Seattle Seahawks select Mike Morris in 5th round of 2023 NFL Draft
The Seattle Seahawks selected Michigan defensive end Mike Morris with the No. 151 overall pick in the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
It took Morris until 2022 to break out but it was well worth the wait. Last season, he finished with 23 total tackles, 17 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three pass deflections and one forced fumble.
The former Michigan EDGE had an underwhelming NFL Scouting Combine on the field. He ran a 4.95-second 40-yard dash (20th out of 21 defensive ends), with a 1.72-second 10-yard split (19th of 21). His 28.50″ vertical jump was 28th of 31 players at his position, and his 9’2″ broad jump slotted 29th out of the same amount.
However, Morris led all defensive linemen with 34 reps (225 pounds) on the bench press.
As a member of the Class of 2019, Morris was a four-star recruit out of Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage B/D, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 45 overall prospect in the state, the No. 34 EDGE in the class and the No. 383 overall prospect in the class.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Mike Morris
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein evaluated the tape of Morris and came away impressed with the Michigan pass rusher.
However, a disappointing NFL Scouting Combine gave Zierlein, and possibly NFL teams, pause about spending a premium pick on Morris. At this point, he could be more of a developmental prospect.
“We won’t dismiss the production, size or the athleticism Morris shows on tape, but his disappointing NFL Scouting Combine testing should force teams to reevaluate him,” Zierlein wrote. “He needs to crank up his intensity on a more regular basis, but his ability to take on blockers and create advantages flashes in every game. His run defense will trend ahead of the pass rush until he becomes more skilled with his hands and at creating angles of entry. Morris could have the versatility to play in odd or even fronts, but it might take a couple of years for him to hit his stride.”