Chris Long

[Sassy]

Snap Judgments
Long doesn't feel pressure of following famous father
Posted: Saturday February 23, 2008 7:18PM; Updated: Saturday February 23, 2008 7:47PM


Chris Long, who recorded 14 sacks in 2007, received the Hendricks Award as the top defensive end.
AP



Also in this column:
• Another loss for the Patriots
• Darren McFadden not the top-rated running back?
• More NFL news and notes.

INDIANAPOLIS -- In by far the most colorful anecdote of the day at the NFL Scouting Combine, Chris Long told us Saturday that he once as a child hid from Al Davis, hitting the floorboard of the family car when the Raiders owner appeared and started chatting up his Hall of Fame father, former Oakland defensive lineman Howie Long, at training camp.

Who knows, but that might have been one of the last times the younger Long could have gone unnoticed by anyone connected with the NFL.

When your last name is Long, and you play defensive line seemingly as well as your famous father, you're not going to blend into the scenery too often. But that's OK, because Long's high profile -- and obvious talent -- might just catapult him into the No. 1 spot of this year's NFL draft.

"I'm not afraid of any situation or any burden with the name,'' said the University of Virginia star in his press briefing at the combine. "I've been dealing with this stuff my whole life. But obviously it will be taken to a new level in a place like that, [if he were to be drafted by No. 4 Oakland]. It's pressure, but I tend to welcome any pressure with open arms.''

In a draft that's severely short on sizzle -- observers have likened it to 1991, in which Russell Maryland went first overall -- Long has commanded a good deal of the spotlight here in Indy. He's projected to go somewhere in the top three or four picks, and Long or Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan are the current favorites for the coveted and lucrative No. 1 spot.

But about his one and only meeting with Davis, which Long seemed to regret bringing up as soon as it was out of his mouth. He can't even remember how old he was at the time, only that the Raiders had a rule against family visitation at training camp, and he and his mom were violating it.

"Don't tell Al Davis that happened," Long said. "It was so long ago. I was a little kid. I just got down in the car. I was young enough to hide on the floor of a car, which means I was pretty young.''

But Long isn't taking a backseat to anyone these days. Not even his dad, the square-jawed and crew-cutted Howie, or his younger brother Kyle, who is a highly regarded left-handed high school pitcher who might go first overall in baseball's June draft.

"It's not his style to want to steal the spotlight from his sons,'' Chris Long said of his dad. "Everybody has a time, and this is our time. I've said, 'Dad, you're an old man now. It's not your time any more.' He's done a great job with that and I'm grateful.''

Too funny!

Long and the rest of the defensive linemen here will work out on Monday in the RCA Dome. Long will do everything but the bench press, he said, saving that drill for his March 18 pro day in Charlottesville, Va.

"I sprained my thumb in the bowl game,'' Long said. "For about two weeks I just let it rest. Once I started benching, I'm not where I want to be yet, and this will buy me another couple of weeks.''

The NFL will wait. A long time if need be. That's one of the advantages of having Long for a last name.

[BritBronco Maniac]

Originally Posted by Sassy

In a draft that's severely short on sizzle -- observers have likened it to 1991, in which Russell Maryland went first overall

I don't recall who went after Maryland in 1991, but I presume this is a negative comment about this year's draft crop? Or are they just saying that there are a lack of flair players, in that the top players taken aren't likely to be QB's and WRs?
How exactly does this year figure in terms of talent?

[SpringStein]

My take on this year's class.

1. Not as good as two years ago, but much better than last year.
2. Not a great year for top QBs, and that gives it a lesser reputation.
3. Is very deep. There will be excellent players throughout the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
4. If you want RB, OT, WR, CB, or LB - this is a good/great year for all those positions.
5. If you need S, QB, interior OL - it's an average to weak year.
6. To me, TE and DL fall between those two categories. (Although I have seen some who claim this will be a good year for TE as well.)

[ICON]

Originally Posted by BritBronco Maniac

I don't recall who went after Maryland in 1991, but I presume this is a negative comment about this year's draft crop? Or are they just saying that there are a lack of flair players, in that the top players taken aren't likely to be QB's and WRs?
How exactly does this year figure in terms of talent?

1 Russell Maryland DT Miami (Fla.) Dallas Cowboys


2 Eric Turner FS UCLA Cleveland Browns
Eric Ray Turner (September 20, 1968 — May 28, 2000) was a defensive back who played for the Cleveland Browns, the Baltimore Ravens and the Oakland Raiders. He died of intestinal cancer at the age of 31.

Turner played college football at UCLA and was the 2nd overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft - the highest choice ever for a defensive back.

Turner recorded 30 interceptions in just 109 career games, including returns for touchdowns of 93 and 94 yards.

3 Bruce Pickens CB Nebraska Atlanta Falcons

4 Mike Croel OLB Nebraska Denver Broncos
Croel was selected by the Broncos in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft. In 1991 he was chosen as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the UPI AFL-AFC Rookie of the Year award. In that same rookie year, Croel recorded 10 sacks, his single-season high. In 101 career games, Croel scored one touchdown, recorded 24.0 sacks, 2 interceptions and 38 yards. Today, Croel resides in Los Angeles, working as a graphic designer, designing movie posters and websites, and lives with his wife and two daughters.

5 Todd Lyght CB Notre Dame Los Angeles Rams

Todd William Lyght (born February 9, 1969 in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands), is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1st round (5th overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. A 6'0", 191-lb. cornerback from the University of Notre Dame and Flint Powers Catholic High School, Lyght played in 12 NFL seasons from 1991 to 2002. His best year as a pro came during the 1999 season for the Super Bowl champion Rams, when he intercepted 6 passes for 112 yards and 1 touchdown.

6 Eric Swann DE No College Phoenix Cardinals
7 Charles McRae T Tennessee Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8 Antone Davis T Tennessee Philadelphia Eagles
9 Stanley Richard FS Texas San Diego Chargers

10 Herman Moore WR Virginia Detroit Lions
Moore was drafted in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, where he enjoyed a great deal of success. He was selected to four Pro Bowls, from 1994-1997. He was the second player (after Jerry Rice) to have three 100-catch seasons. Also in 1995, Moore and teammate Brett Perriman (108 catches) became the first WR duo to each catch more than 100 receptions in the same season. In his highly successful 1995 season Moore caught a career high 123 balls (an NFL record at the time). In 1998, Herman Moore received the inaugural All-Iron Award for his performance in the Thanksgiving game.

Moore finished his 12 NFL seasons with 670 receptions for 9,174 yards and 62 touchdowns.


11 Pat Harlow T USC New England Patriots
12 Alvin Harper WR Tennessee Dallas Cowboys
13 Mike Pritchard WR Colorado Atlanta Falcons
14 Leonard Russell RB Arizona State New England Patriots
15 Huey Richardson LB Florida Pittsburgh Steelers
16 Dan McGwire QB San Diego State Seattle Seahawks
17 Bobby Wilson DT Michigan State Washington Redskins
18 Alfred Williams OLB Colorado Cincinnati Bengals
19 Vinnie Clark CB Ohio State Green Bay Packers
20 Kelvin Pritchett DT Mississippi Dallas Cowboys
21 Harvey Williams RB Louisiana State Kansas City Chiefs
22 Stan Thomas T Texas Chicago Bears
23 Randal Hill WR Miami (Fla.) Miami Dolphins
24 Todd Marinovich QB USC Los Angeles Raiders
25 Ted Washington NT Louisville San Francisco 49ers
26 Henry Jones DB Illinois Buffalo Bills
27 Jarrod Bunch FB Michigan New York Giants


1991 - Round 2
Sel # Player Position School Team
28 Mike Dumas DB Indiana Houston Oilers
29 Ed King G Auburn Cleveland Browns
30 Reggie Johnson TE Florida State Denver Broncos



1992 1991 1990

12 - 4 (pythagorean: 10 - 6 .676)

1991 Denver Broncos

Coaching:
Dan Reeves 12 - 4 (playoffs:1 - 1)

1991 Draft
1 (4, 4) - Mike Croel, Nebraska, LB
2 (3, 30) - Reggie Johnson, Florida State, TE
3 (6, 61) - Keith Traylor, Central State (OK), LB
4 (6, 89) - Derek Russell, Arkansas, WR
5 (4, 115) - Greg Lewis, Washington, RB
6 (3, 142) - Nick Subis, San Diego State, T
8 (5, 200) - Kenny Walker, Nebraska, DE
9 (4, 227) - Don Gibson, USC, DT
10 (3, 253) - Curtis Mayfield, Oklahoma State, WR
11 (6, 284) - Shawn Moore, Virginia, QB

[mattob14]

Originally Posted by SpringStein

My take on this year's class.

1. Not as good as two years ago, but much better than last year.
2. Not a great year for top QBs, and that gives it a lesser reputation.
3. Is very deep. There will be excellent players throughout the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
4. If you want RB, OT, WR, CB, or LB - this is a good/great year for all those positions.
5. If you need S, QB, interior OL - it's an average to weak year.
6. To me, TE and DL fall between those two categories. (Although I have seen some who claim this will be a good year for TE as well.)

I agree for the most part. The depth of this year's class is similar to 2006, there just isn't the top-end talent like Reggie Bush or Mario Williams and the 3 QB's (all of whom were better prospects than Matt Ryan).

[Arkie]

Where are they now?

3 Bruce Pickens CB Nebraska Atlanta Falcons
Played for four seasons for the Falcons, Packers, Chiefs, and Raiders.

He currently runs a doomsday cult in Oxnard, CA.


7 Charles McRae T Tennessee Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Was the first offensive player selected. In 71 games with the Bucs, McRae started 38 before finishing his carrier with Oakland.

Charles returned to Tennessee in 2001 and earned his MBA degree. Charles was chosen to be the first Adminstrator for Vista Radiology, PC in March of 2003, a position he still holds in addition to Chief Manager of Integrated Practice Services, LLC. In addtion to working and playing with his four children, Charles is a licensed pilot, gardner, boater and outdoorsman.


12 Alvin Harper WR Tennessee Dallas Cowboys
He was the Cowboys 2nd pick in the 1st round as they continued to build their future dynasty in 1991. After a very successful role in Dallas, Harper is considered one of the biggest free agent busts in history. Harper played in 25 games for the Buccaneers where he caught 65 passes for 922 yards and three touchdowns. Harper played for the Washington Redskins in 12 games, in which he caught only two passes for 65 yards.

In 1999, Harper was arrested by the Maryland State Police and charged with possession of fake license plates, for which he served unsupervised probation.

In 2001, Harper signed with the Memphis Maniax of the XFL but he did not finish among the league's top 10 receivers in any category. In 2005, Harper was a volunteer wide receivers coach with NFL Europa team Rhein Fire. Nobody knows what he's doing now.

15 Huey Richardson LB Florida Pittsburgh Steelers
With three picks remaining before the Steelers picked at number 15, they had three players targeted that they would be willing to select: Alvin Harper, Mike Pritchard, or Leonard Russell. When those three players were all drafted with the three preceding selections, Pittsburgh was unprepared and was forced to make a decision on a player before their 15 minute time limit expired.

Richardson played only five games with the Steelers in 1991, registering no statistics. Following the season, Chuck Noll was replaced by Bill Cowher. One of Cowher's first moves was to trade Richardson to the Redskins for a seventh round draft pick. After four games with the Redskins, he was released and signed with the Jets. At the end of the 1992 season, after seven games with the Jets, Richardson's career ended, registering no tackles or measurable statistics.

Huey returned to college and earned his MBA from Emory University in 2000 and currently works as a financial analyst for Merrill Lynch in New York City. He was in the World Trade Center for a meeting on the morning of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. His meeting was scheduled to take place on an upper floor of the building but he was delayed in the lobby before boarding the elevator. He was able to leave the building safely after the first plane hit the building.


16 Dan McGwire QB San Diego State Seattle Seahawks
At 6'8", he is the tallest quarterback to have ever played in the NFL. He's been loving life after his brother’s legacy was torn apart during his testimony at a Congressional hearing on steroids.

“Ever since it became clear that I wasn’t a NFL-caliber quarterback a decade ago, I’ve been looked at as the failure of the family,” said Dan McGwire, “It’s a welcome change to be regarded as the ‘good’ McGwire brother.”


21 Harvey Williams RB Louisiana State Kansas City Chiefs
He sucked for the Chiefs and the Raiders. Who cares what he's doing now? That's all.


23 Randal Hill WR Miami (Fla.) Miami Dolphins
He was just inducted into The U's HOF on Feb 13, 2008. He's a very small man, but still bigger than DeSean Jackson.


24 Todd Marijuanavich QB USC Los Angeles Raiders
Robo QB was a bust in the NFL. Before he was sucking for the Raiders, he was arrested while attending USC, on charges of rape and substance abuse. After he sucked for the Raiders, in 1997 he was arrested for growing weed and served three months in jail. In 2000, Marinovich was arrested for sexual assault, followed by a 2001 arrest on heroin possession. In 2005, he was arrested in a public bathroom in Newport Beach, California, after being found with drug paraphernalia and child pornography. He fled on a child's bicycle, but was caught a few blocks away. He gave his occupation as "unemployed artist" and "anarchist" on the police report, which stated that his pupils were dilated and his behavior "erratic." In 2007, Marinovich was arrested and charged with felony drug possession and resisting a police order after being stopped on his skateboard near the Newport Beach Pier boardwalk. Marinovich ran away when officers tried to stop him. He was found hiding in a carport about six blocks away. He had a guitar case, and inside officers found about a gram of powdered methamphetamine, a metal spoon and a hypodermic needle. Marinovich was arrested and pleaded not guilty to felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor counts of unauthorized possession of a hypodermic and resisting a police officer.

It's funny that the fade drafted him instead of Brett Favre who went 9 picks later.

[That One Guy]

Originally Posted by Arkie

15 Huey Richardson LB Florida Pittsburgh Steelers
With three picks remaining before the Steelers picked at number 15, they had three players targeted that they would be willing to select: Alvin Harper, Mike Pritchard, or Leonard Russell. When those three players were all drafted with the three preceding selections, Pittsburgh was unprepared and was forced to make a decision on a player before their 15 minute time limit expired.

Richardson played only five games with the Steelers in 1991, registering no statistics. Following the season, Chuck Noll was replaced by Bill Cowher. One of Cowher's first moves was to trade Richardson to the Redskins for a seventh round draft pick. After four games with the Redskins, he was released and signed with the Jets. At the end of the 1992 season, after seven games with the Jets, Richardson's career ended, registering no tackles or measurable statistics.

That has got to be in contention for the biggest draft bust in history. When you pick a guy 15th overall and after one year, you trade him for a 7th... that's just terrible.