I have pondered this question and orignially didn't know if Chris could make the transition to play standing up but now after the combine i am convinced he can. Gholston ran a 4.69 and long ran a 4.71 almost the same time but long weighs 10 pounds more. Gholston is not even close to being as good of a run stuffer as long is while Long i would say is only a little behind Gholston in pass rushing. I was skeptical at first of Long changing to a 3-4OLB but now i am convinced. Both will be good but i would say Long will be the better of the two. However i think it is a moot point because i HIGHLY doubt Long gets passed 2 let alone 5
Gholston is the pick, he is much more athletic, and stronger too. He put up as many bench reps at Jake Long (37)
I think Long's the more overall package at this point while Gholston's still a raw product. I think Gholston has a higher ceiling while Long's a safer pick. By the way, Gholston ran a 4.64 and 4.57, not a 4.69 from what I read.
I'd argue that Long is more athletic, although Gholston may be stronger (if you count an event that includes 20-37 reps as a strength event) and a hair faster in the 40--not to mention bigger, with better capability to add weight. Long has better 3- cone, 20 yard shuttle- very good measures of altheticism, and is right there about neck and neck in vertical leap and broad jump, the best measures in the world in lower body power/explosiveness. His performance will have him going in the top 3 overall at 6'4 and 275 with those numbers. Apples / Oranges comparison IMO-- Long is clearly an elite prospect at 4-3 DE with Gholston a 3-4 rush OLB.
Chris long is nothing but a stud and is very athletic. He would be awesome in a 3-4 and he has the intensity you need. I love gholston but Chris Long is a gem and if we got either one I would be very happy.
Chris long is a DE no question about it I dont think he is fast enough to do the rush linebacker kind of thing
IF you are basing it solely on his 40 time you are at best ignorant. Go back and look at Mario Williams 40. He burned up the track, I want to say around 4.75 in the 40. That didn't mean he was going to stand up and drop into coverage. The way I see it, Long has given no indication he can run with tight ends and drop into coverage. He is still a De in my opinion.
This debate is going to be a good one. Gholston actually seems to be the better 4-3 end of the two, because Long actually tested better in the agility drills like teamgreen mentioned. It's 1A and 1B to me anyway. I'll take either one and be pretty happy.
If Chris Long is there, I want him. Play him at 3-4 DE, play him at 3-4 OLB, play him at 4-3 end, play him at 4-3 tackle, this guy will fit our defense in some way. Great talent, great character, great bloodlines, great performance.
Couldn't agree more. Anybody who's watched Chris Long play would agree that he's a defensive lineman, not a linebacker, putting him at OLB would be a complete misuse of his skillset. He's a solid pass rusher because he's quick and he uses his hands well, he's not the kind of speed guy who can rush from the OLB spot. In my mind, if he's available at six, the Jets are taking him regardless of who else is on the board, but it doesn't look like he'll be there.
Well, while we're discussing things that aren't going to happen, DeMarcus Ware and Lawrence Taylor in his prime would be even better.
IMO we might be in a position to draft Chris Long if the Dolphins select OT Jake Long, which I feel is a real possibility. Also, don't count out St. Louis taking Vernon Gholston especially after his 37 bench reps, 36" vertical and 4.64 40 time. I'd be satisfied with either Gholston or Long at #6.
I won't comment on which would make a better 3-4 OLB, but I want to say this. Chris Long is without a doubt the better football player of the two. I've watched them both play and Long brings it every f'n play 100MPH. That's the guy I want on my football team if I have a choice, I'll find a spot for him. That type of play is contagious and can bring a lot of energy to a team.
psssh.....i doubt chris long can play linebacker. his best asset is his hand placement at the point of attack. lineman skills. sure hes athletic but i doubt he could cover a NFL TE. if he ever wore a jets uni hed be better off trying to get up between 290-300 and sticking at DE. this is all a very moot point though cause chris long will be gone by 6. and gholston will probably be sitting in front of us.
Give me Gholston any day of the week. I would prefer a guy with experience at the position than a guy who spent all of college with his hand down. -X-
