people need to get off this matt roth clone. we are mostly in need of a LT or QB with the #1 pick. as far as DE? we only need a backup DE. but we need a starting LT and QB.
This is of course your opinion and that's fine. I however have watched Long since the beginning of his college days, being from Virginia I get the games. I believe he does in fact have all the tools needed to become a great player in this league. You are basing your knowledge of him on one single game as you said. The guy is a born leader and disruptive force on defense period. I won't comment on Gholston because I have only seen a few games, but I will say Chris is ranked the top player at his position going into this draft for a reason, and IMO is most definitely worthy of being drafted #1 overall.he had one helluva game, i didnt get to watch it and with this video i'm impressed...but it's only 1 game... watching him beat the Olinemen, the first thing that struck me was how he was in space, his Dcoord ligned him up wide so that he would have space to make his pass rush, and because he's a beast against the run (so even though he is wide, he will be able to shed his blocker and make the tackle in space, very often) .... this kind of player in the NFL cannot make a name for himself as a 3-4 DE , absolutely not. Those Ends in the 3-4 are lined up nose on the Tackle or something on the inside shade, i don't believe Long has the physical tools to play there, not at all.. (from what i've seen..) He would be very interesting at the OLB position but if I had the choice, I may take Gholston over him to fill that position..
The 22 year old has the ability to play in any defensive scheme, but he would be an asset in a 3-4 scheme where his talents could be utilized better. Teams will see that Long was the Cavaliers' captain for his final two seasons and will take that leadership skills into consideration as well. As it is now, Long is definitely a top 5 prospect in this draft.
“I've been raving about this young man all year, and all the attention and accolades he receives are well-deserved. Long is the heart and soul of the Cavaliers; his tenacity and desire spills over to the rest of the squad.â€
– Mel Kiper, ESPN analyst
"Virginia defensive end Chris Long is exceptional. ... He can stop the run, drop in coverage, and be a sack artist for a team at the next level. The son of Hall of Fame DE Howie Long is a hard working, productive, all-around defender ...."
– Chris Steuber, Scout.com NFL Draft analyst
“Long is college football’s premier defensive talent and everything NFL scouts look for while searching for the next perennial Pro Bowl defensive end. His combination of size, power, quickness and tenacity should land him a spot on every All-America team in existence and make him a top-five pick in the 2008 draft.â€
– Todd McShay, ESPN.com draft analyst
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UC0guzCtZ7U
nice view of Long. I noticed one thing, the man is very smart when it comes to understanding the game kind of like JT but the thing is he is SLOW.
So I dono guys...maybe hes a seymoure type of guy one day? slow but very effective.
Without a doubt I do, and honestly think he would be very successful at both positions...but I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree then. :wink:I got your point In Flames, but you didn't mention if you'd rather have him play DE or OLB in our defence... if you think he could succeed as a DE i think you are wrong, but then again i'm only judging based on one game... that being said i believe he could be one very talented OLB...
I definitely could see him being moved to OLB in a 3-4. I read an article awhile back that said his coach compared him to Vrabel. That said, I think he could easily play DE in a 3-4 as well.
He's been playing DE in a 3-4 for the last few years at Virginia!
NCAA isn't NFL ... take a close look at Matt Roth... same exact type of guy, maybe less talented, but look at his case, his motor and his energy are just not enough for the NFL ... Long, even though he's much more talented, should be a better fit in a 4-3 or a OLB in a 3-4, I don't want a Roth #2.... especially not with the 1st overrall