GREEN BAY – The Packers have added a new inside linebacker to the mix after trading cornerback Lenzy Pipkins to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday for Antonio Morrison.
Morrison, 23, was selected by the Colts in the fourth round (125th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft, six picks before the Packers took Stanford's Blake Martinez with the first of their two fourth-round compensatory sections.
Morrison brings added depth to a position that lost Jake Ryan to a season-ending knee injury early in camp. The team also is awaiting word on rookie third-round pick Oren Burks, who injured his shoulder in pregame warm-ups prior to Friday's preseason game in Oakland.
Here are five things to know about the Packers' new addition:
1. Morrison led the Colts in tackles last season
The 6-foot-1, 241-pound linebacker started all 15 games he played for Indianapolis in 2017, leading the defense with 109 tackles (64 solo).
Morrison, who played 812 snaps (75.4 percent) for the Colts, had a career-high 14 tackles in a 27-0 loss to Jacksonville on Oct. 22 before notching another 12 against Denver on Dec. 14. With Indianapolis transitioning to a 4-3 defense, Morrison had been running with the second-team defense in camp. He had three tackles in three preseason outings.
2. He found his way into the starting lineup as a rookie
After getting his first NFL start on Dec. 11, 2016, Morrison made an immediate impact during the Colts' final four regular-season games. He had more than half (32) of his total tackles (52) during that four-game stretch to solidify himself in the defense, including an 11-tackle performance against Oakland in Week 16.
3. Morrison was a four-year starter at Florida
Morrison totaled 294 tackles (21 for a loss) with 4½ sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception in 47 games (37 starts) for the Gators. He also became the first Florida player to register consecutive seasons with at least 100 tackles since Ed Robinson (1992-93).
He suffered a knee injury at the end of his junior year, but returned several months ahead of schedule to be ready in time for the 2015 season. Morrison didn't miss a start that year, recording 96 tackles and 2½ sacks, and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week after registering 16 tackles against Ole Miss.
4. He's considered a leader in the locker room
NFL scouts praised Morrison's leadership qualities leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft and counted his on-field intensity among his greatest strengths. Voted a defensive captain at Florida his senior year, Morrison is regarded for his competitiveness and work ethic. He's also known for his hustle and playing to the whistle.
5. Morrison had a decorated high-school career in Illinois
A native of Bellwood, Ill., Morrison led Bolingbrook High School to a 13-1 record and the school's first-ever state title, though he missed the state championship game due to injury.
A four-state prospect and No. 5 recruit in Illinois by rivals, Morrison had 101 tackles, seven sacks and three forced fumbles during his junior year at Morrison.
