-OK, it’s time to push all the chips to the center of the table, we all have our thoughts and beliefs and scenario’s in our heads and how they will play out come April 26th. We’ve all done our own “what if” scenario’s just like CP, Herm and Bill have done with the four picks before them. This will be my final argument and reasoning behind why I believe the Kansas City Chiefs will come away from the draft with Jake Long as their pick.
Let me first say with all the Jared Allen trade talks going on, it is hard for me to pass on an opportunity to give my opinion of the whole situation, however, I have decided to wait until it all plays out before I unload my wisdom upon you, instead of putting my foot in my mouth (or something like that). So let’s just talk about the draft, shall we?
Now, is some of my reasoning fueled by hope? Absolutely. Is my judgment clouded by my love of offensive linemen and the role they play as a cohesive unit on a football team? Yes. However, I hold on to the fact that Jake Long can and will be a Chief when it’s all said and done–well, after Carl throws a tantrum or two during contract negotiations and pisses Jake and his agent off before finally getting a deal done.
Most opponents of a theory allowing Long to fall to the Chiefs at the number 5 pick argue the St. Louis Rams are going to select him at number 2. I disagree and here is why.
Orlando Pace hasn’t retired; he has given no indications that he is going to. Therefore, common sense tells us that Orlando Pace, if healthy, will be the starting left tackle for the Rams this season. Alex Barron was selected with the 19th pick in the first round by the Rams in 2005 to become the eventual replacement of Pace when he retired or became injured.
For the Rams to select Jake Long they have to admit that Alex Barron is considered a bust, or Orlando Pace is finished playing football. I can’t see how anyone in the front office can say that with a straight face. Alex Barron stepped up and moved to the left tackle spot vacated by Pace early last season. He played well. As good as Pace? No-but few do.
So then if the Rams select “Big Jake”, where does he play? Some might say the right tackle spot-You have to be kidding me! You are going to tell me the Rams are going to spend a 2nd overall draft pick on a right tackle? Come on! Well, then he will play the left side. He’s going to come in a overthrow a legend? I don’t think so. There is a HUGE difference between drafting a left tackle with the 19th pick and putting him on the right side of the line for him to learn from a pro bowler before moving to the left and picking a tackle with the number 2 selection and doing the same thing. HUGE! Teams don’t draft right tackles with the second pick in the draft, especially when you look at all the other talent available, all of whom the Rams could use right away.
IF Orlando Pace calls it quits between now and the draft then I will give in a admit defeat, the Rams would then surely draft Jake Long.
Although Miami has been in negotiations with Jake Long to become the first overall pick, I don’t believe that he is their man. I think it is simply a negotiation tool being employed by Mr. Parcells. The Dolphins will move on this week and let their true intentions be known.
So, my fellow Chiefs fans, I say to you this morning that Jake Long can and will be playing left tackle for the Chiefs next season. The teams above the Chiefs have bigger needs and will look elsewhere when it’s their turn on the clock.
Now, your mission if you chose to accept it is to make your final choice of who the Chiefs will select and let everyone know why and how it will play out. This will be my final top five mock draft. Of course, neither me nor anybody else can predict trades, so obviously my little theory can and will be blown out of the water if a trade takes place anywhere in the top 5.
Top Five Mock:
1: Miami Dolphins: Chris Long, DE/OLB-UVA. Bill Parcells type of player, versatile, aggressive, high motor. The Jake Long talk is a negotiating tool, look for the Dolphins to focus in on Long, Chris Long, this week and try to get him signed. Vernon Gholston could be the other choice.
2: St. Louis Rams: Glenn Dorsey, DT-LSU. Was an All-American defensive tackle in the SEC with a hurt knee. Nuff said.
3: Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB-BC. Quarterback is such a glaring hole for the Falcons, I really can’t see them going anywhere else. After the Mike Vick fiasco last year, Arthur Blank is anxious to put a new face on this crippled franchise.
4: Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB-UA. Oakland is the wild card here. Al Davis is so freaking crazy, it’s hard to tell what the grim reaper will do here. I believe that McFadden’s speed and homerun ability is too much for Davis to handle, barring a trade, DMac is going to be in Black and Silver.
5: Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Long, OT-Michigan. My dream comes true and I pass out on my couch do to loss of oxygen to my brain because a large piece of uneaten sirloin is now lodged in my wind pipe.
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