Could Stanley Morgan Help Fill The Redskins’ Need At Wide Receiver?

Stanley Morgan, Jr., Wide Receiver
School: Nebraska | Conference: Big Ten
Experience: Senior | Age: 2?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 195 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th-5th Round
NFL Comparison: DaeSean Hamilton

College Statistics

Player Overview

Stanley Morgan Jr. capped an outstanding career by becoming Nebraska’s all-time leader in receptions (189) and receiving yards (2,747) during a senior season which saw him become the first 1,000-yard receiver in Husker history. His 22 touchdowns are tied for second.

The son of the NFL player of the same name, Morgan looks to me like he has the ability to follow in his dad’s footprints into the NFL. A high school teammate of Leonard Fournette at St. Augustine High in New Orleans, Stanley went north to join the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Morgan showed flashes of brilliance during his career. He was able to show his ability to make plays against pro-level corners, including scoring touchdowns against Denzel Ward, and twice on Joshua Jackson in 2017.

Morgan could’ve made the jump to the NFL after last season, but elected to return for his senior season.

In 2017, Morgan was arrested in Florida on suspicion of felony possession of marijuana, but a prosecutor reduced the charge to a misdemeanor, then completely dismissed in July of 2017.

Athletic Traits

Listed at 6’1/195, Morgan probably will measure out as around the 40th percentile in terms of height, weight, and most NFL Combine tests. Average build, and does not appear to be an elite athlete.

The Film

Here is what Mark Schofield has to say

Here is Stanley against Ohio State and Denzel Ward

In 2017, Stanley also had a touchdown against Iowa’s Josh Johnson

Here is a full cut up of that game

See more of his film

Strengths

• Morgan has experience at split-end, flanker, and slot positions.
• A nuanced route runner who is physical before and after then catch.
• Has already proven himself against high-level competition.
• NFL bloodlines. His father, Stanley Morgan was a first round pick in 1977, who finished his NFL career with over 10,000 yards receiving.

Weaknesses

• Thought to be a Day-3 athlete.
• For various reasons, including QB play and coaching changes, consistent production was lacking.
• He isn’t necessarily special in any way, as his game isn’t that of a contested catch guy, a take the top off the defense guy, nor a reverse/jet sweep gadget guy.
• Just 3 rushing attempts in his career, and six career punt returns, 14 of his 15 career KO returns were way back in 2015.

What Others Are Saying

Over the summer, draft analyst Tony Pauline gave Morgan just a 5-6th round grade, while writing that “Morgan has adequate measurables, but he’s a very athletic receiver who makes a lot of acrobatic receptions. Inconsistent play at quarterback was his kryptonite, but Morgan comes with next-level potential.”

Now that his collegiate career has ended, Morgan’s name is nowhere to be found on the Top-10 positional rankings by Dane Brugler, Matt Miller, and Mel Kiper, and was not invited to the Senior Bowl.

The Draft Network Profile - “Runs a diverse set of routes, including post/slant/comeback/corner/tunnel screens/etc. Has a head for adjusting routes based on defensive leverage and coverage.”

TDN’s Brad Kellys - “Morgan is one of, if not the, best route runners in the class. The nuance that he possesses in his stems, such as slight angle adjustments and pacing, make him a nightmare for defensive backs to handle. His polish will generally allow him to attack clean catch points, using plus ball skills to pluck the ball out of the air.”

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Washington’s needs at receiver are obvious, and it’s not a matter of if, but in which round will they draft a receiver this year. While playmaking ability would be ideal, the Redskins absolutely need more reliability at the position.

Morgan may be the most polished wide receiver in this 2019 draft class. He’s very precise with his route running, creating separation off of the line of scrimmage and at the top of his routes. He rarely gets misdirected and uses his hands very well to break the press.

In my mind, Stanley is one of the most complete receivers in the draft. A polished route runner, and willing blocker. While many receivers are lauded for their ability to go up and high point the ball, there is equal value in those that can handle low balls that need to be snagged before making contact with the ground. Morgan can handle each. Additionally, he has been able to accumulate yards after catch, utilizing a nasty stiff arm. A high floor prospect , who could carve out a Mohamed Sanu role once in the NFL.