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Detroit Lions 2016 NFL Draft Profile: David Morgan II

By Erik Schlitt

Oct 10, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UTSA Roadrunners tight end David Morgan II (82) makes a touchdown catch against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the second half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UTSA Roadrunners tight end David Morgan II (82) makes a touchdown catch against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the second half at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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The above video is from the 2015 game at Arizona (1st game of season). His final stat line: 9 receptions, 109 yards, and a TD. When watching the video above, reference my notes below to identify key plays made by Morgan. Two things to keep in mind: 1) Morgan moves all over the field, look for the indicator box to find where he lines up pre-snap; and 2) Arizona runs a three-man defensive line which doesn’t allow many opportunities for man-on-man blocking (one of his strengths).

  • 0:00, Morgan lines up inline, down blocks on the defensive end and then sheds to next level anticipating runner behind him.
  • 0:31, Now lining up in the slot he slips on the snap but quickly regains balance and blocks the defensive back into the sideline.
  • 1:57, Lines up inline, he block down on the defensive end and immediately collapses the entire defensive line movement.
  • 2:40, Back in slot pre-snap, he locates the defender in space, locks him up and uses the defenders momentum to block him out of the play.
  • 3:01, situation: 3rd and 8, Morgan lines up wide. He makes a great leaping catch but comes up ½ yard short of first down. Savvy route running show that Morgan ran right to the first down marker. Unfortunately, the pass was high and it allowed the cornerback to push him back short of the first down marker.
  • 3:28, situation: ensuing play, 4 and ½ yard, Morgan lines up inline. He down blocks the defensive end and quickly sheds to linebacker at the next level and seals the lane for running back to pick up the first down.
  • 5:54, Morgan is in the slot, locates the linebacker and blocks him to the ground. Then he shows his high character when he helps him back up.
  • 6:29, Morgan is once again lined up out wide and is matched up with a cornerback. I asked Morgan about this play and he said he was often used in situations like this as a mismatch against a smaller defenders. Morgan’s basketball background shows up as he shows nice body control and makes the adjustment to ball for touchdown.
  • 8:10, Situation: 4th and 3. This time Morgan lines up in yet another formation, out wide and behind another wide receiver. This play best illustrates how I think Morgan will be used in passing situations in the NFL. Pre-snap he identifies who is covering him and points him out to the quarterback. When the defender shifts away from where Morgan is running, you see him immediately look for the pass on a quick slant. He makes a solid hand catch over the middle and runs away from the defender covering him. As he rumbles down the field, he switches the ball to his outside and to protect it and then uses his interior hand to stiff arm the safety. When the safety goes to the ground Morgan’s agility allows him to hop the defender for an additional five yards.

Summary

While Morgan isn’t going to run away from people, he is by no means slow. Morgan best asset it that wins the battles in the first ten yards of the line of scrimmage with quickness, agility and strength. This game, like in every game in 2015, he was used all over the field, creating mismatches in the passing game and opening holes in the run game. In the NFL Morgan fits the role of a blocking inline tight end, but he has shown that he can be much more than that if put in the right system.

The Next slide will explain how he fits in the Detroit Lions system and why I think the Lions will draft him.

Next: Why the Detroit Lions should draft David Morgan

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