Patriots reportedly held virtual meeting with Florida International quarterback
The Patriots are looking closely at quarterbacks for the 2020 NFL Draft. Their latest reported meeting came with a QB from Florida International.
BOWLING GREEN, KY – OCTOBER 27: James Morgan #12 of the Fiu Golden Panthers drops back to throw during the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on October 27, 2018 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Michael Hickey/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
With Tom Brady gone and only two quarterbacks on the depth chart, the Patriots have to ramp up their draft preparation at the most important position on the field.
That has clearly begun, as evidenced by the list of prospects they met with at or around the combine. But there's another name to add to the list, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. The Pats reportedly held a virtual meeting with Florida International quarterback James Morgan.
Like this one dude who came out of Michigan 20 years ago, Morgan is not a highly regarded prospect entering the 2020 NFL Draft. His draft profile at NFL.com projects him as a backup. His strengths illustrate that he has some good qualities that could make him a better quarterback than expected if he could fix his weaknesses. But it sounds like Morgan has a lot of work to do if he wants to become a starter in the long-term.
Mark Brown/Getty ImagesMIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 02: James Morgan #12 of the FIU Golden Panthers looks to pass against the Old Dominion Monarchs in the first half at Ricardo Silva Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Here's a sampling of Morgan's strengths from NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein:
- Very tough player
- Impressively low sack total, doing what he can to get the ball out
- Above-average hand size
- Can fling strikes into the teeth of the defense
- Flashes major league arm talent
And his notable weaknesses?
- Style makes it hard to find a consistent rhythm
- Rarely gets through a slate of progressions
- Fastball pitcher lacking accuracy in the strike zone
- Throws into contested spots rather than throwing receivers open
- Deep safeties read his eyes and shade his throws
- Carries football low, creating pocket fumbles
Morgan does have the prototypical QB size at 6-foot-4 and 229 pounds. Belichick has to like his toughness. But if the Patriots head coach's 1991 analysis of what he looks for out of the position is any indication, Morgan's lack of consistent accuracy and touch on the ball would be a problem. Still, if the Pats end up taking him, he'll at least compete hard against Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer for a spot on the main roster.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
