:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12174715/162441404.0.jpg)
With the 20th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Kyle Long, offensive guard, Oregon (6'7, 313).
Despite acquiring OT Jermon Bushrod and TE Marcellus Bennett, the Bears had a very real need on the interior, and general manager Phil Emery hopes that Long will fill that need.
Kyle is the son of Howie Long and brother of Chris, and has had a storied history at Oregon.
The son of Hall-of-Fame defensive end Howie Long and brother to current St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long, the 6-foot-7, 313-pound Kyle (who both Howie and Chris call the best athlete in the family) started his collegiate athletic career as a fireballing pitcher for Florida State. But a DUI in Jan., 2009 gave him a night in jail, and a boot off the Seminoles' team. Long went back home, got his life in order, and enrolled at Saddleback Junior College in Mission Viejo, Ca.
He put in two seasons there -- the first on the defensive line and the second on the offensive line -- and moved up to Oregon's offense and into their line with minimal preparation. Long started four games at left guard and excelled as a backup tackle without even taking part in spring football for the Ducks. Long petitioned the NCAA for another year of eligibility, a request that was denied. So now, he's looking to apply his raw but estimable skills to the NFL.
Pros: Looks like a prototype of the athletic offensive lineman -- outstanding musculature, big legs, wide butt. As a guard or tackle, shows impressive pulling speed -- gets out of his stance quickly and he's on the move. Shows good lateral agility in slide protection. Truly impressive upper-body strength, especially for a guy as tall as he is who doesn't always pop up out of his stance as low as you'd like -- will occasionally take linemen and just bury them anyway. That attribute (plus his huge wingspan) allows him to take on one blocker with one hand while he moves upfield to deal with another. Good and rapidly improving pass-blocker -- Long drops back smoothly and obstructs anybody in front of him once he's set his base.
Long definitely has first-round talent, and has a chance to compete immediately for a starting position.
Thoughts? Vote below!