Jets Select QB James Morgan With No. 125 Pick in NFL Draft

The New York Jets picked FIU QB James Morgan at No. 125 overall the 2020 NFL Draft.

The New York Jets selected QB James Morgan with the 125th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. A Wisconsin native, Morgan was a three-star recruit from Ashwaubenon High School in Green Bay, WI. He committed to Bowling Green out of high school. After the 2017 season, he opted to transfer to Florida International. Since he had already completed his pre-law degree in his three years at Bowling Green, he was able to transfer immediately to FIU with a graduate transfer. 

In his two seasons at FIU, he played in 24 games, completing 240 of his 683 pass attempts (61.5%) for 5,312 yards, 40 TDs and 12 INTs. He played in the East-West Shrine Bowl and performed well, going 9-of-14 for 114 yards and a TD. He led his offense to two TDs in his three drives.

Here’s why Shawn Childs ranked Morgan as his No. 10 Quarterback

Last year he played through a knee issue, which hurt overall production. Morgan is big QB (6’4” and 230 lbs.) with a live arm. He wants to drive the ball to his receivers, but his mechanics need work to improve his accuracy. Morgan has a long motion while holding the ball at waist level at times, which will lead to many fumbles at the next level. He doesn’t read defenses well and his rhythm, feel, and touch in the short passing game needs plenty of work. Only a late draft flier for a team willing to bet on his arm, not his overall foundation skill set.

2019 stats (Senior; FIU): 207-357 (58%), 2,585 yards, 14 TD, 5 INT (12 games)

2018 stats (Junior; FIU): 213-326 (65.3%), 2,727 yards, 26 TD, 7 INT (12 games)

2017 stats (Sophomore; Bowling Green): 96-212 (45.3%), 1,260 yards, 9TD, 7 INT (7 games)

2016 stats (Freshman; Bowling Green): 183-326 (56.1%), 2,082 yards, 16 TD, 15 INT (11 games)

New York Jets stats to know

• New York ranked 32nd in yards per rush (3.27) edging Miami due to weaker rushing production from their QBs (Jets – 32/51/2 and Dolphins – 55/233/2).
• The Jets’ TEs gained fewer than 40 yards receiving in 13 games and had one catch or less in six contests.
• New York’s defense allowed only 3.34 yards per rush (2nd), but RBs did score ten rushing TDs.
• Le’Veon Bell didn’t have a run over 20 yards on 245 carries, and he now has only three rushers over 20 yards over his last 566 carries.
• The Jets’ defense and special teams scored six times, ranking just behind NE (8) and TB (7).

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