Vikings: David Morgan is building a strong case to play
By Dan Zinski
Vikings rookie David Morgan keeps building a strong case that he should have a significant role with the team in 2016.
David Morgan just keeps doing impressive things and if he continues this way the Vikings will run out of reasons not to play him.
Rhett Ellison will be ready to return for the regular season according to head coach Mike Zimmer. But young Morgan just might push him right out of a job.
Morgan impressed coaches throughout OTAs, minicamp and training camp and Friday night he showed fans why everyone is so high on him.
Morgan’s blocking prowess was displayed in the second quarter when he delivered a solid backside block to help Jerick McKinnon escape the end zone after he was bottled up.
The rookie also flashed his receiving skills, catching three balls for 28 yards including a 22-yarder from Joel Stave to help set up the Vikings’ second touchdown.
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Morgan’s three receptions all came with the third team which perhaps should temper somewhat our enthusiasm over his first appearance.
Be that as it may, Morgan certainly did provide more than a little evidence in support of the good reviews his work has been receiving since the draft.
The long-haired Morgan, the first man ever drafted from obscure college UTSA, looks like he belongs in the NFL. And that could be bad news for Rhett Ellison.
Though Minnesota should give Ellison a fair shot to return after his season-ending patellar tendon tear, there must be a limit to how far that shot goes.
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Morgan may already have proven he’s a better all-around player than Rhett Ellison. That has to play into the Vikings’ decision as well.
Significant playing-time could come Morgan’s way if he continues to get better.
It looks like the Vikings got themselves a solid tight end in the sixth round this year. Who knows, he might even challenge Kyle Rudolph down the road.