David Morgan, UTSA TE: 2016 NFL Draft Profile

David Morgan

College: University of Texas at San Antonio

Position: Tight End

Height/Weight: 6'4"/262 lbs.

Career College Statistics: 85 receptions, 1,104 yards, 8 touchdowns

There's no denying that David Morgan is the best player UTSA has produced through five seasons of football. Morgan started his career as a frail and injury-prone receiving tight end before coming back stronger from injuries sustained in his sophomore and junior seasons. The sure-handed tight end has gained over 40 pounds over the span of his college career, transforming from a lanky high school wide receiver to the most dominate in-line blocker in college football by the time his five years of eligibility expired.

Pros:

Morgan really shines with his hand on the ground, a quality becoming all too rare in today's college football up tempo, spread environment. Throughout the 2015 season Morgan had the rare opportunity to be the main target of his offense's passing game, a benefit that very few tight ends can claim.

With a strong base and a willingness to get nasty at the line of scrimmage, Morgan separated himself from the rest of his draft class by excelling at setting the edge and springing his running backs to stretch the field to the sideline. Morgan is absolutely relentless as a blocker as he's been known to ride his blocks dozens of yards up the field.

While Morgan is at his best as a blocker, he's still exceptional as a pass catcher. UTSA fans have seen Morgan lay out for one handed dive catches, adjust to throws over his shoulder, drag his toe on the turf to complete passes and use his large frame to create mismatches with defensive backs.

Cons:

Speed. It's simple-- David Morgan simply doesn't have the burning speed to vertically stretch the field at the professional level. Is that a deal breaker? Not quite, many teams don't even attempt to utilize their tight ends as vertical threats. Nonetheless, it's going to be the main criticism you'll hear if and when Morgan's name is called during the draft after Morgan turned in a disappointing 4.83 second 40 yard dash at the NFL combine.

It's also hard to entertain the thought of handing Morgan a seven-figure contract without considering his injury history. Morgan has suffered several lower body injuries-- a broken femur, a torn ACL, and most recently, a knee sprain which prevented him from playing in the East - West Shrine Game.

What Others are Saying:

Lunch­-pail tight end whose versatility, consistency and production landed him a second-team All-American nod. Morgan's lack of quickness will hurt his ability to get open as a receiver, but his willingness to block and potential to become a move tight end who can handle fullback responsibilities should help his cause on the third day of the draft.

NFL.com Draft Profile

Yes, his upper body strength translates well, but it’s his subtle, quick footwork that allows him to gain consistent leverage against his opponent at the point of attack. This footwork and positional strength is a hallmark of his in-line blocking, and will allow his NFL team to install him very quickly in situations that call for jumbo personnel.

Pro Football Focus - 5 Mid-Round Draft Prospects Can Make an Impact as NFL Specialists

With underwhelming options at TE, Morgan makes the cut on the strength of a +15.0 run blocking grade that leads the nation. He's been no slouch in the passing game, either, leading the Roadrunners in all major receiving categories with 30 receptions, 361 yards, and four touchdowns, good for a +6.0 receiving grade that ranks third in the country.

Pro Football Focus - College Football Dream Team