Still a Long Way Off...

    As I have stated in some of my previous blogs, the offensive line of my Kansas City Chiefs this year was truly horrendous and definitely offensive.  With pro bowlers Will Shields and Willie Roaf gone, the front five have shown lack of leadership, lack of cohiesiveness and lack of skill.  Two things they have shown are the ability to hold and jump offsides, which aren't all that helpful to anyone except the opposing defense. 

    In the upcoming 2008 NFL Draft, KC has the fifth overall pick, and if Michigan's star offensive lineman Jake Long is still available, there is a extremely good chance he will be playing at Arrowhead Stadium in the very near future.  At 6'7" and 313 pounds, he will add some much needed size and strength to the tackle position, and his smart, agressive play should make him a leader of the hodge podge offensive line.  While blocking at Michigan, he was called for only one holding call during his entire tenure!  That is much more appealing than the two holding calls per game that the Kansas City Chiefs were called for this past season.  

     In his scouting report there are two or three issues that should be considered when the Chiefs decide on their first round pick, but nothing that will avert intrest.  His average quickness and over-agressiveness were sometimes an issue, but his above average intelligence usually allows Jake to make adjustments to block the quicker defensive ends of the league.  Another thing to consider would be the leg surgery performed on Long in 2005 which caused him to miss the final half of the season, but since he posted progressively better numbers in 2006 and 2007, the injury shouldn't pose too much of a problem.

    These few issuses should have no impact whatsoever on the plans of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2008 Draft.  In fact, I will go as far as saying the only way the Chiefs don't end up with Jake Long on their 08 roster is if the Dolphins or Falcons get to him first.  He is a perfect fit for the most glaring of the Chiefs needs, and is seen as one of the best OL prospects of the last several years.  Hopefully we will see this Wolverine in Chiefs clothing for a long while.