Position: Offensive Guard
Height: 6’6 Weight: 313 Arms: 33 3/8 Hands: 11
When you have a dad who is in the Hall of Fame in football and your brother was the #2 pick for the St. Louis Rams in 2008, there shouldn’t be any pressure when you are heading in 2013 NFL Draft. I would love to be in that house just one day…..”DAD! I am the best football player in the world” father replies “Son, you are not even the best player in this house and I was in a blockbuster movie called Broken Arrow. My best friend is John Travolta so until you are movie star like me then you have ways to go.” Yes in my head, the Long family has very BIG egos!
Kyle Long wasn’t even suppose to play football. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 23rd round ( a little foreshadowing) but didn’t sign and went to play baseball at Florida State but after one year at the school, he got into off the field problems and was kicked out. He then would attend Saddleback College and played football for the first time since high school. His first year on the defensive line but moved to offensive line the next year. He later transfer to Oregon University and played one year on the offensive line, started 12 of 13 games. He tried to get another year of eligibility but was denied by the NCAA.
Strength :
+ Great downhill blocker. Would be perfect for the zone blocking scheme.
+ Very athletic at the second level blocking. Moves the linebackers out of the play.
+ If he is locked on to you then you have no chance to get out of the block.
+ Does a good job in double team blocking.
+ Is a MAULER and knows how to finish off blocks.
+ At the senior bowl, he was asking a lot of questions to the coaches which is good for someone who is new to the position.
Needs Improvement:
– Not very smooth in the hips. Struggles in pulling.
– His feet are too choppy and long and exposes himself to a bull rush.
– Is so raw at the tackle position, more suited for guard.
– Needs to work on hand placement. Have to deliver it in the defenders chest, not outside.
– Weak at cut blocking. Cutting at their feet instead at their thighs.
– He gives the screen play way too early. Defenses will recognize that.
Summary:
I love watching Kyle Long play, just looks like he is just having fun. He has all the physical tools you would want in a guard. In the future, he could play tackle but that is a work in progress. Lets remember he has just played on offensive line for 2 years and only 1 year at the FBS level. Most of the work needs to be done of fundamentals but he has a great attitude and is very coachable. He is worth the pick and will be worth the wait Bears fans. Just FYI, if you have a twitter account then you should definitely follow Kyle Long @Ky1eLong
Hard Count 