visibility to a pipeline that deserves attention.
Naples High hasn’t had a former player drafted since 2014. when running back Carlos Hyde was chosen by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round.. In communities, that gap matters.. It can shape what young athletes believe is possible. and Moore’s name on a draft card becomes a new reference point for the next generation.
What comes next for Moore in Dallas
The biggest challenge for rookies is rarely the dream itself—it’s the adjustment.. Moore will be entering an environment where every rep is faster, routes are sharper, and quarterbacks punish hesitation.. Even with strong college production. NFL success depends on consistency: technique under pressure. the ability to recover after a mistake. and learning the details of defensive schemes.
At the same time, the Cowboys’ interest suggests they see value in Moore’s combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills. His senior-year surge matters because it points to a player who can peak at the right time, even after setbacks.
If Moore can translate his college instincts into professional coverage responsibilities. he’ll have a realistic shot to carve out a role—possibly on special teams early. then expanding as the trust grows.. For Naples. that’s the emotional engine behind this story: not just a selection. but the start of a longer journey.
For Misryoum readers, this is also a reminder of why draft day can feel personal. A single pick can become a regional headline, a community milestone, and a new chapter in the careers of athletes who grew up far from NFL facilities—yet still manage to reach them.