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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: David Morgan II, TE

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

David Morgan II, TE
School: University of Texas San Antonio | Conference: C-USA
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 262 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 6th Round
NFL Comparison: Crockett Gilmore

College Statistics

Player Overview

In 2015, David Morgan II was named UTSA's first All-American in school history. Morgan II was the go-to receiver and most reliable pass catcher on the team.  Morgan II is also surprisingly athletic despite being kind of a plodder in the way he runs. He's a former basketball player and has good body control. He has the ability to make cuts and uses his body well to create space for himself. He also can go up and get the ball with the awareness to get his feet down making several impressive catches this season near the sideline or in the end-zone. He can line up inline or in the slot.

Morgan also has a little bit of "old school" makeup in him as he is a great run blocker. WHAT?!. I know right? He has a bit of nasty to him as well blocking on the run, using his strength to drive his opponent off their spot and often blocking to the whistle. David Morgan II still resembles the type of blocker/receiver that is disappearing from the NFL but is still a much sought after commodity. He has the attitude and will to make the tough catches and do the dirty work blocking and is just a good overall ball player.

Strengths

  • Reliable target in the passing game he has sure hands and knows how to secure the ball and get up field.
  • Actually a force in the run blocking game, he's usually stout and works to move opponents off their spot. Wasn't asked to pass block much as he was UTSA's primary target.
  • Was used as an inline blocker/pass catcher and in the slot he even played a little in the backfield could be a possible H-back type.
  • More athletic than gets credit for he can go up and get it and has decent play speed.
  • Tough and gritty after the catch. As you'll see below he ran people over and literally carried a man on his back for positive plays.
  • Great size for a TE could be a legitimate red zone threat or 3rd down option outside of Jordan Reed.


Weaknesses

  • He has technique issues that need to be cleaned up at the pro level. Could improve his ability to run block even more with good hand technique.
  • Is a bit of a plodder and a raw route runner. He doesn't have the fluidity, quickness, or long speed to keep defenders honest when covering him.
  • Needs to get better at route running he tends to give away the whole show which won't work in the NFL like it did in the C-USA.


Let's see his work:

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound prospect is a stud run blocker. PFF analyst John Breitenbach noted after the season that his +32.5 grade in that category is "easily the best we've seen in two years in the FBS." - Rotoworld

Combine Results

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

David Morgan II might be one of the best all-around TE's in this draft class and he doesn't have much competition from his peers in the blocking department. He should be talked about more and his stock might be on the rise as he tested above expectations at the combine. With the resigning of Logan Paulson it becomes unlikely that Scot McClough uses a draft pick even a late one on the TE position. I still think the Redskins are content rolling with Jordan Reed, Niles Paul, Logan Paulson, and Derek Carrier. In contrast, Scot McCloughan has preached competition at every position during his time here and the injury status of Derek Carrier, and team friendly 1 year deal for Logan Paulson potentially make them expendable if they are clearly being outperformed in training camp. David Morgan would provide much more reliable hands than a guy like Paulson, and he is a better blocker than Derek Carrier is. 

There is competition to be had! Morgan II wouldn't likely see much playing time behind Jordan and Niles but with his blocking ability he could contribute to actually running a goal line formation, be a potential threat in the red zone, and contribute via special teams.

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