Breaking NewsSponsored by The Sullivan Auto Group
Subscribe: Home Delivery Special!
NFL Combine Notes: Long already knows all about the Raiders
By Jason Jones - jjones@sacbee.com
Last Updated 12:28 am PST Sunday, February 24, 2008
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C2
INDIANAPOLIS - Chris Long knows one thing about being an Raider: Al Davis is in charge.
Long, son of Hall of Fame defensive lineman and Raiders star Howie Long, could be the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft.
The Raiders would consider adding such a player, whose talents as an every-down defensive end would help Oakland's defense.
Unlike most prospects at the combine, Long wouldn't be meeting Davis for the first time.
"My earliest memory of Al Davis was ducking in the car when I came to visit my dad at training camp because there were no families allowed in," Long said. "That was my earliest memory. Don't tell Al Davis that happened."
If drafted by the Raiders, the 6-foot-3, 272-pound All-American out of Virginia said he wouldn't put any special emphasis on playing for the team with which his father made his legacy.
"It would mean the same as playing anywhere else, honestly," Long said. "It would be an opportunity to play in the NFL. ... I'm not afraid of any situation or any burden with the name. I've been dealing with this stuff my whole life."
Several experts predict Long to be selected No. 1 overall by the Miami Dolphins. Being chosen first comes with a lot of pressure, and Long said scrutiny is magnified when that pick is a defensive player.
"When you're picked at number one, as (Houston defensive end) Mario Williams was (in 2006), people don't have patience," Long said.
"When you don't touch the ball on a regular basis and you're playing at a position like his, the only number they look at is sacks."
Familiar face - The Raiders are familiar with USC's Sedrick Ellis, even though the defensive tackle doesn't have family ties. With LSU's Glenn Dorsey, Ellis is considered one of the best interior defensive linemen available.
With Warren Sapp's retirement and a disappointing season from Terdell Sands, Ellis could help fix the Raiders' run defense.
"Teams need tackles, and tackles aren't something you can make from a different position," Ellis said. "We're kind of born. Not everybody has the body type."
Ellis (6-0, 309) has broad shoulders and is known to play with good leverage.He said he's comfortable at nose tackle, playing over a guard and taking on blockers.
Stats - The NFL released the top performances in skill tests for offensive linemen and tight ends.
Michigan tackle Jake Long benchpressed 225 pounds 37 times. Cal's Craig Stevens led tight ends with 27 reps.
Texas A&M lineman Cody Wallace boasted a 301/2-inch vertical leap. Purdue tight end Dustin Keller had a 38-inch vertical leap.
Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
Recommend this story at Yahoo! Buzz:
Unique content, exceptional value. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Most Popular
More Stories in Sports
News |
Sports |
Business |
Politics |
Opinion |
Entertainment |
Living Here |
Travel |
Blogs |
Cars |
Homes |
Jobs |
Classifieds/Shopping
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map | Advertise | Guide to The Bee | Bee Jobs | FAQs | RSS
Contact Us | e-edition | Subscribe | Manage Your Subscription | E-newsletters | Sacbeemail | Archives
sacbee.com | Sacramento.com | Capitol Alert | SacMomsClub.com | SacPaws.com | SacWineRegion.com
Copyright © The Sacramento Bee
2100 Q St. P.O. Box 15779 Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 321-1000