GameNight
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. breaks down the quality at the top of the draft.
wav: 772 k
Real: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6



Mel Kiper's Top 25 prospects

Kiper: First-round draft projection

Mel Kiper's story archive


Wednesday, April 18

Book on LB Dan Morgan

Here's a rundown of what I've had to say about Miami (Fla.) LB DAN MORGAN since the beginning of the college-football season.

March 21
With the LB position so weak this year, both at the MLB spot as well as on the outside, a true warrior like Morgan figures to be taken off the board around the midpoint of round one. His weight is up to 247 pounds.

Feb. 28
After a productive final campaign where he worked at MLB for the first time, Morgan will be looking to solidify a first-round grade during his individual workout, which is slated for March 1.

Feb. 7
While he may lack the fluidity of some of the other highly regarded linebackers over the last few years, Morgan reacts instantaneously to the direction of the play. He gets your attention with his disciplined approach, feel for the position and ability to chase down plays from sideline to sideline.

Jan.12
This tackling machine played in the middle this year but could be moved to the outside in the NFL. Morgan just isn't as fluid as some would like, but he has tenacious attitude, he's instinctive and he's a playmaker. He gets the maximum from his ability in every game.

Jan. 4
While a little stiff in his movement, you have to be impressed with Morgan's consistent productivity as well as the workmanlike, focused manner in which he goes about his business.

Dec. 31
Enjoyed a tremendously productive campaign as the Hurricanes' team leader from his mike spot, coming through with anywhere from 15-20 tackles in just about every game. The 6-foot-2, 239-pounder doesn't hesitate at the snap of the ball, showing the instincts and determination of Zack Thomas. The concern with Morgan is whether he can continue to perform at such a high level even though he's not the most fluid athlete. That's why there figures to be a great deal of mixed opinion on where Morgan will land after all is said and done.

Dec. 7
Was a tackling machine from his MLB spot for the Hurricanes, but he's not the most fluid athlete and lacks explosive quickness.

Nov. 29
Consistency remains his forte. Against Boston College, Morgan registered 13 tackles (nine solos) and one sack.

Nov. 22
Was hampered some by a turf-toe injury against Syracuse yet still registered 10 tackles and two stops behind the line of scrimmage in the Hurricanes' 26-0 shutout of the Orangemen.

Nov. 15
For the fourth time this year, Morgan earned Big East Defensive Player of the Week honors for his outstanding effort in the Hurricanes 35-7 victory over Pittsburgh. Morgan was credited with 20 stops, including two behind the line of scrimmage. He also recovered a fumble.

Nov. 8
One of the leading candidates for the Butkus Award, Morgan has enjoyed a tremendously consistent senior campaign, making up for the loss of MLB Nate Webster to the NFL. Against Virginia Tech, Morgan registered 11 tackles (seven solos).

Oct. 26
His passion for the game speaks for itself. Morgan is a warrior. Against Temple, he finished with 17 tackles (13 solo), two stops behind the line of scrimmage, one sack and a forced fumble.

Sept. 14
MLB Dan Morgan proved once again that he is worthy of All-America recognition and is a top candidate for the Dick Butkus Award. Despite the fact that he's still adjusting to the mike-man spot after moving from OLB, Morgan has already shown a keen awareness for the position. Against Washington, he was all over the field, recording 18 tackles -- 11 of which were solos -- as well as two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

Copyright ©2000 ESPN Internet Ventures.
Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy applicable to this site.