Wisconsin Sports Today

Wisconsin Sports Today Continuously Updated

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 34, Oklahoma OT Wanya Morris

by

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

David Bakhtiari is penciled in as Green Bay’s starting left tackle. At right tackle it will be Yosh Nijman, Zach Tom, or a potential draft pick. 

A potential offensive tackle that the Green Bay Packers could target in the 2023 NFL Draft is Wanya Morris. The Oklahoma offensive tackle checks in at No. 34 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

A Tennessee transfer, Morris started 12 games at left tackle during his freshman season at Tennessee. The following season, Morris started seven games at Tennessee. After transferring to Oklahoma, Morris played 126 snaps in a reserve role. This past season, Morris started eight games at right tackle. 

A former five-star recruit, Morris looks like he was sent from central casting. Morris, who was named after Boys II Men artist Wanya Morris checks in at 6-5 with 35 ⅛” arms. 

“Wanya Morris’ greatest strength is the raw power he has with his hands, along with his athletic ability to mirror pass rushers,” Devin Jackson, a college sports reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer said. “His initial punch can shock defenders in their tracks while using his impressive arm length to keep defenders at bay.”

The Sooner offensive tackle plays with a physical edge as a run blocker. With his plus athleticism, Morris has excellent range as a run blocker and does a good job of sealing outside run lanes. He doesn’t labor climbing to the second level. When he gets out in space he hits his targets. 

“As a run blocker, Morris has an impressive ability to displace defenders with his power and lower body torque in Oklahoma’s multiple run scheme attack,” Jackson said. “He especially excels cutting off backside defenders, working with great speed to win the positional battle. It was especially impressive when Oklahoma had him pulling out in front of running backs.”

Morris is quick to enter his setup and the loose lower body to match edge rushers. He’s coordinated in his movements. With his arm length, he has outstanding reach to extend into rushers to slow them down. According to Pro Football Focus, Morris gave up two sacks and just eight pressures this past season. 

“As a pass protector, the mirroring ability he has with good footwork, coupled with his recovery speed allows him to never fully lose reps,” Jackson said. “While his playing leverage and pad level are inconsistent, Morris understands how to use his footspeed and length to keep defenders at bay and in reach in protection.”

Fit with the Packers

A team can never have enough talented offensive tackles. As it stands right now the Packers are set at offensive tackle and has adequate depth behind Bakhatiari and Nijman. 

Fast forward a season and that could all change. Bakhtiari could be playing in his final season in Green Bay. Nijman, if he isn’t traded, could be playing in his final season in Green Bay as well. 

Morris has excellent length, nimble feet, and experience playing both tackle spots. He has all the tools to develop into a team’s starting right tackle. At worse he could be a team’s swing tackle. 

“I would draft Morris because the upside is apparent for a player who played both sides in his college career with plenty of untapped potential, coupled with the athletic ability and size,” Jackson said. “Getting to talk with him personally, he’s a player who has a finisher’s mindset with swing tackle upside.”

The Packers have had a lot of success drafting offensive linemen on day three of the draft. With his skillset, Morris could be a potential day-three target for the Packers in the upcoming draft.