Chris Long "a Vrabel-type player"

[MetalBleachers]

Looks sharp, tough and athletic vs. Texas Tech. Announcer quoted as calling Long a "Mike Vrabel type player." Watching him play, I can see it.

http://www.virginiasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=1133501&SPSID=88799&SPID=10606&DB_OEM_ID=17800

If Jets get Laurinaitis, I'd be happy with drafting Long. Anyone else watching him?

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

The anncouner said that Al Groh thought he would be a "Vrabel type player" in the NFL, but Groh, who has coached with BB, also thouht that Long would get "worn out" at MLB.

 

[marty]

Would love to have him, however I can't see how you'd justify what we'd have to pay him as a rook(top 10-15?) when he lines up with the likes of our D men. This to my mind is the fatal flaw of current NFL salary structure. These kids who've never even taken an NFL snap are being paid like pro-bowlers!

Now if he were to fall to the 2nd day(no chance), then I'd say welcome aboard!

 

[Richter]

He's nothing like Vrabel. He can't play in space at all. His best bet is going to be bulking up to play 3-4 end or 4-3, 3 technique tackle.

 

[Handel]

Looks sharp, tough and athletic vs. Texas Tech. Announcer quoted as calling Long a "Mike Vrabel type player." Watching him play, I can see it.

http://www.virginiasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=1133501&SPSID=88799&SPID=10606&DB_OEM_ID=17800

If Jets get Laurinaitis, I'd be happy with drafting Long. Anyone else watching him?

Long will be gone at # 7.

 

[MetalBleachers]

He's nothing like Vrabel. He can't play in space at all. His best bet is going to be bulking up to play 3-4 end or 4-3, 3 technique tackle.

I thought so, too, but watching him today has changed my mind on that: he has dropped back and played the flat a bit as well as rushed the passer off the edge. I don't see why he wouldn't be able to play a 4-3 DE at least a la Jason Taylor or Julius Peppers.

 

[Richter]

I thought so, too, but watching him today has changed my mind on that: he has dropped back and played the flat a bit as well as rushed the passer off the edge. I don't see why he wouldn't be able to play a 4-3 DE at least a la Jason Taylor or Julius Peppers.

I've watched him all day today against Texas Tech, and he's looked good. He could certainly play 4-3 DE. He looks awful working in space though. It's just not his strength. He's not going to be able to play OLB/DE in this scheme, he couldn't cover anyone in the NFL, and he takes false steps like crazy when he's out in short zone coverage. If we draft him, on the unlikely chance he drops to 7, we're either changing our scheme (unlikely), he's bulking up to play end in the 3-4, or he's a long term project, not something you want out of a 7th overall pick.

 

[Deus Irae]

I've watched him all day today against Texas Tech, and he's looked good. He could certainly play 4-3 DE. He looks awful working in space though. It's just not his strength. He's not going to be able to play OLB/DE in this scheme, he couldn't cover anyone in the NFL, and he takes false steps like crazy when he's out in short zone coverage. If we draft him, on the unlikely chance he drops to 7, we're either changing our scheme (unlikely), he's bulking up to play end in the 3-4, or he's a long term project, not something you want out of a 7th overall pick.

You've got 6 years to develop the "project".

 

[PonyExpress]

I've watched him all day today against Texas Tech, and he's looked good. He could certainly play 4-3 DE. He looks awful working in space though. It's just not his strength. He's not going to be able to play OLB/DE in this scheme, he couldn't cover anyone in the NFL, and he takes false steps like crazy when he's out in short zone coverage. If we draft him, on the unlikely chance he drops to 7, we're either changing our scheme (unlikely), he's bulking up to play end in the 3-4, or he's a long term project, not something you want out of a 7th overall pick.

I really don't know what you're looking at. You must be blind. This kid is maybe the best 3-4 OLB prospect I've ever seen. Where did you get your scouting credentials?

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

I really don't know what you're looking at. You must be blind. This kid is maybe the best 3-4 OLB prospect I've ever seen. Where did you get your scouting credentials?

Yeah, I'm with you on this one. watched the game, and keep in mind that they were playing Texas Tech, so Groh made up an elobrate defense for them. Most of the time Long was lined upwaaaay outside, and he rushed full speed, every snap!!

He dropped into coverage, and knocked down at least three balls that I can remember. Sadly I think that he will not make it past the Jets, and I highly doubt that he will be around at #7.

Long is giong to be a good one.

BTW watched the other Long (Michigan LT), he will not make it passed St. Louis at #2.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Yeah, I'm with you on this one. watched the game, and keep in mind that they were playing Texas Tech, so Groh made up an elobrate defense for them. Most of the time Long was lined upwaaaay outside, and he rushed full speed, every snap!!

He dropped into coverage, and knocked down at least three balls that I can remember. Sadly I think that he will not make it past the Jets, and I highly doubt that he will be around at #7.

Long is giong to be a good one.

BTW watched the other Long (Michigan LT), he will not make it passed St. Louis at #2.

If the Pats want anyone badly enough, they could trade up to #5.

 

[Richter]

I really don't know what you're looking at. You must be blind. This kid is maybe the best 3-4 OLB prospect I've ever seen. Where did you get your scouting credentials?

Considering the sheer number of guys I've identified over the years as busts and steals, I don't feel the need to defend my "credentials". All I'll say is, if you watched him play in space (which admittedly, was only a handful of times - I'm not talking about drops in a zone blitz), and watched his feet and anticipation of the play in front of him, he looks like a DE trying to play linebacker. He may be able to do it eventually, but if you're hoping to draft him and plug him in at OLB to replace a guy like Colvin, I think you'll be sorely disappointed.

 

[amazinPats]

I'd draft a good LT with our pick. It's rare that we have the chance to draft this high.

 

[onegameatatime]

I'd think a LT, DL, or CB would all be good possibilities this high. Definitely not a WR or RB.

 

[MetalBleachers]

I'd think a LT, DL, or CB would all be good possibilities this high. Definitely not a WR or RB.

Would you consider Laurinaitis considering Pats' needs, or best athlete? If not, Spencer Larsen out of AZ looks strong for a 3rd rounder.

Four picks in first three rounds. Could be exciting.

 

[theONLYJerseypatsfan]

Four picks in first three rounds. Could be exciting.

Not as exciting as 5 picks in the first three rounds would have been....

 

[ATippett56]

Would you consider Laurinaitis considering Pats' needs, or best athlete? If not, Spencer Larsen out of AZ looks strong for a 3rd rounder.

Four picks in first three rounds. Could be exciting.

Defense, defense, and even more defense! Four first day picks, four defensive players (hopefully a linebacker or two for a change of pace).

 

[ATippett56]

Would you consider Laurinaitis considering Pats' needs, or best athlete?

Laurinaitis is a junior and has yet to declare for the 2008 NFL Draft.

 

[MetalBleachers]

Laurinaitis is a junior and has yet to declare for the 2008 NFL Draft.

Thanks for the tip. As far as I've heard, unlike USC's Maualuga, for example, Laurinaitis has not said that he'd stay at OSU for another year. I'd be very suprised if he doesn't.

 

[ATippett56]

Thanks for the tip. As far as I've heard, unlike USC's Maualuga, for example, Laurinaitis has not said that he'd stay at OSU for another year. I'd be very suprised if he doesn't.

Laurinaitis value will never be higher than it is now, unless he hurts himself in the national championship game.