NFL Draft grades: National media weighs in on Mike Morris to Seattle Seahawks
Michigan Wolverines football EDGE Mike Morris was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 151 overall). Once a top-30 prospect according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., Morris’ stock dropped throughout the pre-draft process, but he found a home with the Seahawks.
Morris is a big-bodied edge rusher who played at 292 pounds last season, cut down to 275 this offseason and may have to slide down to more of a traditional defensive end role in the NFL. Examining draft grades from NFL media members following the Michigan EDGE’s selection, most have concerns about his size and athleticism, after an underwhelming performance at the NFL Combine.
Here’s a look at draft grades and more instant analysis on Morris to the Seahawks.
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Ryan Gosling, Pro Football Network: A
Nick Gray, The Tennessean: B
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: B-
“Oversized, overwhelming EDGE who may want to bump inside at the next level,” Trapasso wrote. “Powerful and has a hint of juice but won’t threaten with his first step at the NFL level. Sets a sturdy edge. Unspectacular hand work. Awkward tweener.”
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: C+
“The Michigan Wolverines listed Mike Morris at 6’6″ and 292 pounds and then played him as a true edge-defender. That’s impressive unto itself, especially since Morris regularly played from a two-point stance,” Sobleski wrote.
“Morris’ game is exactly what a person would expect just by looking at his build. He was a bully at the point of attack and excelled at setting the edge.
“The NFL Scouting Combine changed the perception of Morris when he measured 6’5” and 275 pounds. He still has the previously mentioned traits, though he’s far less impressive when taking his athletic profile into consideration.
“According to Pro Football Network’s Kent Lee Platte, Morris is a marginal-to-poor athlete as an edge. A full-time move to the inside may be in the cards.
“The toughness factor once again comes into play with the Seattle Seahawks’ selection of Morris. He can set the edge, play 5-technique and reduce over an interior lineman to provide flexibility for the entire front.”
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
A two-year starter at Michigan, Morris lined up as an edge defender in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme and was flexed inside and on his feet. With Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo off to the NFL, he stepped up as the Wolverines’ top pass rusher in 2022 and led the team in pressures, sacks and tackles for loss, which earned him the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Award. As a pass rusher, Morris accelerates quickly with his first two steps and jars blockers off balance with his hands, although his high pads tend to work against him.
In the run game, he has the frame, length and active hands to hold the point and anchor, but his run production was underwhelming (averaged just 1.5 tackles per game over the last two seasons). Overall, Morris doesn’t currently rush with savvy and needs to broaden his assortment of moves, but he is a nimble-footed power rusher with the scheme-diverse traits to be a sound run defender. He has the talent to be a rookie rotational end with NFL starting upside.
Steve Muench, ESPN.com
Morris is an effective hands fighter who can cross the offensive tackle’s face rushing the passer. He doesn’t have overwhelming speed-to-power, but he generates push and gets off blocks late. As a run defender, Morris has the size and length to set the edge, and he chases with good effort.
