NFL: A Long-Awaited Return
Every team is looking for help in the trenches. There’s a veteran offensive tackle currently unsigned that is hoping to make a NFL squad better this fall.
Back in 2008, the Miami Dolphins were coming off a horrific 1-15 season and owned the first overall pick in the draft. Then front-office head honcho and now Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Parcells used the selection on tackle Jake Long.
It marked the first time since 1968 (USC T Ron Yary to the Minnesota Vikings) that the draft’s top choice was used on an offensive lineman. Spotrac reminds us that it wasn’t long ago that NFL first-round picks signed longer deals. The Dolphins inked the former Michigan Wolverine to a five-year, $57.75 million contract.
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The former University of Michigan standout was not only part of an amazing turnaround by the club in ‘08 (Miami finished 11-5 and won the AFC East) but Long was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons.
There would be a fifth year for Long in South Florida. In 2013, he left the Dolphins and signed a four-year deal with the Rams. Injuries would plague him for two seasons with the club and in March of ’15, he was cut loose by the organization.
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In 2015, Long appeared in four games for the Atlanta Falcons. Pro Football Focus tells us that the 6’7”, 315-pound pro saw action at right tackle in 11 of the team’s 66 offensive snaps, hardly a good sample size when it comes to evaluating his play. Currently unsigned, the now-31-year-old pro is available and perhaps anxious to show what he’s capable of now that he’s in good health.
“I’m finally healthy,” said the veteran blocker to Michael Rothstein of ESPN this weekend at the University of Michigan “Big Man” camp. “This is the healthiest and best I’ve felt in probably about five, six years. My knee’s back. I’ve just been working out, feeling good and ready for the opportunity when it comes along.”
“When I wake up and my knee doesn’t hurt, you know what I mean,” added Long. “I feel the strength back. You can see it. You can feel it. My body feels good the way I’m moving, working out and how good I feel moving on it. It’s as easy as that.”
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Fortifying the offensive line and ensuring that unit has depth is a very important part of the game. The Chicago Bears have done a great job of that via free agency this offseason. Is there a club out there looking for an experienced blocker capable of starting if called upon? That list is usually very long indeed.