Scouting The 2014 NFL Draft: James Morris

For Hawkeye fans, James Morris became Mr. Reliable. He was never outstanding, but fans were rarely left cursing his name. He got his first start as a true freshman and never relinquished the role from his sophomore year on. Still, it was hard not to want more from Morris. Don't get me wrong; he got better, but there was never a leap in production that everyone kept predicting. Without a doubt, his Hawkeye career was a huge success, but does his talent translate to the next level?

Iowa players are not known for their athleticism, but they are known for having the fundamentals. James Morris is actually more athletic than many people would expect as he has decent speed for a linebacker and moves fairly well. Still, he's going to make his money by being a very sure tackler. He's not a big hitter, but he's going to have proper technique when wrapping up the ball carrier.

Although athletically he is solid, he is not great at reading and reacting. Everything is just a split second slow, which means that runners who make quick cuts can make him look bad as he will fill the wrong hole, and a lot of times his zone coverage has him bouncing around on an island by himself.

He seems at least a little active in his zone on that play, but in the end, he moves about a total of two yards when the ball is thrown. He's likely not going to be able to make a play on that ball either way, but if he drifts back a few more yards, it gives him a much better opportunity. At the same time, it's tough to ever judge somebody in a zone, as his sole responsibility may have been to stop any drags across the middle and quarterback scrambles. Still, I would like to see the awareness to peel off that responsibility to drift into possible passing lanes while still keeping an eye on the quarterback.

The biggest problem with Morris is that he positions himself out of plays. When watching a player like Chris Borland, even if he didn't make the tackle, he was almost always around the play. Morris often makes decisions that put him far away from having any impact on a play. But then there's those times where he guesses right, avoids a blocker, and stuffs a runner in the hole. The problem is that it is a guessing game with him. Imagine the middle linebacker as the quarterback of the defense. A quarterback with a good accurate arm would look like they have the tools to succeed. If their first read is open, then they are going to look great. But if that first read is covered, they are going to make big mistakes that cost their team. James Morris is the linebacking version of this. He has the tools to succeed, but he often guesses wrong in his defensive positioning, and it costs his team.

Optimistically, he had a ton of turnover in both his linebacker coaches through his career which can make assignments confusing in some areas. Still, after watching him for four years, I like all the tools, but I just can't envision him becoming reliable enough in his instincts to become a starting linebacker. Because of that, I wouldn't feel comfortable taking him as anything more than a 7th round flyer.

11 Thoughts on Iowa vs. Northwestern

1. I'm going into this game with high hopes, and if there is one thing Northwestern is known for, it is destroying Iowa's hopes with stupid luck and chicanery.

2. I love when Iowa plays at a fast pace, because it is unlike anything any other team does. They don't spread teams out; they keep things even tighter and just pound the ball to help set up their play action. It is aesthetically pleasing for somebody who loves watching a good run game.

3. Rudock is very good at running the sneak. If they don't stack the middle, he shoots in right behind his center. If they do stack the middle, he just takes his time and goes behind his guard or tackle depending on where he can find some space. A guy like Cam Newton will always be great at sneaks with his athleticism and leg power, but being patient works for less athletic quarterbacks. Tom Brady is an excellent example of this, but I promise this will be the only Brady/Rudock comparison I make today.

4. Iowa used James Morris as a spy this week, which is a way better use of a fourth rusher considering the lack of rush they have been able to generate with their defensive line. Learning lessons from last week is a very positive step forward. It also doesn't hurt that he made a great play on a delayed rush with a sack on Colter.

5. Northwestern showed that although Iowa can handle power running, speed running with misdirection can pick up yardage, especially if the quarterback is a key part of the running game.

6. It is very tough for me to be critical of Iowa's strategies, because it's never poor; it's just often not good enough. That is why it seems as though any time an offense gets a penalty, they can never recover to get that first down. Teams can get ten yards on Iowa, but they'd shut teams down if they changed the rules to go 12 yards.

7. Meyer missed the kick against Northwestern, because these things always happen against Northwestern. He never had a chance.

8. I am glad that even Kirk pointed out that Rudock made the right call on his interception at the end of the game. Trying to thread the needle there is well worth the risk, as an interception did not put Iowa in any danger, and if he is able to complete it, they are set up to try a field goal as time expires in regulation. It's a situation where stats can be deceiving.

9. The touchdown pass to Fiedorowicz was a well designed play. In man coverage, you know the man in coverage has to protect on inside breaking routes, so all he had to do was loft it out there  and count on his tight end having a step on his man.

10. Desmond King makes plays. I am super excited about his future, as he may be the first cornerback since Jovon Johnson who will get crunk on the field.

11. 5-3 is very solid. This team plays everybody tough, and nobody is claiming that Ferentz should be fired. It's a good time to be a Hawkeye.