Jake Long
OT / Sr.
Michigan
6' 7'' / 315 lbs.

POSITIVES

Jake has ideal size (6-7, 316 lbs.) with long arms and a wide base. Not to get too technical, but Long is really good. He's always been known as an excellent run blocker, able to get off the ball quickly, and finishes his blocks, even down field. Very strong, and plays with that nasty attitude that should be born into every offensive lineman. Long plays with excellent leverage, and seems to be able to lock in on defensive players, and never give ground.

NEGATIVES

Two things stood out coming into the season. First is the injury that shortened his season last year. Second is his pass protection/conditioning. Long played last season as around 330 lbs., and it hurt him in pass pro. He wasn't as quick out of his stance, getting beat on the edge, at times. He's seemingly playing lighter this year, and has corrected that, however anytime conditioning effects play on the field, it has to be figured in.

FINAL WORD

Long is probably the only player in the draft, who can compare to Joe Thomas, in terms of run blocking. He's not the pass blocker that Thomas is, but you can see the potential for growth in Long. No doubt he's a first round pick, and no doubt he will anchor the left side of an NFL line, for many years. So long as he can keep his weight down and stay quick on his feet, he's a fine pass blocker, but his run blocking alone, makes him a top-tier prospect.