Source: Saints, Raiders stick around to watch Morgan

By Joe Fortenbaugh and Wes Bunting:

There’s a good chance that you’ve never heard of Louisiana-Monroe defensive end Aaron Morgan.

Don’t feel bad, because there are probably some NFL teams hoping Morgan remains a secret as well—at least for another six weeks.

The senior defensive end took part in Louisiana-Monroe’s pro day on Tuesday and apparently made an impression on the personnel in attendance from the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints.

Both teams stuck around after the pro day to put Morgan through a more extensive workout, according to a league source that was in attendance.

Morgan (6-4, 240 pounds) recorded 45 tackles (28 solo), nine sacks and one interception for the 6-6 Warhawks in 2009. The 21-year-old finished his career at Louisiana-Monroe with 130 tackles and 22 sacks.

Here’s NFP Director of College Scouting Wes Bunting’s take on Morgan, who the NFP has ranked as the 15th overall defensive end prospect:

Morgan exhibits impressive body control and power when using his long arms to disengage from blocks on contact. He's violent and does a great job working his hands and feet together. He's sudden on contact. He does a nice job dropping his pad level once he gains a step and exhibits impressive closing speed on the ball. But he lacks a great initial burst off the edge and isn't a guy who will consistently threaten the corner. Morgan needs to do a better job keeping his pad level down when trying to disengage and change directions. He uses his short-area quickness and hands to sidestep blocks and fight his way through contact. He isn't powerful vs. the run game. ??

He's driven back at the point of attack and lacks the power to consistently anchor on contact. He plays with a great motor and works hard in pursuit. He exhibits impressive closing speed on the ball and can make plays away from his frame. He's a coordinated athlete who showcases the footwork to drop off in coverage and looks comfortable in his back-pedal and changing directions. Morgan plays tough inside and is effective when asked to shoot gaps and penetrate the backfield. He's a funny athlete who's effective inside and disengaging from blocks off the edge but looks ideally suited to play 3-4 OLB. ??

Grade: 6.1

Follow us on Twitter: @WesBunting      @JoeFortenbaugh

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