Overview
This two-time second-team All-SEC pick is undersized, but extremely productive; he hit triple digits in tackles in 2014 (101) and 2015 (103, leading the team), and doubled his impact in the backfield between those two seasons, going from six to 12 tackles for loss. The fact he played at all this fall was a tribute to his work ethic, as he came back from undergoing multiple surgeries on his left knee to repair an injury from the 2014 Birmingham Bowl. However, teams will have to check into his background due to two arrests (punching bouncer, barking at a police dog/resisting arrest) within five weeks in the summer of 2013. If he can convince general managers that his hard times are behind him, they'll bank on his talent.
Pro Day Results
40-yard dash: 5.1 seconds
20-yard short shuttle: 4.6 seconds
3-cone: 7.69 seconds
Vertical: 30 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 3 inches
Bench: 23 reps of 225 pounds
Analysis
Strengths
Ultra competitive with unmatched intensity. Alpha male in the locker room who teammates gravitate toward. Work ethic on full display as he recovered from a severe knee injury two to three months ahead of schedule and in time for start of the season. Plus lateral quickness. Has burst to beat offensive lineman to a spot. Not content to sit back and wait on a play. Always in attack mode. Uses explosive hips to launch into his tackles with as much force as he can. Can turn, swivel and close ground with good change of direction. Was one of the best tackle finishers in the game in 2014. Plays with extraordinary balance and is very rarely off his feet. Used as an effective spy vs. mobile quarterbacks. Could become interesting blitz option as a pro. Refuses to stop pursuing until he hears the whistle.
Weaknesses
Suffered severe knee injury in bowl game last year that slowed his production this season. Missed seven tackles in 2015 after missing four in 2013 and 2014 combined. Undersized and lacking length for the inside backer spot. Tight strider who is more quick than fast. May not have play strength needed for his aggressive, physical style. Must learn to slip blocks and play skinny rather than always taking on all comers. Struggles to disengage quickly when locked up by offensive linemen. Doesnt adjust pursuit path to runners, allowing combo blockers to find him. Lacks patience. Rushes downhill almost every snap and often runs himself into trouble and out of pursuit. Instincts and vision are poor. Easily fooled by play-action and can be a step late to diagnose the action. Prior off-field incidents will need to be vetted.
Draft Projection Round 7 or priority free agent
Sources Tell Us "Write him up however you want, but he's a two-down MIKE linebacker who is tough as hell and a good football player. I worry much less about his 'negatives' than I do with what he can do." -- AFC general manager
NFL Comparison Denzel Perryman
Bottom Line
Glass eater who will be the first in line to battle. Morrison's leadership, toughness and aggressiveness will be exactly what NFL teams want, but his lack of instincts and size are barriers that may always hinder his pro potential. After his knee injury, Morrison's athleticism wasn't quite where it was in 2014 so he might be at full strength by 2016. Morrison may be too tight to play outside linebacker in a 4-3 and lacking the instincts to play in the middle. His best fit could be as the WILB in a 3-4 where he figures to be an eventual starter.