SYLVESTER MORRIS
WR | (6-3, 215, 4.48-4.6) | Jackson State
by Pro Football Weekly
Drafted by: Kansas City, Pick 21, Round 1 , Overall 21

Notes: High school football and basketball star. Played in eight games as a second-year freshman in 1996, catching four passes for 52 yards. Played in every game, including five starts, in '97, when he grabbed 46-739 and four TDs. Named All-Southwestern Athletic Conference and SWAC Offensive Player of the Year in '98, when he grabbed 62-1,258-17, including 8-201-5 vs. Grambling. All-SWAC in '99, when he caught 69-1,286-13 and carried the ball five times for 100 yards and two scores.

Positives: Good intangibles. Appears to have courage, character and work ethic, as well as ability. Excellent size and good playing speed. Big hands and long arms. Has been clocked as fast as 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and some have even clocked him faster than that in the past. Quick for his size and has big-play ability. Eats up the defender's coverage cushion and knows how to get the defender turned the wrong way. Will catch over the middle yet also knows how to work the sidelines. Shows good ability to run after the catch and will generally turn upfield after the catch. Will block. Had a strong week at the Senior Bowl.

Negatives: Somewhat erratic catching the ball. Does not always look the ball into his hands and will drop some because he is looking to run with the ball before he secures it. Needs to improve his route-running skills and do a better job of being precise and sharp when cutting during the route. Could get away with being a little sloppy and rounding things off in college, but he will not be able to do so on the next level. Will also have to learn more about reading coverages and making sight adjustments in concert with his quarterback in most offenses. Was heavier and slower than expected at the combine, where his 40-time was only in 4.6 range.

Summary: Needs some development and refinement but has the size, speed and ability to develop into a top player in the NFL. Made huge strides at the Senior Bowl, which could very likely put him into the first round. Better than Jackson State product Jimmy Smith (36th pick in '92) at a similar stage of development.