Dynasty fantasy owners are always searching for unknown gems. One of this year’s diamonds in the rough, David Morgan II, played for the University of Texas-San Antonio (USTA) posting 45 
catches for 566 yards and five touchdowns his senior year. He received an East/West Shrine invite, slightly injured his knee during practices, and went home to train for the NFL Combine. There isn’t a lot of game tape on Morgan, just his Arizona game and a few highlight reels. Thankfully the former Roadrunner (yes that is his college’s mascot) put up an impressive performance at the NFL Combine to help us evaluate the skills and talents he brings to the next level. Here are my thoughts:
TE-David Morgan II, UTSA 6′ 4″ 262 lbs.
Cons: One of his biggest concerns is the level of competition the senior tight end faced. In Texas, much like Florida and the mid-west, football is a way of life. Morgan played well against Arizona (9 for 109 and a touchdown), Kansas State (4 for 45), and Louisiana Tech (9 for 85 and two touchdowns). Injuries have reared their ugly head as he suffered a broken leg back in 2012 and the tight end will be turning 23 years old in May, which makes him an older prospect than others in his draft class. The former UTSA star had a very slow 40 yard dash of 5.02, making him not so Roadrunner like. This might make it difficult for him to find a lot of success against NFL defensive backs.
Pros: Unlike most tight ends, Morgan is an accomplished blocker in both the running and passing game delivering powerful blows while keeping a solid base. This blocking acumen will almost guarantee that he will never leave the gridiron during offensive series. He is an accomplished chess piece by lining up all over the place as an inline tight end, wing back, full back, or split out wide. The former Roadrunner has a quick release off the line, good balance, and runs clean, precise routes. Morgan uses his soft, mitt-like hands to snare the ball at its highest point, contorts well to the ball in the air (making difficult receptions), and changes directions phenomenally for a man his size (his outstanding 6.93 three cone drill along with his top 20 and 60 yard shuttle tight end shuttle times will attest). The tight end makes difficult receptions in the middle of the field with defenders draped all over him, shielding them from the pigskin, and is a very credible red zone threat.
Overall evaluation: The tight end position is filled with small school standouts like Julius Thomas (Portland State) or Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State). Can Morgan continue that tradition, I am willing to invest in him to find out. Sure he doesn’t run fast in a straight line, but the tight end blocks well and has the foot speed/body control to get loose from most defenders. The former Roadrunner is in my top four rookie tight ends rankings.
Thanks for reading!
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