NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Jake Long, OT
by Sam Monson
21/2/2008
 
One of the key positions in the NFL is the Offensive Tackle, the guys paid to keep your QB upright, and dirt free. Joe Thomas was the cream of last year's rookie crop and he was so successful as a starter in the Browns line-up that he ended up going to the Pro Bowl.
 
This player profile is looking at the guy who heads the 2008 rookie class of Offensive Tackles, Michigan's Jake Long.
 
Long attended Lapeer East High School in Michigan and was a 4-star recruit when he came to the Wolverines. He leaves 4 years later as one of the most decorated linemen in the school's history. He was a two time team captain, and becomes the first Wolverine, and only the fourth player ever to be named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in consecutive seasons.
 
Long however is a player that divides opinion before the 2008 draft, we'll show you why.
 
What we like about Long
 
Long has prototype NFL size. He's a 6'7, 315lb man-mountain who has room on his frame to add even more mass. NFL teams will love his nasty demeanour and strength in the run game, where he can lock onto a defender and take him for a ride. He is a smart player, having played in a couple of different blocking schemes for the Wolverines, and he's a natural leader, with an outstanding work ethic. He never takes a play off, and consistently gets through to the second level and finds a man to block. He has a terrific anchor, and is rarely moved backwards by power. Long's size, strength, and intangible qualities have many scouts very high on him.
 
Question marks about Long
 
Despite all of Jake Long's positives, he has a glaring weakness that last year's top Left Tackle prospect, Joe Thomas, doesn't have; he struggles with speed rushers. Ohio State's Vernon Gholston, subject to our first player profile, gave him fits this season when the two met, and he doesn't have the initial quickness off the ball to keep up with elite edge speed. This has led some to question whether he is really Left Tackle material in the NFL, or whether he will find a natural home on the right side, where he would face predominantly slower defensive ends, and could be dominant. His aggressiveness is also sometimes a problem, as he can overcommitt at times and end up being susceptible to secondary pass-rush moves. The key to Jake Long is deciding how much of a downside this is.
 
College career highlights
 
Helping Michigan overcome Florida 41-35 in the Citrus Bowl to finish his college career on a high, and go some way to redeeming Michigan's season, after the embarrassment of an opening day loss to Appalachian St.
 
Other snippets

• Long is rated the #1 OT and Mike Mayock rates him as the #6 prospect in the country at any position.

• After deciding to return to Michigan to play for his senior season, Long decided to take out an insurance policy, in case he got injured. After getting guidance from recruiting coordinator Chris Singletary - who previously worked with the sports agent firm IMG - Long purchased the policy. "(I did it) just so I can go out there and not worry about getting injured,'' he said.”I just go out there and focus on football and not worry about the repercussions of getting hurt.''

• In 2007 Long led Big Ten blockers with an 87.85% grade for blocking consistency.

• Despite coming back for his senior season and 4 years of trying – Long never beat Ohio State, something which ultimately cost Lloyd Carr his job.

• Jake Long could be compared to the NFL's Bryant McKinnie or Jammal Brown. McKinnie is another man-mountain who can dominate in the run game, but gets exposed by speed.

• Potential good fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Miami Dolphins.