OK many mocks have him going late second round or early third. Where are you going to play him? Long is a lefty pitcher decided to accept a scholarship to Florida State to play baseball after spurning the advances of the Chicago White Sox, who selected him in the 23rd round of the 2008 draft. He lasted only one semester in Tallahassee, however, failing to make grades and eventually being cited for a DUI charge. After spending time at home to ponder his future, he decided to enroll at Saddleback Junior College for the 2010 season. He played defensive end in his first year there (16 tackles, two for loss, sack) and then moved to the offensive line as a sophomore. He chose Oregon over several other FBS suitors coming out of Saddleback, and started 10 out of 12 games for the Ducks on the offensive line despite his relative lack of experience. Applied for a sixth year of eligibility via a medical redshirt, but was denied. Long has had a long list of injuries none serious but of the nagging kind. He even missed two days of practice during the senior bowl.
He is tall but has short arms 2 inches shorter then the NFL average for arm length for tackles. Was not the conclusion @ the senior bowl that he looked unnatural in practice at the senior bowl on the outside but much better @ OLG? How many 6-7 OG's are there? Alex Boone who is a very good Right OG for the 9ers listed as 6-8 300 pounds. Thats just skimming the top of stuff.
Here some of what I found on him.
Strengths
Looks the part of an NFL lineman.Thick arms, which he can extend to keep defenders at bay in pass protection (sometimes using one hand to ward off his man while on the move). Can turn smaller tackles out of the hole with his upper body strength. Decent leg strength and very good flexibility for his height, as well, which helps him drop his hips and anchor and explode from his stance. Excellent mobility given his size, has no issues moving behind the line or pulling in front of plays -- hitting multiple targets at times. Solid on combo blocks when maintaining his bend, and also displays the footwork to get the outside angle on run blocks, move well on zone plays, and also sustain while his man is trying to spin out of pass pro blocks. Plays with attitude, backs up his teammates on the field, cleans up piles.
Weaknesses
Still new to the game of football, and his play is still a bit unrefined. Doesn’t always play with the natural bend he possesses. Overextends off the snap at times trying to land his punch, losing his balance and allowing his man to disengage. Similarly, will lunge at linebackers when he reaches the second level. Struggles to keep his hands inside of the defender, and will “catch” his assignment. Seems to second guess himself in space or get partial, glancing blows when blocking on the move instead of driving his man to the ground. Rocky start to his college career at Florida State.
Bottom Line
As a one-and-done contributor for the Ducks on the line, Long’s combination of size and athleticism won’t be ignored by NFL scouts, who will see his great potential as a starting guard or tackle.
NFL Comparison
Brandon Albert
The Rams may want him more than most other NFL teams due to our big need @ LEFT OG and the fact they have made his older brother a mainstay of this Ram team. Chris may be a great asset to Kyle and may be able to make Kyle a much better pro that he would be otherwise. Bloodline competition is a well known in big families. So with him being a lefty would it make good sense to keep him on the left side & not move him to the right OT where he has never played? Selection of Kyle Long any earlier than @ #78 in the third round IMO would be a reach but if the Rams have failed to address the OLG post with the three easier picks this would be about right.
