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According to ESPN’s Mike Wells, the Indianapolis Colts are among the teams that have had multiple meetings with FIU quarterback James Morgan:
The Colts have had multiple video meetings w/Florida International QB James Morgan. He threw for 2,585 yds, 15 TDs last season. Rivers/Brissett will be free agents after 2020 season. Titans, Jets, Patriots, Bucs are other teams high on Morgan.
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) April 22, 2020
It comes a few weeks after the Colts were reportedly ‘closely vetting’ Morgan.
The 6’4”, 229 pound senior quarterback completed 207 of 357 passing attempts (58.0%) for 2,585 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 12 starts this past season.
However, the former Panthers standout is just one year removed from a 26 touchdown to 7 interception season as a junior starting quarterback—earning Conference USA Newcomer of the Year honors and making the C-USA Honorable Mention team.
The big armed quarterback and Green Bay, Wisconsin, native started his career at Bowling Green before transferring to FIU two years ago.
Having idolized Green Bay Packers legendary quarterback Brett Favre, Morgan has some of the same natural arm strength—but not the same mobility to extend plays. Still, he also has strong pocket poise, and scouts simply love his make-up to go along with his laser arm.
That being said, Morgan will need to continue to improve his overall accuracy, mechanical footwork, and progression through reads. He’ll need to get rid of the football quicker at the next level, as he’s not a dynamic athlete inside the pocket.
Good read here.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 7, 2020
Morgan has a live arm and enough traits that translate to the pro game. This is the developmental QB I would be targeting on day 3. https://t.co/VXd9RkXWmt
Two intriguing day 3 QBs
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 30, 2020
Jake Luton Oregon State
James Morgan FIU
Luton has a strong arm and he’s an excellent decision maker. Morgan has excellent vision, poise and arm strength. 5th round is probably the sweet spot for both players.
Today let's look at 2 QBs - Jacob Eason and James Morgan. I will be fascinated to see where they go in the draft, particularly Eason. Eason is a little bit old school: a pocket QB with an easy powerful arm who can drive the ball to all areas of the field. pic.twitter.com/IBngpXSt8N
— Greg Cosell (@gregcosell) April 9, 2020
Does James Morgan have a massive arm? Yes.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 22, 2020
Does he have any anticipation? No.
Can't he make plays outside of structure? No.
Does he have any pocket presence? No.
So I guess the question is... how much do you value arm strength?
James Morgan is just a sitting duck in the pocket. pic.twitter.com/B3BwWgIHkz
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 22, 2020
2019 CUSA QB Preview: FIU ( article soon)
— QB Spotlight (@QBspotlight) May 28, 2019
*CUSA 2018 newcomer of the year: James Morgan
* Below is a clip of Morgan demonstrating several of his strengths in one play⬇️
* good play action ✅
* let’s the play develop✅
* comfortable in pocket✅
* strong arm✅@EricCHenry_ pic.twitter.com/PcyiQHoxao
If you haven’t seen former FIU QB James Morgan play this year, tune into the @ShrineBowl this Sat
— QB Spotlight (@QBspotlight) January 13, 2020
*Excellent pre-snap reads
*Quick release, recognizes coverage
*Takes care of ball
*Set single season Pass TD record at FIU his Jr year
*Favorite play of his. Arm⬇️@DraftDiamonds pic.twitter.com/fhwQDvVNny
James Morgan is now verified as a nice Round 4 sleeper. Accurate with a strong arm.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 28, 2020
Draft notes:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2020
— This used to be when teams work out players individually. Now, they request a player do a certain drill they want & the player sends them the tape.
— #FIU QB James Morgan is pushing to be a mid-rounder, interviewing well. He’s on with the #Jets today for instance.
James Morgan has a 100 mph fastball but no changeup. Arm is awesome but he throws every pass at max velocity. Really needs to develop some touch and find a balance between ball placement and getting it to an area as fast as he can
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) April 6, 2020
Of course, the Colts could use a long-term answer at quarterback, as veteran starter Philip Rivers is 38 years old, and Jacoby Brissett is too expensive to remain a backup for the foreseeable future.
Morgan wouldn’t be safely penciled in as the Colts franchise quarterback of the future by any means, but as a potential late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, he has the upside to be a potential impact starter down the road for Indianapolis.
His big arm, pocket presence, and overall character make him an enticing package for the Colts as a developmental backup quarterback.