patchick

There are a lot of different kids of athletic. Body control -- athletic "grace" -- is one that seems to be underrated by football fans. (Crossing sports, Larry Bird was an incredible example.) Long isn't the most explosive athlete, but he seems completely in control with no wasted motion.

Box_O_Rocks

Once I saw him at the Combine I knew he could play Linebacker for NE.

__________________
"Avert thine eyes! You're not hot enough to be looking at me."
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Seneschal2

It also helps somewhat to watch the games. I'm constantly amazed at how an entire game makes it easier to evaluate a prospect.

__________________
"What we want to try to do is maximize each spot on the roster; we want to be stronger at No. 1 than the opponent, stronger at No. 25 than they are, and stronger at No. 53 than they are, we're always looking to upgrade the talent level on the team, and play together to be functional."
- Bill Belichick -

sebman2112

Yes, he was "graceful", but it was a little more than that. His athletic build was outstanding, he moved with very good fluidity, seemed pretty flexible, and he shined in the drills.

Agreed. I had thought he could possibly make the transition, but I wanted to see a little more before I gave my final opinion. During those drills, Chris looked like a great prospect at LB for NE, and it seemed he wouldn't have any trouble dropping into coverage. FWIW, there's a thread on here where I talked about how impressive he was at the Combine.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

sebman2112

I know. You see one highlight where Gholston gets some good pressure on the QB during the early portions of the game, and everyone thinks he must have dominated that game, but if you watched the entire outing, you might thought he was missing in action for the most part.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

patchick

Right -- that's what "athletic grace" is! Fluidity and total command of your body in space. Not how you walk in an evening gown.