Truth & Rumors > NFL

Can Long play left tackle?

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Dolphins rookie left tackle Jake Long uses Jason Taylor-like dance steps to dodge questions about which side of the offensive line he prefers to play, but coach Tony Sparano never minced words when discussing the future location for his top draft pick. "We see Jake as a left tackle. Left tackle is our need, and that's where he's going to be playing for us," Sparano said the week after the draft. Sparano, General Manager Jeff Ireland and Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells ignored all the pre-draft chatter from pundits such as NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock, who is convinced the 6-foot-7, 315-pound Long will dominate as a run-blocking right tackle but will struggle initially on the left side against the league's elite speed rushers.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Jake Long, AP Jake Long, AP
July 2, 2008  07:41 AM ET

For the kind of jack he's getting, he has to end up at left tackle.

July 2, 2008  08:54 AM ET

A player with his talent and ability will be able to play either successfully. Tuna would not have drafted him if he could not make an immediate impact where they need him.

July 2, 2008  08:58 AM ET

He's a monster and will take plenty of space up on the left side and
protect the QB's back-side so I know it will happen.

July 2, 2008  09:53 AM ET

I don't think the Dolphins would spend this much money and the first pick in the draft for a right tackle.......he has to play on the left side, doesn't he?

July 2, 2008  09:56 AM ET

Adalious Thomas is gonna have this big dumb guy's number!!!!

July 2, 2008  11:47 AM ET

He will struggle at the start but he should be fine by the end of the year or next season. There is a high learning curve for rookie offernsive linemen (especially left tackle) which can be offset when you have good players lining up with them or decent players lining up next to them (much like Joe Thomas last year in Cleveland).

July 2, 2008  12:37 PM ET

He better play left tackle, for all that money if they wanted him to be a Place kicker he better do it

July 2, 2008  01:05 PM ET

that big monster will be effective where ever they want to put him. i think this guy is a can't miss player

July 2, 2008  02:38 PM ET

Adalious Thomas is gonna have this big dumb guy's number!!!!

So what if we cheated? | 07/02/08, 09:56 AM

----------------------

Isn't it Adalius Thomas? Note to all FN posters: If you are going to call someone dumb, please spell check. Thanks.

July 2, 2008  03:32 PM ET

He better play left tackle, for all that money if they wanted him to be a Place kicker he better do it

Hank Hill | 07/02/08, 12:37 PM

Agreed.

July 2, 2008  04:39 PM ET

you tell that Patriot cheater thong man!!!!

July 2, 2008  04:43 PM ET

What a stupid question. Its like asking if the Tuna can scarf down 5 BLTs with a couple of milk shakes. No duh!

July 2, 2008  04:45 PM ET

the tuna needs a wonderbra

July 2, 2008  05:00 PM ET

Rumor has it he can go both ways!

July 2, 2008  05:33 PM ET

Even established Pro Bowl LTs can struggle against the elite speed rushers in the NFL. I would imagine Jake Long probably will a bit too, especially as a rookie. It's not a huge reach to predict that.

July 2, 2008  05:51 PM ET

For that kind of money he should be able to play all 22 positions...

July 2, 2008  07:15 PM ET

I think he will be able to adapt because the man is a beast.

July 2, 2008  07:34 PM ET

For some reason I'm getting the feeling this guy isn't going to be another Pace, Ogden, Thomas, but another Robbert Gallery.

July 2, 2008  11:34 PM ET

The best picture of Jake Long they could find, this is?

 
July 3, 2008  12:01 AM ET

I agree slacker

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