The Leading Authority of the NFL Draft

Pros: A do-it-all defensive end at Virginia, Long broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore and never looked back. He improved each season, displaying spectacular speed and athleticism. A two-time team captain, Long possesses cat-like read and react instincts to go along with a sound understanding of containment responsibilities. He also has experience playing in both the 3-4 and the 4-3 under head coach Al Groh. A disruptive force in the backfield, Long finished his senior campaign among the nation’s leaders in sacks (14), tackles for loss (19), and quarterback hurries (22). He displays good speed off the edge and is a versatile pass rusher with a variety of moves. The Virginia native excels against the run, as he is able to hold his ground and make plays on his own. Long is strong— probably the best power rusher in the draft. He gets his hands up when blocked and can bat balls down. He had seven pass deflections during his sophomore and senior seasons, in addition to a blocked field goal. Long brings a high intensity to the field and continued his success over to the post-season with strong performances at the Scouting Combine and Virginia Pro Day.

Cons: Prove one stigma wrong and get labeled with another. Long proved he was capable of stepping up and becoming more of a playmaker as a senior, something he had been criticized for by several scouts. Now, some question his “elite” speed as a pass rusher. Being double-teamed throughout his college career prevented him from posting monster numbers throughout, something he will need to improve at the next level.

Overall: It must run in the genes. Long has great work ethic, is fundamentally sound and has good technique. He might not be an elite edge pass rusher in the pros but he can definitely get after the quarterback and hold his ground against the run. Considered to be a “safe” pick, Long is a purebred football player and a lock to be selected in the top five overall picks. He could very well wind up as the number one selection.

Murphy’s View: The son of former NFL star pass rusher Howie Long, Chris has made a name for himself, finishing third in the nation in sacks. Long is strong enough to be considered a 3-4 defensive end, but would also fit well lined up in a conventional 4-3 scheme. He will be picked because of his pass-rush numbers, but is also a well-rounded defender with upside to follow in his dad’s All-Pro shoes.

Mogollon’s View: Long is the real deal. There is nothing he cannot do and while he may not be the most athletic end, his overall athleticism is a bit underrated. He will be a starter in the league for years to come, with a chance to be a legitimate impact player. Having the size and power to play in the 3-4 scheme as well as experience under Coach Groh, Long has added value to NFL teams looking to fill that hard to find position—a stout end who can be a pass rusher. Rather than trying to figure out whether or not he fits the right type of scheme, teams should simply just see a dynamic defensive weapon, period.

Medical Examiner: Long missed five games as a freshman due to mononucleosis. He has not had a major injury of note.

Highlights of Accomplishments:

· 2007 First Team All American

· 2007 First Team All-ACC

· 2007 Ted Hendricks Award

· 2007 Dudley Award

· 2007 Had Jersey Number (#91) retired

Bloodlines: For those that like pedigree, Chris is the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long.

X-Factor: The third unanimous All-American selection in school history, Long gained valuable practice experience matching up against D’Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets) as a sophomore.

Factoid: Did you know Chris also played baseball, lacrosse and basketball in high school and won the 2003 YMCA High School Slam Dunk Contest?

Quote of Note: “It is a great honor to win this award. He (Ted Hendricks) and my father were teammates with the Raiders for several years and my dad talks about the passion and enthusiasm Ted demonstrated on the field. I try to play to the same high standards at which Mr. Hendricks played.”

-- Chris Long on What it Means to Win the Ted Hendricks Award

Pros: A do-it-all defensive end at Virginia, Long broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore and never looked back. He improved each season, displaying spectacular speed and athleticism. A two-time team captain, Long possesses cat-like read and react instincts to go along with a sound understanding of containment responsibilities. He also has experience playing in both the 3-4 and the 4-3 under head coach Al Groh. A disruptive force in the backfield, Long finished his senior campaign among the nation’s leaders in sacks (14), tackles for loss (19), and quarterback hurries (22). He displays good speed off the edge and is a versatile pass rusher with a variety of moves. The Virginia native excels against the run, as he is able to hold his ground and make plays on his own. Long is strong— probably the best power rusher in the draft. He gets his hands up when blocked and can bat balls down. He had seven pass deflections during his sophomore and senior seasons, in addition to a blocked field goal. Long brings a high intensity to the field and continued his success over to the post-season with strong performances at the Scouting Combine and Virginia Pro Day.

Cons: Prove one stigma wrong and get labeled with another. Long proved he was capable of stepping up and becoming more of a playmaker as a senior, something he had been criticized for by several scouts. Now, some question his “elite” speed as a pass rusher. Being double-teamed throughout his college career prevented him from posting monster numbers throughout, something he will need to improve at the next level.

Overall: It must run in the genes. Long has great work ethic, is fundamentally sound and has good technique. He might not be an elite edge pass rusher in the pros but he can definitely get after the quarterback and hold his ground against the run. Considered to be a “safe” pick, Long is a purebred football player and a lock to be selected in the top five overall picks. He could very well wind up as the number one selection.

Murphy’s View: The son of former NFL star pass rusher Howie Long, Chris has made a name for himself, finishing third in the nation in sacks. Long is strong enough to be considered a 3-4 defensive end, but would also fit well lined up in a conventional 4-3 scheme. He will be picked because of his pass-rush numbers, but is also a well-rounded defender with upside to follow in his dad’s All-Pro shoes.

Mogollon’s View: Long is the real deal. There is nothing he cannot do and while he may not be the most athletic end, his overall athleticism is a bit underrated. He will be a starter in the league for years to come, with a chance to be a legitimate impact player. Having the size and power to play in the 3-4 scheme as well as experience under Coach Groh, Long has added value to NFL teams looking to fill that hard to find position—a stout end who can be a pass rusher. Rather than trying to figure out whether or not he fits the right type of scheme, teams should simply just see a dynamic defensive weapon, period.

Medical Examiner: Long missed five games as a freshman due to mononucleosis. He has not had a major injury of note.

Highlights of Accomplishments:

· 2007 First Team All American

· 2007 First Team All-ACC

· 2007 Ted Hendricks Award

· 2007 Dudley Award

· 2007 Had Jersey Number (#91) retired

Bloodlines: For those that like pedigree, Chris is the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long.

X-Factor: The third unanimous All-American selection in school history, Long gained valuable practice experience matching up against D’Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets) as a sophomore.

Factoid: Did you know Chris also played baseball, lacrosse and basketball in high school and won the 2003 YMCA High School Slam Dunk Contest?

Quote of Note: “It is a great honor to win this award. He (Ted Hendricks) and my father were teammates with the Raiders for several years and my dad talks about the passion and enthusiasm Ted demonstrated on the field. I try to play to the same high standards at which Mr. Hendricks played.”

-- Chris Long on What it Means to Win the Ted Hendricks Award