Jordan Morgan Struggles to Control Blocks

There has been hype surrounding Arizona left tackle Jordan Morgan, but after studying eight games over the past two seasons, I can assure you, it’s just hype.

Morgan is mediocre in pass protection and below average as a run blocker.

That’s the bottom line.

Of course, that hasn’t stopped over 40% of mainstream draft platforms from mocking him into the first round. CBS, 33rd team, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Focus, USA Today, Sporting News, NFL.com, Draftwire, ESPN, NBC Sports Chicago, and The Athletic have tagged him with that big grade since March 1 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com).

I do not see it ⎯as a left tackle.

Pass protection

Great lateral footwork is paramount for left tackles in the NFL.

Morgan is heavy-footed

That becomes an issue about halfway into his drop on the perimeter of the pocket. This is when Morgan starts to show off those heavy feet. Sometimes he crosses over his feet and gets further off-balance or he begins to open the back gate into the pocket. Granted Morgan is ultra-competitive and does his best to maintain his blocks, but his leverage gets compromised.

As long as it’s a traditional outside rush, Morgan can do an adequate job. However, if pass rushers get creative all bets are off. Per Pro Football Focus, he’s given up 25 hurries over the past two seasons, which further speaks to the footwork issues deeper on the perimeter of the pocket when he’s out there on that proverbial island one-on-one.

I cringe when I think of Morgan matching up against NFL speed rushers with a toolbox of pass-rush moves at their disposal.

Run blocking department

Here’s a scary thought, Morgan is better at pass protection than run blocking.

Morgan has a tough time sustaining blocks.

He’s a pusher.

Sometimes it’s enough and sometimes it’s not enough. It’s a flip of a coin on game film.

Can we win with him?

Outside of all the scouting jargon and what round he’s selected in, this is what it will come down to. At some point, the team that selects him is going to be faced with this reality.

Drafting these guys (especially in the first three rounds) is like a marriage. For better or for worse…

Teams that select these prospects in the higher rounds are generally going to have to keep them around at least for their rookie contracts (four years).

I can’t see an NFL team winning with Morgan at left tackle.

#77 Jordan Morgan 6-foot-5, 311 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Fourth-Round (I wouldn’t select him)

Projected by 42.4% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 9, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Former NFL Scout Not Sold on Jordan Morgan (3 games evaluated)

2023 game film reviewed: UCLA, Utah, Washington, USC, and Washington State (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Morgan Combine Results

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Department

Odd-shaped body with top-heavy elongated upper body frame, long arms, and thick calves. Stronger upper body than lower. Generally athletic. Looks the part in the shallow depth of the pocket setting up initially in pass protection, but becomes less dependable in the deeper depths of the perimeter. His hands tend to be outside like he is hugging pass rushers at the point of attack. Average anchor. Inconsistent against stunts and blitzes. Feels like he is hanging on by a thread out there against college-level competition. Not really in control. Tends to overextend and over-commit to the outside leaving the inside vulnerable. Comes off like he is guessing and trying to anticipate. Finesse run blocker who flashes aggression and is best with leverage. Tends to stay off the ground. Hit and miss in space at the second level and further downfield.

Final words

Tough game film to get through.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.