Michigan Football got good news this afternoon when Blake Corum decided to stick around for another year. However, that high wave was quickly replaced with the bad news that defensive end Mike Morris is heading to the NFL.
Why it matters: Morris was Michigan’s best pass rusher in 2022. The native of Belle Glade, Florida had potentially two more years in the Maize and Blue but has opted to enter the NFL Draft in April.
- Morris collected 23 total tackles in 2022
- He had 7.5 sacks, which led the team.
- He became an integral part of the defense with the departure of Aidan Hutchinson.
Mike Morris: Inside the Numbers
Morris was a stud for the Wolverines. An impact player, who is leaving huge shoes to fill. Those shoes were once worn by Aidan Hutchinson, and coming into this season many wondered how they’d be filled. The answer was Morris.
According to PFF, Morris was the 26th-best defensive edge player in the country this season, with a grade of 84.2. He is considered the 16th-best positional prospect as an EDGE player.
Scouting Report:
Per NFL Draft Buzz, Morris clocks in at #70 overall as a prospect. Here’s what they say about his strengths and weaknesses:
Mike Morris’s strengths:
- A savvy, versatile and instinctive edge rusher who did a little bit of everything, Morris was especially effective getting to the quarterback.
- His hand use is excellent; he’s strong in the upper body and consistently swats away blockers.
- Has the long arms and hand strength to win at the point consistently; strong throughout the upper body and has good agility for his size.
- Morris explodes off the line with a quick first step, with agile feet to counter inside and closing burst to finish plays.
- Adequate change-of-direction agility and straight-line speed to contain.
- Has the pursuit skills to stay in the action. Anticipates the snap. Country strong and very physical; seeks contact.
Mike Morris’s weaknesses:
- Never out of a play, but can get out of control and work himself away from the action.
- Plays tall and gets upright off the snap. Wins with upper-body strength and needs to focus on leverage.
- Plays high and with poor balance and power. He’ll lose ground at the point of attack, and Morris doesn’t get the full benefit of his length.
