Prospect Rankings:
Offense: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C
Defense: DT NT DE Hybrid DE/OLB OLB ILB FS SS CB
Special Teams: K P RS LS
Position: Defensive End
School: Virginia
Status: Senior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 275
40-Yard Dash: 4.75 (EST)
School: Virginia
Status: Senior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 275
40-Yard Dash: 4.75 (EST)
Positives:
Chris Long, the son of NFL Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long, is regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2008 NFL Draft. Playing the same position his father did, obviously he has benefited from the direction of one of the NFL's all-time best, which has helped him develop into perhaps the most polished player in this year's draft pool. To his own credit, however, he also possesses excellent football instincts and a solid work ethic.
Long also has the ability to play defensive end in any system and excels both against the run and as a pass rusher. As a senior in Virginia's 3-4 defense, Long recorded 14 sacks, which is impressive in itself. Those numbers stand out even more though when you consider the system he played in called more for him to occupy blockers than to get after the quarterback.
Negatives:
Long is a very polished player and doesn't have many obvious faults in his game. He does tend to play a little upright at times, and occasionally overruns plays. And although he shows great anticipation on the snap, he doesn't have what I would call an explosive first step that most great pass rushers possess. But what he lacks in that department, he more than makes up for with good technique on his pass-rushing moves.
Overview:
Considered by most to be the best defensive end in this year's draft class, Long is almost certain to be a top-five selection in April. With his versatility to play defensive end in either a 3-4 or 4-3 alignment, and possibly the under-tackle position in a 4-3, he could draw some interest as the No. 1 pick overall.
