Derrick Morgan NFL Draft Scouting Report

Defensive End

Georgia Tech


College Position: Defensive End
School: Georgia Tech
Grade: Junior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 270
Birthdate: 01-06-1989
Draft Projection: Top 10
Overall Rank: 8
NFL Draft Position (Rank): Defensive End (1)

Draft Result Drafted in the 2010 Draft by the Tennessee Titans in the 1st round with the #16 pick.
Defensive end was the Titan's number one draft need and finding the best all-around defensive end Derrick Morgan still on the board was a pleasant surprise. Morgan has the size, strength and quickness to make an immediate impact. He may never be a dominant pass rusher but he has a tremendous motor and is the type of defensive end who will get you 7-10 sacks per year while also being a presence against the run. Morgan also has the size to move inside on passing downs to allow the Titans to bring additional pass rushers onto the field. William Hayes and Jacob Ford showed promise in 2009 and the addition of Derrick Morgan will allow them to bring more consistent pressure in 2010.

Strengths
  • Best all-around defensive end in the draft
  • Good combination of power and athleticism
  • Constantly making plays in the backfield. 19 TFL and 12.5 sacks in 2009
  • Ideal size and bulk to play DE in a 4-3
  • Quick initial burst of the ball
  • Disciplined pass rusher. Very rarely takes poor angles and takes himself out of play
  • Instinctive
  • An underrated run defender
  • Took over games by himself in the ACC. Forced teams to play a conservative passing game with quick throws
 

Weaknesses
  • Against the run he gives up the inside too easily
  • Not a good fit for the 3-4
  • Struggled to make an impact vs. top tackles (limited production vs. Bryan Bulaga and Jason Fox)
  • A bit streaky - 5 sacks in first 2 games yet just 1 sack in his last 4 games
  • Only one year of elite production

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