http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/mo-alexander?id=2543677
OVERVIEW
Birth name is Maurice. St. Louis native who also earned all-state recognition in wrestling and track as a prep. Began his college career at Arizona Western College in 2009, playing in 10 games and recording 81 tackles and two interceptions with 17.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and two forced fumbles. Appeared in 12 games in 2010 and had 98 tackles, four pass breakups and one interception with 19 tackles for loss (for 116 yards), eight sacks and one forced fumble. The 19 tackles for loss ranked second in the NJCAA, and the yards lost total ranked first. Moved on to Utah State in 2011 and played outside linebacker, appearing in 12 games (eight starts) with 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and one pass breakup. During the off-season, he punched a teammate in the face after a party, and charges were filed (the teammate subsequently underwent emergency surgery). He originally faced a second-degree felony, but he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of aggravated assault resulting in bodily injury, a class A misdemeanor. After initially being ordered to serve a year in jail, the judge suspended all but 45 days of the jail sentence. He was kicked off the team for the 2012 season but was given a second chance, returning in 2013. He started 13 games at free safety, registering 80 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception with nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Missed the Poinsettia Bowl after undergoing wrist surgery, which also prevented him from bench pressing at the combine (medical exclusion).
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Explosive, punishing tackler. Very good size and movement skills. Has a 38-inch vertical jump and explosion in his legs. Covers ground fast and is surprisingly loose-hipped for a converted linebacker. Drops into the box and fits in the run game. Physical tackler. Effective blitzer. Aggressive and energetic. Has special-teams experience.
WEAKNESSES
Miscast in deep coverage. Has man-coverage limitations. Lacks ideal foot speed to adjust to quick slot receivers. Average hands. Inconsistent ball reactions -- in position to make plays, but doesn't. Can be overaggressive and take poor angles. Was kicked off the team and dealt with criminal assault charges for an altercation with a teammate. Very raw understanding of coverages and football concepts.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 4-5
BOTTOM LINE
Big, physical, athletic, converted linebacker with very intriguing athletic traits. Was humbled by the loss of football as a junior and made the most of his second chance as a senior. Graded well in his first year in the secondary and solid combine showing helped his draft standing. Possesses the size, aggressiveness, striking ability and movement skill desired at the position, yet
will require considerable patience to be groomed.