Chicago Bears pick Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan
Poles has to do what he can to improve the Chicago Bears’ pass rush. Here he picks up another edge rusher.
The Michigan Wolverines have done an excellent job of producing edge rushers. They’ve had eight of them in the league since 2015, including Frank Clark, Rashan Gary, Kwity Paye, Taco Charlton, and 2022 second-overall pick Aidan Hutchinson.
At 6-foot-6, 292 pounds you’d expect someone like Mike Morris to play on the inside. However, he has the athleticism to play on the outside. That gives defensive coordinator Alan Williams some flexibility. He can move Morris inside or out. As we see with Poles, flexibility is a big key in the new era of Chicago Bears football.
Morris has the power to knock offensive linemen back. He should have an easy time blowing past tight ends who try to block him. He also has fluid hips so he can move around them quickly and get in the backfield.
Against the run, Morris is able to get his pads low and gain leverage. He has the strength to avoid getting locked on a block. He sheds the blocker quickly and is able to get to the ball carrier.
While Morris doesn’t have elite speed, it is above average. He uses his long strides in pursuit to run down some runners. He has the athleticism to finish in the pocket and get to the quarterback.
Morris fits best in a 4-3 defense. He has the strength to overwhelm guards and tight ends and the quickness and initial power to stun and get around tackles.