Much to the surprise of fans, the 2017 NFL draft became an offensive infusion for Chicago. That became clear with the final pick as the Bears drafted Jordan Morgan in the fifth round. Another small school prospect, he was a four-year starter at left tackle for Kutztown. There he quickly earned a reputation for being big, physical and nasty.
All traits that Ryan Pace and John Fox seem to covet in their offensive lineman. Pace made it clear that building through the trenches would be a greater focus under him and he’s followed through on that promise. Morgan represents the fourth offensive lineman drafted to Chicago in the past three offseasons. It’s hard to argue with the results as the blocking has improved considerably over that span.
With Josh Sitton getting older and their depth at tackle weak, Morgan is just the type of pick that can help with both problems.
Bears drafted Jordan Morgan to improve competition
#Bears will select offensive lineman Jordan Morgan in the fifth round. #BearsTalk
— Scott Krinch (@scottiekrinch) April 29, 2017
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Kutztown University's Jordan Morgan. Opens a wide open lane for the RB. Watch the lift he gets on his man. That's power. pic.twitter.com/a8QaMXWr8g
— Robbie Duncan (@DeadeyeDunkan) January 26, 2017
Watch RG Jordan Morgan of @KutztownU finish this block on Michigan LB Ben Gedeon. pic.twitter.com/ZN6Zft8fvC
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) January 25, 2017
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com came away intrigued by Morgan. Given some time to work on his technique, the young man has the power and nastiness of a future starter.
“Four-year starter at left tackle who was able to physically overwhelm much smaller opponents across from him. Morgan is a good athlete with the nastiness as a run blocker that is necessary to transition inside to guard, but he could be headed for early struggles mirroring NFL rushers in pass protection. Morgan could become a solid NFL backup with eventual starter potential if he improves his balance and stops lunging.”
Expectation should be kept in check with Morgan. He has a lot of proving to do like most late round picks. Still, it’s hard not to like some of what the young man shows. He’s clearly not going to back down from anybody. The size and power are definitely there. As with most linemen it’s all about how much they can sharpen their fundamentals.
