Scouting Report: Derrick Morgan
By Rob Engle
April 4th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
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Derrick Morgan
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– Draft Breakdown Red Star PlayerNon-position specific categories
Category |
Max. Value |
Grade |
| Height/Weight | 6 | 5 |
| Speed | 8 | 6.5 |
| Quickness/Agility | 10 | 8 |
| Strength/Explosion | 10 | 7.5 |
| Athletic Ability | 8 | 6.5 |
| Durability | 8 | 8 |
| Character | 6 | 6 |
| Production/Experience | 6 | 5.5 |
| Toughness | 8 | 6.5 |
| Potential | 10 | 9.5 |
Defensive Line Specific Categories
Category |
Max. Value |
Grade |
| Run Stopping | 8 | 6.5 |
| Pass Rushing | 8 | 7.5 |
| Awareness | 8 | 7.5 |
| Hand Placement | 8 | 7 |
Strengths
Morgan has great size, speed, quickness, and power which are all extremely important attributes for a pass rusher in the NFL. A lot of experience starting on Georgia Tech’s defensive line and has played in all but one of his games for his 3 year career. Has an elite first step. High motor player and will keep running every play of every game. Gets under the lineman’s pads well but also has the hand strength and quickness to make sure they don’t lock on. An underrated run defender and he seems to understand his assignment very well; rarely caught out of position.
Weaknesses
Morgan plays so fast that he can get out of control. He seems to fall down during the middle of a play a lot which could mean a lot of big plays in the NFL. If he’s draft to play 3-4 rush linebacker then he’ll need to learn how to drop into coverage since he has almost no experience doing so. Morgan doesn’t have great hips or sideline to sideline agility so he’s more of a north/south pass rusher.
Analysis
Most likely the most well rounded pass rusher coming out this year, Morgan is a great talent. He should be a top 10 pick and will make an immediate impact and should start from day 1. He could play end in a 4-3 or rush LB in a 3-4, but in a 3-4 he would primarily be a situational pass rusher for his first year. He had a lot of playing experience even though he had many other quality draft prospects that were in front of him, like last years 3rd round pick Michael Johnson. He may never be a superstar, but at worst he should be an above average starter at the next level; has a pretty high ceiling and floor.
Experience
Morgan is a two year starter at Georgia Tech.
Awards and Honors
2009: ACC Defensive Player of the Year. First team All-ACC.
2008: Honorable mention All-ACC.
2007: n/a
Academics
Science, technology and culture major at Georgia Tech.
Injuries
No history of injuries.
| Year | Tack | Solo | Asst | Sack | FF | Int | TD |
| 2009 | 52 | 37 | 15 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 51 | 31 | 20 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Highlight/Lowlight Video – from our friends at Pro Draft Party
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10cTyF6CxOE
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