Alfred Morris was a sixth-round pick, 173rd overall, in the 2012 NFL Draft. Selected by the Washington Redskins out of Florida Atlantic University, Morris defied the statistical expectations typically associated with late-round draft picks to become an immediate standout in the National Football League.
The NFL Draft is a high-stakes, multi-day event that functions as the primary mechanism for distributing incoming talent among the league’s 32 professional franchises. While much of the media attention and analytical focus is centered on the first round—where teams invest premium capital in anticipated "franchise-altering" players—the later rounds represent a crucial frontier for general managers and scouting departments. Alfred Morris represents the archetype of a "diamond in the rough." His journey from a relatively unheralded prospect at a non-powerhouse university to a record-setting rookie running back offers a case study in scouting efficiency, physical development, and the volatility of the professional football labor market.
The Landscape of the 2012 NFL Draft
To understand the significance of Morris being selected at pick 173, one must first look at the 2012 draft class as a whole. Held at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the draft was widely regarded as deep, particularly at the quarterback and defensive positions. Teams were incentivized to value position versatility and athletic metrics, often favoring players from large collegiate programs.
By the time the sixth round arrived, teams were largely looking for depth, special teams contributors, or "projects" that required specialized coaching. The pick 173 slot is historically statistically precarious; players drafted in the sixth round face significant uphill battles to make the final 53-man roster, let alone emerge as primary starters. Most scouts and analysts view the success rate of sixth-round picks as marginal, making the impact Morris had on his organization significantly anomalous.
Scouting and Collegiate Context
Alfred Morris played his collegiate football at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). During his tenure in Boca Raton, he displayed durability and vision, characteristics that would eventually translate to the professional level. However, FAU was not an elite program, and Morris lacked the explosive track-speed metrics that often cause running backs to climb up draft boards.
During the pre-draft process, including the NFL Scouting Combine, Morris did not post the elite testing numbers that typically command high draft capital. His relative lack of "measurables" meant that NFL teams viewed him as a rotational back at best. This context is essential because it highlights the discrepancy between traditional scouting metrics—which prioritize speed, strength, and explosive movement—and the actual on-field production of a player who understands zone-blocking schemes and possesses high-level "vision."
The Transition to the Washington Redskins
When the Washington Redskins selected Morris with the 173rd pick, they were in a period of transition. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Shanahan, the Redskins were looking to implement a zone-blocking scheme that favored runners who could make one decisive cut and gain vertical yardage.
The fit between Morris’s running style and the Shanahan-era offensive system was immediate and profound. Many late-round picks struggle to understand the complexities of professional playbooks, specifically the nuances of pass protection and gap identification. Morris demonstrated a quick mastery of the requirements placed upon him, allowing him to earn the starting job during his first training camp. This rapid ascension is rare for a sixth-round pick, who usually spends the first year on the practice squad or limited to special teams duties.
Statistical Impact and Rookie Season Success
The 2012 season proved to be one of the most productive rookie campaigns for a running back in NFL history. Morris shattered the Washington franchise record for rushing yards in a single season, tallying 1,613 yards on the ground. This figure put him in elite company, surpassing several highly touted running backs selected in earlier rounds of that same draft.
| Metric | Alfred Morris (2012 Season) | Historical Context (Late Round RBs) |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Attempts | 335 | Typically < 50 for late-rounders |
| Rushing Yards | 1,613 | Rarely exceeds 500 yards |
| Touchdowns | 13 | Usually limited to 1-3 scores |
| Yards per Carry | 4.8 | Exceptional efficiency |
This table illustrates the disparity between Morris’s actual performance and the career trajectory of an average sixth-round selection. By exceeding 1,600 yards, Morris provided the Redskins with massive "surplus value," as his salary as a late-round rookie was significantly lower than that of the premier running backs drafted in the first round.
The "Sixth-Round" Factor in Professional Scouting
The success of Alfred Morris serves as a frequent citation in debates regarding the efficiency of the NFL Draft. Critics of the current scouting model point to players like Morris to argue that the draft process is inherently flawed, often ignoring "pro-ready" players from smaller schools in favor of "athletes" from major conferences.
However, from an institutional perspective, the 173rd pick is a risk-reward calculation. For every Alfred Morris who exceeds expectations, there are dozens of other players drafted at that same position who are out of the league within two years. Organizations must balance the time and resources spent scouting smaller programs against the higher success rate of established, high-profile prospects. The scouting department that identified Morris is often lauded for its ability to look beyond raw physical metrics and evaluate the "mental processing" speed of a player.
Long-Term Career Trajectory
While his rookie season was his statistical peak, Morris went on to have a respectable multi-year career in the NFL, including stints with the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and others. His career highlights the harsh reality of the running back position in the modern era: high turnover, injury risk, and a short "shelf life."
The professional lifespan of an NFL running back is notoriously brief, and Morris’s ability to remain a productive starter for several years after being a "throwaway" pick is a testament to his preparation and durability. His career trajectory is a reminder that while the draft is an effective tool for talent acquisition, the performance of a player is ultimately determined by their ability to adapt to the specialized systems of their professional team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are sixth-round picks considered risky in the NFL Draft? Sixth-round picks are statistically less likely to become starters compared to early-round selections. Teams often view these players as depth chart fillers or special teams specialists, meaning the coaching staff invests less individual development time into them, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure for many late-round prospects.
How did Alfred Morris succeed despite low draft stock? Morris’s success was largely attributed to his natural vision and his immediate integration into an offensive system (the zone-blocking scheme) that prioritized his specific running style. His high football intelligence allowed him to process defensive formations quickly, compensating for a lack of elite speed.
What is the historical significance of the 173rd pick? Historically, pick 173 is not a selection associated with superstar talent. Players drafted in this range rarely make a significant, multi-year impact on their respective franchises. Morris stands out as a clear statistical outlier in this draft position, proving that draft position does not always dictate professional output.
What should teams look for when scouting late-round prospects? Successful organizations prioritize collegiate production, durability, and scheme fit when scouting in the later rounds. They look for players who demonstrate high-level technical skills in their specific collegiate roles, as these players often have a higher likelihood of contributing immediately if the professional system matches their existing skill set.
Is there a direct correlation between pre-draft measurables and NFL success? There is a correlation at the extreme ends—very poor measurables often lead to failure—but there is significant noise in the middle. Players like Morris demonstrate that subjective factors like field vision, patience, and work ethic are difficult to quantify with standard athletic testing but are vital for professional longevity.
Strategic Considerations for Future Talent Acquisition
For current and future front offices, the lesson of Alfred Morris is to never fully discount the "production over profile" approach. While data-driven analytics and physical testing are essential components of modern scouting, the ability to identify a player who has mastered the technical aspects of their position remains the most valuable skill a scout can possess. As of 2026, the reliance on advanced tracking data has evolved, but the fundamental reality remains: an NFL roster is built by finding value in every round of the draft, and history suggests that talent can emerge from anywhere on the board.
For those analyzing the draft, the example of the 2012 sixth-round pick remains the gold standard for late-round success. It serves as a reminder to look past the draft headlines and focus on the players who can immediately adapt to the pace and complexity of the professional game.
