Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Mercury Morris (College Stats) - 1969 NFL Draft Pick #63 by MIA

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Mercury Morris (1969 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:
- **Name:** Mercury Morris
- **College:** West Texas A&M University (formerly West Texas State University)
- **Position:** Running Back
College Stats:
- **Rushing Yards:** 1,688 yards
- **Rushing Touchdowns:** 16 touchdowns
- **Receiving Yards:** 1,700+ yards
- **Receiving Touchdowns:** 10 touchdowns
Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Morris was known for his exceptional speed, often clocking in at 4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest players in college football.
• Elusiveness: His ability to evade defenders and make sharp cuts allowed him to gain significant yardage, particularly in open field situations.
• Receiving Ability: Morris demonstrated versatility as a dual-threat back, contributing as a receiver out of the backfield, which was becoming increasingly valuable in the NFL.

Weaknesses:

• Size Concerns: At around 5'10" and 200 pounds, there were concerns regarding his durability in the NFL, especially given the league's physicality.
• Pass Protection: While Morris excelled as a runner and receiver, his blocking skills were considered a work in progress, which could limit his playing time on passing downs.

Overall Assessment:
Mercury Morris was viewed as a talented and dynamic player with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His speed and ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver positioned him as a valuable asset for teams looking to enhance their offensive strategies. Despite concerns about his size and blocking ability, his explosive playmaking skills made him a desirable pick in the 1969 NFL Draft. Teams were particularly interested in his compatibility with the evolving offensive schemes that emphasized speed and versatility in running backs.