The reality is that we should draft Jake Long if he is a franchise caliber left tackle. Its a no brainer if that is what he is. That said, is he a franchise caliber left tackle?
I see issues with leverage and strength. I see issues with lateral movement. Please understand, I want Jake Long to be everything many of those on this board portray him to be. We need a left tackle more than any position on this team. No doubt about it. But when I pop in the tape and try to convince myself, which I have done numerous times, I keep seeing a skill set that may be an issue at the next level if he is asked to manned the left side.
I've said it before and I'll say it again.....The best left tackles in this draft are Branden Albert, Jeff Otah, and Ryan Clady. Those are the guys, especially Albert and Otah, who could really have a Thomas type impact for the Dolphins. I look at Jake Long and I fear that he will just be another name four or five years from now. I don't feel the same way when I look at Branden Alberts skills set.
I see issues with leverage and strength. I see issues with lateral movement. Please understand, I want Jake Long to be everything many of those on this board portray him to be. We need a left tackle more than any position on this team. No doubt about it. But when I pop in the tape and try to convince myself, which I have done numerous times, I keep seeing a skill set that may be an issue at the next level if he is asked to manned the left side.
I've said it before and I'll say it again.....The best left tackles in this draft are Branden Albert, Jeff Otah, and Ryan Clady. Those are the guys, especially Albert and Otah, who could really have a Thomas type impact for the Dolphins. I look at Jake Long and I fear that he will just be another name four or five years from now. I don't feel the same way when I look at Branden Alberts skills set.