Missouri Tigers Potential Draftees #3: Mitch Morse, Offensive Lineman
By Ben Brown
Mitch Morse is solid in every sense of the word. He was solid in all the positions he was asked to play while with the Missouri Tigers. He started at center in 2012 then at right tackle in 2013 and finally at left tackle in his senior season so he’s played all over the line and has solid experience. In addition, He has very good toughness and a high threshold for pain (i.e. playing through MCL sprain in 2012 & finger problem in 2014).
In 2011, his redshirt freshman campaign, Morse played in all 13 games but doing mostly special teams work. The following season was Morse’s first as a regular starter on offense playing center and started in 11 games while missing 2 due to injury. In 2013 he continued his solid work moving from center to right tackle and the finished his Mizzou career as starting left tackle in 2014.
Mitch Morse looks to be drafted in the 2015 NFL draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
At 6’6, 305 lbs, Morse has an intimidating stature however due to short legs and smaller hands Morse may be relegated inside to guard or center.
The Austin, Texas native was known as one of the smartest guys on the Missouri Tigers team. He is a 3-time SEC Academic Honor Roll student and uses his intelligence as a tool in games effectively.
Morse chose Mizzou over scholarship offers from Kansas, TCU, Vanderbilt and Stanford.
POSITIVES:
- Versatile, can play anywhere on the line with varying degree of success
- Has experience everywhere on line
- 3 year starter
- Has good toughness
- Extremely Intelligent
- Is good at engaging defender and staying locked in
- Has good knee bend for the most part
- Good balance and body control
- Getting better at getting to the second level and using good angles
- Has good but not great initial punch
- Good hands
- Very good kick slide
- Good but not great, “mean streak”
- Has good timing/not many false starts
NEEGATIVES:
- Will need to play in a zone-blocking scheme
- Seems to be limited to interior work in NFL due to smaller arms/hands
- Needs more lower body strength
- Plays, “stiff”
- Can be exploited when going against faster defenders
- Needs a bit more bulk
Conclusion:
Mitch Morse has shot up draft boards over the past 4 months going from a projected UDFA to a possible mid-round pick. He is a tough guy who will be a perfect fit in a team’s zone blocking scheme and even possibly a day-1 starter at an interior spot. While he does have some holes in his game, a lot of them are correctable because he is good at taking instructions and is a quick study. One thing he can’t change however is his limbs, which unfortunately may take playing tackle out of the question in the pros. Morse seems like he will be a solid pro and if he isn’t a starter one day then his versatility will make him a quality back up.
DRAFT EXPECTATION: Early 3rd – Late 5th