BTSC Mock Draft - Pick #2 by St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE Virginia

by Michael Bean on Apr 2, 2008 4:28 PM EDT in News

WolfPackSteelersFan keeps things going with a very fine selection and analysis of the decision. If all our entries are as solid as the first two, I'm confident this will be a worthwhile and fun exercise for all. Keep it up! Now on the clock, the Atlanta Falcons and none other than WolfPackSteelersFan.

For the Rams' team needs, I relied heavily on their SBN blog: Turf Show Times. The author had a couple good entries on Offensive Needs and Defensive Needs. Since they don't need a homerun RB right now (Steven Jackson is an incredible RB when healthy), the first pick of McFadden didn't hurt me at all here. It really comes down to two players at this point: Chris Long or Jake Long. The obvious talk has been Jake Long, because Orlando Pace is aging and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. But, I concluded that the Rams' biggest need is at DE, and with Chris Long available, he's too good to pass. Plus, there is some question as to whether Jake Long is strictly a RT or whether could he be the LT that Pace has been.

So, the choice is Chris Long, DE out of UVA.

He shores up an area of great need for the Rams, and in reality, much of the OL problems last year were due to injury, not poor personnel.

Athletic, nasty, intelligent, and has football
in his blood. A solid addition to any team

Depending on where you look, Chris Long is also ranked as the top player in the draft. If you check out his UVA bio page, you see he has a long list of honors, including ACC Defensive POY, finalist for several national defensive player awards, and had his jersey retired during his last game with the Cavaliers. He was a great pass rusher in college, and should become one of the better DEs in the league within a couple of years.

#1 - Miami Dolphins, Darren Mcfadden

Poll

Will Chris Long Have As Good A Career As His Father, Howie

Yes

20 votes

No

4 votes

No, But Still A Fine NFL Career

17 votes

41 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

thats definitely a no brainer

will really be surprised if the Dolphins don't select him.

by Terry @ Behind the Steel Curtain on Apr 2, 2008 4:36 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, that was a tough one for me :)

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Apr 2, 2008 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

good job

May not generate as much discussion, but thats because of the 'obviousness' of the pick. Well done, sir.

Let me just add real quick that pick #3 might go up before the close of business (central time) today, but perhaps not until this evening. I have lots going on for the rest of the day, but please get me that pick by later tonight if possible. If not, I'm happy with the start we've made in such short a time.

by Michael Bean on Apr 2, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks

I'll try to get that to you so we can get it in tonight.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Apr 2, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

ATL

Can't wait to see their pick, they have alot more holes.

by cgolden on Apr 2, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

also

Guys, there will be a poll attached to each one so that we can all at least chime in in some way about the pick. We may not have the time or be inclined to leave a comment, but at least vote in the polls so we can get a feel for how we all view these players.

by Michael Bean on Apr 2, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions

i think

Chris Long is going to be like our Aaron Smith, except with a bit more upside in pass-rush potential. probably make more Pro Bowls just because of the hype he entered the league with and his last name as well. but I see alot of similarities between the two plays. extremely consistent & strong, nothing outrageously flashy. just great football.

by TheMostViolentTeam on Apr 2, 2008 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

solid comparison

I like that. I personally dont think he'll get tons of sacks in the NFL. But I do think the Sith comparison is a fine one.

by Michael Bean on Apr 2, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Long might be a OLB

I expect Chris Long to go No. 1 overall. Quality individual and player who can be a star as either a traditional 4-3 DE, a 3-4 DE or a 3-4 OLB. He has the versatility to play in whatever defensive scheme the Dolphins use. He'll get plenty of sacks, but more depending on the scheme (as a 4-3 DE for instance or a 3-4 OLB).

by steeler lifer on Apr 2, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply actions