UNDRAFTED QB IMPRESSES

Panthers believe Moore's their guy

Team doesn't sign veteran to back up Delhomme

CHARLES CHANDLER

cchandler@charlotteobserver.com

Staff Photographer

05.04.08: Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore (3) passes the ball during Sunday's minicamp. (ROBERT LAHSER -- rlahser@charlotteobserver.com)

The play looked like a bust. Chased by defenders, Matt Moore scrambled to his left and threw across his body while on the run.

About 30 yards downfield, receiver Ryne Robinson made a diving catch in the corner of the end zone.

Touchdown.

Of all the plays during Carolina's recent three-day minicamp, that might have been the best. It showed again the potential Moore has to develop into a quarterback keeper.

"Just keeping the play alive, trying to make something happen," Moore said. "Ryne Robinson did a good job to keep running, and then I just hit him."

The Panthers have so much faith in Moore, 23, to back up starter Jake Delhomme that team officials haven't signed a veteran quarterback. When Delhomme was injured last season, Moore started the final three games and led Carolina to a 2-1 record. His performance was much better than one would expect from an undrafted rookie.

He's right at home with the Panthers, however, because none of their four quarterbacks, including former Pro Bowler Delhomme, were drafted.

"That says a lot for the guys here," Moore said. "These guys all worked their tails off, Jake being the ringleader of all that. He sets a good example."

Moore was a two-year starter at Oregon State after transferring from UCLA. Scouts said he was too lanky and mistake-prone (32 career interceptions and 33 touchdown passes).

Still, he was disappointed not to be drafted.

"It's something I'd been working toward my whole life," he said. "You have these guys who get drafted in the first round. That's something every little kid wants who wants to play this game. You know it can't happen to everybody."

Now, Moore has a chance to join the likes of Delhomme and Dallas quarterback Tony Romo -- Moore's teammate last preseason -- as undrafted quarterbacks who make it big.

As further proof that draft position doesn't necessarily predict success, there's New England Patriots All-Pro Tom Brady, who was a sixth-round pick out of Michigan.

"He's the true model, I guess, for any quarterback, whether you're a first-round pick or where you're picked," Moore said of Brady.

In his three starts last season, Moore completed 62 percent of his passes for 564 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions and an 86.2 passer rating. In December, he became the first quarterback to earn NFL offensive rookie of the month honors since Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger in October 2004.

"The whole season was surprising to me, the way it worked out," Moore said.

He had a few nervous moments last month as he waited for the draft amid speculation that the Panthers could make a move up a few picks to select Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan. That never materialized on draft day after the Atlanta Falcons chose Ryan with the No. 3 overall choice.

"If they were to bring in a big-time guy like Matt Ryan, who had a great college career, he would come in here and do great things," Moore said. "It's just constant competition."

But Moore is delighted Ryan wound up in Atlanta.

"Absolutely," he said, smiling. "I wish him the best."

The disappointment of not getting drafted has become a constant source of motivation for Moore, who looks like the heir apparent to Delhomme.

"You know what? I like the road I've taken to get here," he said. "I like where I'm at now. It doesn't bother me anymore.

"I'm working with what I've got. With the draft, there's no science to it. There are guys all over who can play this game."

Charles Chandler: 704-358-5123