Arizona Cardinals: 5 2015 NFL Draft Sleepers to Target
Mitch Morse, OL, Missouri
Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Mitch Morse (65) blocks against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
While the addition of free agent guard Mike Iupati really solidified the Cardinals’ offensive line this off season, everybody could use more depth up front.
Jared Veldheer is an above average left tackle who will man the position for the Cardinals again next season. Iupati will join him on the left side, while Bobby Massie will be the team’s right tackle. Former first round pick Jonathan Cooper should be the starter at right guard, but some sort of combination of Cooper, Ted Larsen and free agent addition A.Q. Shipley will round out the line at right guard and center.
Aside from that, the Cardinals do not have much to speak of up front, and should look to find players to develop in this draft. Mitch Morse is a talented offensive line prospect who has shown nice versatility over his college career.
Morse started at left tackle this past season where he looked very good, earning Second Team All-SEC honors. He mostly worked at right tackle before last season, but did force his way into the starting lineup at center in 2012. This kind of position versatility is key for NFL offensive lineman.
Morse is a quick and powerful player who shows good athleticism up front, and certainly looks the part at 6-foot-5, 305 pounds with a wide base and long arms.
He showed great balance, footwork and patience in pass protection against relentless SEC pass rushers. Morse appears to have the athleticism and pass protection skills to stay outside at the next level, but some scouts do prefer him at guard.
He is not a mauler in the run game, but he does show above average power and quickness while run blocking.
Morse is an interesting offensive lineman who could become a great value for the Cardinals in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. He could step right in as the “swing” tackle, with the ability to move inside to guard or even center.
If all goes well, I think Morse has the abilities to become a solid option at left tackle down the road.
Next: An Athletic and Physical Pass Rusher