Top 10 Sleeper Inside Linebackers For The Bears In The 2016 NFL Draft

PLAYER OVERVIEW:

Antonio Morrison–Florida: Antonio Morrison is one of my favorite players to watch in highlight cut-ups on youtube. When he makes a good play it’s really good. One of the hardest hitters in the entire draft. There is no player in this draft that plays harder or gives more out of every fiber of his being than Morrison. Not only does this make him an interesting backup ILB and maybe future core starter, but also as a heat seeking missile on special teams. Of course I did say highlight video for a reason. If you watch his snap to snap tape (the good and the bad) you will see warts. Some of them big, hairy , ugly ones. This is not to say Morrison wasn’t a good college player and won’t be a good pro, but as you do with any investment the Bears have to take an honest look at the ugly side, as well as the pretty to assess proper value weighing risk versus reward. That said any round you pick Morrison on day 3 is good value in my world. Most have him in that 6th round range. Could be a tremendous value draft pick for Ryan Pace, John Fox and the Bears organization.

MEASUREABLES AND PRODUCTION:

Morrison did not do well at his pro day, but after coming back from torn ligaments he suffered in a January 2015 bowl game that required two separate surgeries in 6 months when the prognosis was 10-12 months, It’s all gravy at this point. You can’t really expect these measurables to be permanent. Surely he’ll gain most if not all of his past athleticism completely back.  When watching his tape he plays awfully fast. For his draft profile page including measureables click here. Stats here.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Positives:  As previously mentioned Morrison is a hair on fire play to the echo of the whistle type of football player. His intensity on the field inspires his teammates and he’s a leader on the field.  Another thing that inspires his teammates are his snot bubbling hits. Not only is he a big hitter, but a sure tackler which is a rarity. A quality only the very best that have ever played share. Morrison’s intangibles are out the roof. The kind of player Pace and Fox seem to want to target. Eats, sleeps, shits football. Two year team captain who communicates with his teammates pre and post snap. Defensive quarterback.

Negatives: Just as his aggressiveness is a plus it’s also a negative at times. Can be over aggressive and tends to overrun plays, as well as being prone to penalties with late hits and un-sportsman like conduct flags. He’s also at current a liability in man coverage. He’s just not able to run with tight ends, and backs on routes. Morrison has some off-field character concerns. Had two arrests he was suspended for in 2013. Maturity is a big concern. The biggest concern however are his medicals. With his slow 40 times and common numbers in drills and jumping metrics the jury is still out if he’ll improve on those measureables.

Next: Sleeper Inside Linebacker #9