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The Bengals are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to interior offensive linemen. They recently worked out TCU’s offensive lineman Patrick Morris.
TCU center Patrick Morris worked out for Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals since his Pro Day workout. Extremely athletic, 5.09 40-yard dash, 37 reps at scouting combine (first), 35.5 vertical leap (first), 4.38 short shuttle (first), 117-inch broad jump (2nd), 7.39 3-cone
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 4, 2018
Morris played offensive guard and center at TCU, and despite putting up those great numbers, he isn’t viewed as a very high pick. He could be viewed as a fallback plan for the Bengals if they miss out on a guard or center they want early in the draft, or he could end up being extra competition inside.
Despite being viewed as a Day 3 pick, his pro day could shoot him up draft boards fairly quickly. Morris didn’t even get an invite to the Scouting Combine, but his numbers prove he should have been.
Morris shows off his strength and solid anchoring ability in pass protection. He is also able to drive he defender down the field in the run game. Morris also shows the ability to be pulled or even leak out in screens effectively. He also keeps his eyes open for where he can help out if he isn’t being kept busy in protection.
Morris is listed as 6’3” and 300 pounds, so he really could end up playing either center or guard in the NFL. He could end up being in a similar situation to the Bengals T.J. Johnson, where it just depends on where the team needs him more.
Right now the Bengals only have Johnson as a possible starter as center since Russell Bodine left in free agency. This means if the Bengals added Morris his first position with the team would likely be there.
However, if the team drafts a top center, then Morris could end up being added to the right guard competition with Christian Westerman and Alex Redmond.
It seems the Bengals are doing their due diligence by working out Morris, but there is a chance that he could become the team’s next late round diamond in the rough.