Whoa...Could there soon be a new favorite for #1?

[vinivedivichi]

If any of you guys are paying attention to the combine, it seems Jake Long is starting to really generate some buzz. The guy was already a top five pick, based on his status as a sheer mauler with respect to run blocking. However, the knock on him was that he may not be able to handle the premier edge rushers. The thought was that he may be better suited as a right tackle.

Well, not so fast. The guy looks like an incredible athlete, and I have a distinct feeling that he erases all doubts relating to his athleticism this week.

The result? Well, it was widely believed that outside of McFadden, there was no true value at #1. IMO, if Long has a good combine, he becomes a legitimate #1 overall pick.

Although I like Chris Long, I don't really like him as the #1 overall pick. I think the small likelihood that he will be a dominant player makes him less worth of the pick. If Jake Long looks as good as he all of a sudden is expected to look, he instantly becomes worthy of the first pick.

I like the idea of drafting him, but either way it makes our position better. The more prospects that stand out, the more leverage we have.

 

[Conuficus]

If any of you guys are paying attention to the combine, it seems Jake Long is starting to really generate some buzz. The guy was already a top five pick, based on his status as a sheer mauler with respect to run blocking. However, the knock on him was that he may not be able to handle the premier edge rushers. The thought was that he may be better suited as a right tackle.

Well, not so fast. The guy looks like an incredible athlete, and I have a distinct feeling that he erases all doubts relating to his athleticism this week.

The result? Well, it was widely believed that outside of McFadden, there was no true value at #1. IMO, if Long has a good combine, he becomes a legitimate #1 overall pick.

Although I like Chris Long, I don't really like him as the #1 overall pick. I think the small likelihood that he will be a dominant player makes him less worth of the pick. If Jake Long looks as good as he all of a sudden is expected to look, he instantly becomes worthy of the first pick.

I like the idea of drafting him, but either way it makes our position better. The more prospects that stand out, the more leverage we have.

I don't know how you got to that conclusion.

And I don't know how anyone can evaluate an O-lineman in shorts and a T-shirt. By the nature of their position, pads are needed for a true evaluation.

 

[Majpain]

IT is possible that they select Jake Long instead but I'm pretty confident that Parcells and CO will select Chris Long.

But I'm calling it right now if Gholston blows away at the combine he will be the number 1 pick. Thats jmo

 

[Roman529]

I think Jake Long will be just as good, if not better than Joe Thomas, who went early last year from Wisconsin. Long has bigger hands and a longer wingspan then Thomas....I would still prefer Chris Long with the 1st pick, and we can maybe get our LT in Williams from Vanderbilt with the # 32 pick.

 

[nahmoss]

I don't know how you got to that conclusion.

And I don't know how anyone can evaluate an O-lineman in shorts and a T-shirt. By the nature of their position, pads are needed for a true evaluation.

Using that evaluation method, he gave up 2 sacks and 2 penalties in 4 years.

 

[DefensiveEnd76]

I think Jake Long will be just as good, if not better than Joe Thomas, who went early last year from Wisconsin. Long has bigger hands and a longer wingspan then Thomas....I would still prefer Chris Long with the 1st pick, and we can maybe get our LT in Williams from Vanderbilt with the # 32 pick.

Long is more physical and is a better run blocker then Joe Thomas was

 

[phinsfan1221]

he benched pressed 225lbs a record 37 times at the combine a record for lineman and is not fat and built like a huge tight end at 6'7" 313llbs, with longer arms and hands than Joe Thomas, may be the safest pick at #1

 

[209Mason]

It will be interesting to see what happens with him.

I was competely unaware of what he mentioned in the interview yesterday...
That he only gave up 2 sacks his entire college career, as well as only had 2 penalties called on him... One sack his Frosh year and the other verses Gholston.

Let me put it this way... I wouldn't be mad if we drafted J.Long. Just not overly thrilled.

 

[TexanPhinatic]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=yasinskas_pat&id=3258732

An interesting article really. Long is impressing alot of people and could see his stock jump into the #1 range very easily. And it would help us with 2 positions on the line, upgrading both LT (Long) and RT (move Carey back). Granted, yes, he COULD be the next Robert Gallery or Mike Williams. Then again, he COULD be the next Orlando Pace or, most recently, Joe Thomas.
He would also seem to be a big help to Ronnie B. The guy is an absolute mauler in the the running game. Sign Faneca maybe and thats a helluva combo right there. And just see Derek Anderson for a lesson in how a good LT can improve a QB. John Beck might get more time to throw, make reads etc-boosting his overall game.
Long could be a guy who anchors our left side for a decade to come. LT has been one of "those" positions we havent been able to nail down in YEARS, ever since Richy Webb retired really. This could change that instantly.
Certainly not a "sexy" pick by any means, but it could very well be the safest (a relative term in regards the draft I know), most logical, and just plain best pick out there.
When I look at C. Long or Dorsey, I see guys who might not fit what we seemingly are trying to do on D (3-4). Long essentially plays the spot of JT atm, and while trade rumors are rampant, taking Jake with the first will mean JT will stick around-we do need SOME defense leadership dont we? Dorsey I think can play in a 3-4, I think hes really good, but he might not be the perfect fit as he could be in a 4-3. Matt Ryan? Eh, Im not excited about taking ANOTHER QB unless BP and Ireland are DAMN sure hes the one. And McFadden? Not even worth a comment.
Its definately something to keep an eye on right now. Combined with the talks with the WR from Oklahoma (jenkins?), it seems we could lean offense again in the draft. Look for us to go after some defensive guys in FA possibly if that is the preference of Ireland. Things are definately getting more interesting.

 

[uga3406]

IT is possible that they select Jake Long instead but I'm pretty confident that Parcells and CO will select Chris Long.

But I'm calling it right now if Gholston blows away at the combine he will be the number 1 pick. Thats jmo

lets hope so...i think right now if they had to pick it would be Chris Long at 1....and 2nd to that is Matt Ryan and i think the whole sleeper to this al lis Gholston...if he has a great combine i just dont see how u cannot take him no matter where u pick...the guy has winner written all over him

 

[Majpain]

Please don't compare Jake Long to Orlando. Jake is a good run support tackle but his footwork needs improvement for pass protection. He will get beat by a Veteran DE or Blitzing OLB.

 

[Majpain]

lets hope so...i think right now if they had to pick it would be Chris Long at 1....and 2nd to that is Matt Ryan and i think the whole sleeper to this al lis Gholston...if he has a great combine i just dont see how u cannot take him no matter where u pick...the guy has winner written all over him

Well to me the list goes like this ATM

Chris Long
Glenn Dorsey
Vernon Gholston

IMO I don't see that franchise QB in this years draft. I'm afraid that Sporano will fall for Jake Long.

 

[Roman529]

Please don't compare Jake Long to Orlando. Jake is a good run support tackle but his footwork needs improvement for pass protection. He will get beat by a Veteran DE or Blitzing OLB.

You Ohio State fans have nothing good to say about Michigan players. :wink:

 

[uga3406]

Well to me the list goes like this ATM

Chris Long
Glenn Dorsey
Vernon Gholston

IMO I don't see that franchise QB in this years draft. I'm afraid that Sporano will fall for Jake Long.

Flacco and Henne may not dazzle any 1 but they r nfl caliber qbs and they would fit nicely with the phins

 

[Majpain]

You Ohio State fans have nothing good to say about Michigan players. :wink:

But is that not the truth? I think Clady is the complete package for LT right now. Jake Long has everything but great pass protection. Who knows though. I wouldn't be disappointed if we took him.

Got to have confidence in the coaching staff.