Here’s a look at linebacker Antonio Morrison, the second of two fourth-round draft picks by the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
My take: The Colts needed to add some depth at inside linebacker after losing Jerrell Freeman to Chicago in March and with D’Qwell Jackson being 32 years old. Morrison, like Jackson, knows how to pursue the ball. He had 101 and 103 tackles, respectively, in his final two seasons at Florida. Morrison suffered multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL, in his knee during his junior season. The injury was supposed to keep him out at least 10 months, but he had a quick recovery. Morrison returned in time to play in 14 games during his senior season, where he had 103 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Morrison will compete with Sio Moore, Nate Irving and Josh McNary for playing time at inside linebacker.
Coming with baggage: Morrison was arrested in July 2013 for allegedly barking at a police dog and resisting arrest. He was also arrested in June of that year for battery after he punched a nightclub bouncer after he was not given a discounted rate for admission. Morrison declined to address his past during a conference call. He said he was 18 years old at the time when those incidents happened. The Colts will likely have a short leash with Morrison when it comes to off-the-field problems because they released Jonathan Newsome in February after he was arrested for possession of marijuana.
