2024 Bears Draft Target: Jordan Morgan |
It may be the stretch run of both the NBA and NHL, along with Spring Training for MLB, but there is much more going on than that. Over the next few weeks, the NFL will again take center stage as the NFL Scouting Combine is going on, with Free Agency set to begin on March 13. That marks the official start to the 2024 NFL year, as teams will have their first opportunity to improve their roster.
When it comes to the Bears, this team is once again poised to make a run at some elite talent, all while occupying two of the first 10 picks in this year's draft. That alone gives the Bears plenty of ammo to improve their team, and you can bet that Ryan Poles will do what he needs to do in order to get the job done. Depending on what Mock draft you look at, most have the Bears going with Caleb Williams at No. 1 and then either a WR or OT with the No. 9 pick. That is a great plan and the ideal direction for this team. However, you still have the Justin Fields cloud over their head, and until they trade him or elect to keep him, the Bears next move can't happen. Should the Bears trade Fields, expect them to receive multiple picks in exchange, and one of those picks could be a second-rounder in this year's draft. Looking at players whom the Bears could take in round 2, look no further than OT Jordan Morgan, who would be an excellent pick-up for the Bears and a bargain in the second round. The 6-5 312-pound Morgan was the anchor to the Arizona offensive line and played a massive role in getting them to become a top-15 team this season. Morgan is a classic case of a player who took his lumps early but steadily improved from one season to the next. He finished his college career with 37 career starts and only allowed 10 sacks across those 37 games, with just two coming this past season. Going along with that, Morgan was one of the more undervalued offensive linemen in the Pac-12 this season, as he played 787 snaps throughout the season, allowing those two sacks and earning all-Pac-12 first-team honors. Despite his size, Morgan is incredibly athletic and has quick feet. His athletic ability helps him move space well and get to the second level if needed. Looking at the film is one thing, but talking to Morgan is a completely different thing, as he is one of the most intelligent players in the country. His football IQ is off the charts, and he does a great job of identifying stunts, blitzes, and free rushers. Despite being an excellent run-blocking team the past few years, the Bears continue to need help with pass protection. Whether Fields returns or the Bears elect to go with Williams, pass blocking will be crucial for the long-term success of this team. That is where Morgan would fit exceptionally well, as he is a great pass blocker and would be one of the only offensive linemen in Chicago who is better in pass protection as opposed to run blocking. Morgan seems like an ideal fit for the Bears and their offense, but as usual, there are some concerns, as with every prospect. For one, Morgan has shorter arms than most tackles, which could make him susceptible to players with longer arms, as he couldn't get the leverage needed to sustain blocks. Although athletic enough to get to the second level and sustain his block, there are concerns about his play strength and ability to handle power rushers at the next level. That shows up even more when you look at him matched up against some of the elite pass rushers on film, as his inconsistent hand placement is when the sacks happen. Considering the Bears need help at both the G and T positions, Morgan is an ideal fit for Chicago as he can play either spot on the line. Morgan is seen as an immediate contributor should he remain at tackle, but many feel he could develop into a starting G if given the proper time to develop. He’s a versatile lineman who is quick, agile, and can execute in the run-and-pass game. He should be available in the second or third round if the Bears don’t prioritize the offensive line with their pair of first-round picks.
