By and large I think most Dolphins fans are happy with our #1 pick, myself included. Jake Long is a great prospect who more than deserves the distinction of being the first player picked.
That being said, there is always a lingering doubt resonating in the back of your mind when making these kinds of decisions. Considering the ramifications in which the huge amount money spent on this one player can resonate through your favorite franchise for a half a decade, it is understandable to have these fears.
The argument put forth by those unhappy with the choice is simple: We paid 60 million dollars for a second class Joe Thomas. I'm being told that Joe Thomas is the better athlete, and that Jake Long will have trouble with speed rushers. Well let's break down the tape, and then facilitate the discussion further with the evidence to both sides laid bare.
Here are the combine statistics for each prospect as follows:
Joe Thomas
Height: 6065
Weight: 311 (at combine)
40 YD: 4.92
20 YD: 2.87
10 YD: 1.75
225 Bench: 28 reps
Vertical Jump: 33
Broad Jump: 09'02"
20 YD Shuttle: 4.88
3 Cone: 7.95
Jake Long
Height: 6070
Weight: 313 (at combine)
40 YD: 5.22
20 YD: 2.97
10 YD: 1.75
225 Bench: 37 reps
Vertical Jump: 27 1/2
Broad Jump: 08'06"
20 YD Shuttle: 4.73
3 Cone: 7.44
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Breaking down the 2 players is almost like splitting hairs in most cases IMO. None the less the timed drills show that in lateral movements and drills which require quick feet, Jake Long is actually a hair faster than Joe Thomas. In short field situations, the ones most important for OTs, they are equal.
The biggest deviances come from the power exercises. Joe Thomas does indeed have more impact strength, as shown in the Vertical and Broad jump exercises. While Jake Long excels in muscle endurance, which is evidenced in his run blocking ability.
The conclusion to this article is as follows. Both OTs are well built for the NFL, and have the potential to be something special. In the end, a .1 advantage in speed is not going to make a player into a HOF. it is the mental attitude of that person that will make or break them. I'm convinced that Jake Long has the right mindset, and I'm also convinced the Dolphin's terrible trio is sure as well.
That being said, there is always a lingering doubt resonating in the back of your mind when making these kinds of decisions. Considering the ramifications in which the huge amount money spent on this one player can resonate through your favorite franchise for a half a decade, it is understandable to have these fears.
The argument put forth by those unhappy with the choice is simple: We paid 60 million dollars for a second class Joe Thomas. I'm being told that Joe Thomas is the better athlete, and that Jake Long will have trouble with speed rushers. Well let's break down the tape, and then facilitate the discussion further with the evidence to both sides laid bare.
Here are the combine statistics for each prospect as follows:
Joe Thomas
Height: 6065
Weight: 311 (at combine)
40 YD: 4.92
20 YD: 2.87
10 YD: 1.75
225 Bench: 28 reps
Vertical Jump: 33
Broad Jump: 09'02"
20 YD Shuttle: 4.88
3 Cone: 7.95
Jake Long
Height: 6070
Weight: 313 (at combine)
40 YD: 5.22
20 YD: 2.97
10 YD: 1.75
225 Bench: 37 reps
Vertical Jump: 27 1/2
Broad Jump: 08'06"
20 YD Shuttle: 4.73
3 Cone: 7.44
-------------
Breaking down the 2 players is almost like splitting hairs in most cases IMO. None the less the timed drills show that in lateral movements and drills which require quick feet, Jake Long is actually a hair faster than Joe Thomas. In short field situations, the ones most important for OTs, they are equal.
The biggest deviances come from the power exercises. Joe Thomas does indeed have more impact strength, as shown in the Vertical and Broad jump exercises. While Jake Long excels in muscle endurance, which is evidenced in his run blocking ability.
The conclusion to this article is as follows. Both OTs are well built for the NFL, and have the potential to be something special. In the end, a .1 advantage in speed is not going to make a player into a HOF. it is the mental attitude of that person that will make or break them. I'm convinced that Jake Long has the right mindset, and I'm also convinced the Dolphin's terrible trio is sure as well.
