2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
Jake Long of Michigan, despite a poor showing in the season finale against Ohio State, is without a doubt the top offensive lineman in this year's draft. Long is the centerpiece of an offensive line that has led Michigan to a 164.9 yard a game rushing average as a team. Besides being an absolutely mammoth tackle at 6'7" and 315 lbs., Long possesses elite speed and footwork for an offensive lineman. The Michigan O-line has allowed just 28 sacks under his leadership in 13 games this season, even though their quarterbacks are not exactly fleet of foot. According to ESPN, Long himself was only beaten for a sack once this season by Vernon Gholston of Ohio State. In fact, Long has only allowed 2 sacks during his career and been flagged for just 2 penalties.
Jake Long is probably best known for his excellent pass blocking, but don't mistake Long for a finesse tackle. As good as people believe he is, his run blocking may still be underrated. He blocks with a real mean streak. Long does a terrific job of taking on (and running over) a D-lineman and moving into the next level to flatten a linebacker as well. Michigan is averaging 4.0 yards per carry this season and tends to find those tough yards behind Long on the left side.
This 2 time All Big Ten performer is experienced on both the left and right side of the line, making a versatile option for an NFL team. Jake Long's years of experience blocking top notch Big Ten ends will serve him well in his professional career. Long should find himself a new home no later than the fifth pick of this year's draft.
Jake Long was always a top five pick, but after the NFL Combine, Miami has to strongly consider him at the number one spot. Long is not only huge, but his 37 reps on the bench press show that he has the upper body strength to block even the best NFL ends. Scouts were very happy to learn that Jake Long has excellent arm length for the tackle position -- a key to his pass blocking success. Miami, St. Louis, Atlanta, Oakland and Kansas City could all use a left tackle either immediately or for the near future. Jake Long will go to one of those five teams and protect their quarterback's blind side for the next decade.
http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?Prospect_ID=1195
Jake Long of Michigan, despite a poor showing in the season finale against Ohio State, is without a doubt the top offensive lineman in this year's draft. Long is the centerpiece of an offensive line that has led Michigan to a 164.9 yard a game rushing average as a team. Besides being an absolutely mammoth tackle at 6'7" and 315 lbs., Long possesses elite speed and footwork for an offensive lineman. The Michigan O-line has allowed just 28 sacks under his leadership in 13 games this season, even though their quarterbacks are not exactly fleet of foot. According to ESPN, Long himself was only beaten for a sack once this season by Vernon Gholston of Ohio State. In fact, Long has only allowed 2 sacks during his career and been flagged for just 2 penalties.
Jake Long is probably best known for his excellent pass blocking, but don't mistake Long for a finesse tackle. As good as people believe he is, his run blocking may still be underrated. He blocks with a real mean streak. Long does a terrific job of taking on (and running over) a D-lineman and moving into the next level to flatten a linebacker as well. Michigan is averaging 4.0 yards per carry this season and tends to find those tough yards behind Long on the left side.
This 2 time All Big Ten performer is experienced on both the left and right side of the line, making a versatile option for an NFL team. Jake Long's years of experience blocking top notch Big Ten ends will serve him well in his professional career. Long should find himself a new home no later than the fifth pick of this year's draft.
Jake Long was always a top five pick, but after the NFL Combine, Miami has to strongly consider him at the number one spot. Long is not only huge, but his 37 reps on the bench press show that he has the upper body strength to block even the best NFL ends. Scouts were very happy to learn that Jake Long has excellent arm length for the tackle position -- a key to his pass blocking success. Miami, St. Louis, Atlanta, Oakland and Kansas City could all use a left tackle either immediately or for the near future. Jake Long will go to one of those five teams and protect their quarterback's blind side for the next decade.
http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?Prospect_ID=1195
