A look at the Seattle Seahawks 2023 fifth round pick Mike Morris, last year’s Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.
For the second year in a row and the third time in four years, the Seattle Seahawks drafted a defensive lineman/outside linebacker in the fifth round. This year’s model, Mike Morris from the University of Michigan, is someone who can develop into a force at the next level.
Background
The four-star recruit from the Sunshine State’s American Heritage High School (Del Ray Campus) was set on staying warm and initially committed to Florida State, like his father before him. Counter to the Florida snowbirds, Morris packed his bags and trekked North to the Big House in Ann Arbor to become a Michigan Wolverine.
The first two years of Morris’ time at Michigan were uneventful, to say the least. He redshirted in 2019 and made only a single appearance with one tackle in 2020.
Morris started to flip the script in 2021 by recording 16 tackles, and one interception, starting in 4 of 14 games played. He continued to step it up in 2022 by leading the Wolverine defense with a stat line of 11 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, and 23 total stops (in addition to a few pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick) in 12 games.
His performance in 2022 gained him quite a few accolades, such as Second-Team All-American (2022), First-Team All-Big Ten (2022), and Smith–Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year (2022).
Combine
Morris didn’t put on a stellar performance at the 2023 NFL Combine. His total score of 69 rates as average, just 1 point shy of placing in the good range.
Overall, Morris placed 6th in his position. The total score was brought down by a below-average athleticism score of 54 (4.95 seconds, only 22 reps on bench press), 9th best among defensive ends. An ankle injury suffered in the College Football Playoff didn’t help.
However, one bad day of testing in an almost lab-like environment is not the definitive metric of a player’s potential. Morris’ production score of 75 was the 2nd best for his position.
It’s clear that his proven track record of success in a Power-5 conference shows more about his potential. The Seattle Seahawks obviously saw it on his tape.
Analysis
Mike Morris is comparable to a World War II tank at 6-5, 275 lbs. He is slow to accelerate off the ball but can fight his way through the trenches and wreak havoc in the interior.
When strategically placed on the outside, he creates massive pressure to make enemies turn and run the other way when staring down the barrel of his cannon, but don’t expect him to also turn quickly and chase them down.
The rookie DE would greatly benefit from a lower pad level to more easily shed blockers and push through the line. He also needs improvement with his hand placements.
Most importantly, Moris has to work on his speed and agility because slow just doesn’t cut it anymore. Today’s quarterbacks and ball carriers are faster and more mobile than ever.
Morris will need time to develop, so don’t expect to see him starting anytime soon. When he does hit his stride, he could look very similar to former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Michael Bennett. Their combine metrics are very similar.
He’s ready for the challenge. In Morris’ own words (at the Seahawks post-draft press conference), “All I know is that when I put on the uniform, and they coach me up, I’m going to get after it.”
That’s the kind of attitude and commitment to improving that will endear him to Seattle Seahawks coaches and fans. It will be a pleasure to watch him develop.
What do you think about this year’s Seattle Seahawks fifth-round pick?
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