Pros: Good bull rush power style end, plays in the backfield and has a nose for the ball(21 Tackle for loss this season). Gets through double teams consistently. Has incredible playmaking ability and has come up big multiple times for his team. Good awareness, he gets his hands up and tips alot of balls.
Cons: He is older, lacks top end speed for pure pass rusher. He also has the weight of his father's name to carry.
Overall: Should be an explosive player in a 3-4, 4-3 or hybrid system. He put up amazing numbers as an end in a 3-4 system, which is not easy. Top 5 talent, who should get a lot of playing time his rookie season.
Pros: Full sized defensive end who holds up very well against the run, even against double teams. Has good if not outstanding pass rush ability. Genetics
Cons: Limited closing speed and only a handful of sacks in his college career.
Overall: Make no mistake, this is Howie's boy. Look past the 40 time, he plays just like his Dad and will be a fixture at end for whichever team drafts him for years to come. A true football player. Predictions of his ability vary widely, but he surely can't last past the mid 2nd round of the draft.
Pros: Quickness to the Quarterback, Ability to Break Double Teams, Speed to Catch Running Backs in the backfield, smart on the field, and mentally tough to play on the pro level.
Cons: No Enough Exposure to Audiences while playing at mediocre Virginia.
Overall: By the End of the 2007 Season Long should be recognized as one of the top five ends in the draft if not the best. He is a guaranteed first-rounder with huge expectations. It also doesn't hurt that he is Howie Long's Son.
