1. T/G Kyle Long, Oregon; SR; 6-7, 312, 5.04: This is Howie Long's other son - the bigger, more athletic one. Let's preface this by saying Kyle has petitioned the NCAA for another year of eligibility and if it is granted, he will likely stay at Oregon. But if not, he could turn out to be a sleeper who jumps up boards based on potential. I can see him being a prudent 5th-round pick as a backup T/G.
Kyle's story is interesting. While not quite the biblical prodigal son, he strayed off into baseball for a few years because he was a left-handed pitcher with a 94mph fastball, a precious commodity in MLB. Things didn't work out as expected and he returned to football at JC powerhouse Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA. While there, he made the switch to LT from DE and was named all-conference. He joined the Ducks this last summer and is playing now after an ankle injury kept him out for a few games, so there is a decent amount of video available of Kyle versus good competition. The Oregon-USC game is a good tape of him.
Long has his family's size, strength, and athleticism. And you don't see many prospective LTs who are also left-handed. We don't know his arm length, but I think its safe to assume Howie would have discouraged
the position switch from DE if Kyle's arm length wasn't appropriate. He lumbers a little when on the run and looks like he could use some NFL-level conditioning and weight training.
From what video I've seen, he has quick feet and good instincts in pass pro, but he doesn't seem to bend or sit as naturally as you might like to see. Oregon's up-tempo offense calls for a lot of blocking in space, and he appears very good at that. He doesn't overpower opponents and toss them to the ground, but once he engages, he locks up and moves him in the right direction. I'll let the real scouts take it from there, but Kyle looks like he has the physical tools to project as a very good backup T/G at a minimum and perhaps a starting OT with some development, worth a mid-late round draft pick to a team willing and able to develop him for a year or two. Keep in mind he will be 25 in 2013, reducing the potential length of his career. Kyle could be another T/G like Alex Boone of the 49ers if he applies himself, or another Adam Snyder of ARZ at a minimum.
