SWG's NFL Draft Player Profiles: Chris Long

Chris Long
1st Team All-American
ACC Defensive POY
University of Virginia
6’4’’, 240 pounds

Like father, like son? If Chris Long can be like his father, he’ll be a Hall of Famer someday. There are many similarities between Chris Long and his father Howie Long. The Raiders HOF defensive end shares with his son a workhorse mentality, a bull rush pass rush style, and a last name. But for Chris to live up to the hype of being a “Long”, he’ll have to do it on his own.

Judging from last year’s performance, Long is living up to the top 5 draft hype. He collected 14 sacks for Virginia and was instrumental in the Cavaliers 22nd in the nation ranked defense. As a result of the Giants formidable D-line from a year ago, the demand for pass rushers is at an all-time high. And Chris Long certainly can be an answer to the needs of teams that want to mimic the Giants success.

Can two Long’s go #1 and #2? Maybe. The Rams at 2 could be in need of defensive line help, though they invested last year’s first round selection with defensive end Adam Carriker. The Falcons at 3 will also take a look at Chris, but if Glenn Dorsey is still on the board, that would be a logical fit. So with that being said, he could fall to a team that knows all too well the success of defensive end’s named Long; Howie’s former team the Raiders at pick #4.

Breaking News: Shaun Alexander Released

Shaun Alexander was released from the Seattle Seahawks today after completing a procedural physical. It had been speculated through the day that the Seahawks were releasing Alexander pending the results of the physical.

The Seattle Seahawks brought in TJ Duckett and Julius Jones this off season with the expectation of releasing him. The Seahawks all-time rushing leader played in only 23 games the last two seasons after earning the NFL MVP honor in 2005. A former first-round pick of the Seahawks, Alexander rushed for 9,429 yards and scored 100 touchdowns in eight seasons.

He has told teammates that he expects intrests from teams like the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots.

Last Three Seasons

	2005*	2006-07
Games	16	23
Rush yds	1,880	1,612
Yds per rush	5.1	3.5
Total TDs	28	12
20-yd runs	14	7
*Won 2005 NFL MVP

SWG's NFL Draft Player Profiles: Glenn Dorsey

Glenn Dorsey
SEC Defensive POY
Nagurski Award, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, Lott Award
Louisiana State University

Dorsey appeared in 38 games, 17 of which were starts, in his first three seasons at LSU (2004-'06). He recorded 110 tackles (14.5 TFL) and six sacks. As a senior last season Dorsey started all 14 games at both DT positions. He finished the season with 69 tackles (12.5 TFL), seven sacks, a forced fumble and four pass breakups. Dorsey was an anchor inside for the tough LSU defense and managed to accumulate those All-American statistics with nagging injuries.

Glenn Dorsey plays with a motor that does not stop running. While considered a little short for defensive lineman ( 6' 1 1/2"), his explosiveness off the snap allows him to overpower opposing offensive lineman. Even if his tremendous quickness doesn't get him good position he uses swim and rip moves very effectively. Two of the only knocks on Dorsey is both his long-term durability and effectiveness stacking the line against the run. His short stature makes him susceptible to bigger OL in the running game. Injury wise, he played 06' and 07' hurt so if he slips beyond the top 5, that would be why. However, based on all of his upside, I don't see him falling beyond the Top 5. He will most likely be drafted by the Atlanta Falcons at #3.

Weekly Wrap Up

The news you should care about....because it's the news we care about. That means it has to be important.

NFL
- Kansas City is looking to move Jared Allen.
- Chad Johnson wants out of Cincy.
- Brian Urlacher denies he is retiring but is insisting on a contract extension.
- NFL Draft begins this Saturday so grab some chips and soda.

MLB
- Hank Steinbrenner is a big baby.
- The Big Hurt no longer in Toronto.
- Philadelphia Phillies Jimmy Rollins put on DL for first time in career.
- Baseball journeyman John Marzano dies at 45 in Philadelphia.

NHL
- Penguins sweep the Senators.
- The Ducks won't be defending the Stanley Cup.
- Bruins force a game 7.

NBA
- Playoff basketball begins.
- Philadelphia 76ers upset Detroit Pistons.
- Spurs beat Suns in a wild one out west.

SWG's NFL Draft Player Profiles: Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden
Two-time Heisman runner-up
All-American, Walter Camp Award, Doak Walker Award honors
University of Arkansas
6’2’’ 210lbs


Run DMC has come into this year’s draft labeled as the best skill position player available. And you won’t get much argument here on that point. McFadden dazzled the fans for three years on Saturdays in the fall against tough, defensive minded SEC teams. Each year brought more yards, more touchdowns, and more carries all of which equaled productivity that can be associated with a running back that can carry the work load at the NFL level. For all the college accolades, he wasn’t able to take home the Heisman, finishing second for the award twice(06’ 2nd behind Troy Smith, 07’ 2nd behind Tim Tebow).

At 6’2”, 210 pounds, McFadden has ideal size for a big-time NFL back. His NFL Combine 40yd-dash time was 4.33, which was second among the running backs in this year’s class and suggests his quickness should translate well in the pros. Versatility is another strength of Run DMC. McFadden has good hands to be a receiving threat, speed for the return game, and even threw for seven touchdowns in his career at Arkansas. Despite some off-the-field issues, Darren McFadden will be a valuable commodity and probably be drafted no later than pick #7. Look for the Raiders at #4 and the Jets #6 to covet the talented back.

Check out Darren McFadden’s video profile for more info on Run DMC:

NFL DRAFT Hype Here at SWG

With the NFL Draft less than a week away, we at SWG will make sure you guys are in the know and ready for Saturday's draft.

Check in for new features everyday this week:

- Player Profiles of our Top 5 prospects, one each day

- Mock Drafts of the top 20 picks

- SWG Podcast that will feature team needs, position ratings, and overrated/underrated players