Travis Long and the NFL: Philadelphia Eagles
By Josh Davis
Philadelphia Eagles
Stacked Against the Pick:
August 9, 2012; Philadelphia, PA USA; Initials for Garrett Reid, son of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who died last Sunday are on the Eagles helmet during game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Not as much as Wilson’s issues with being drafted by this Eagles team, but Long faces a long shot at best of even having a shot if he were to be drafted by Philly. Even with his versatility, Long really lacks the ideal athleticism and pure speed that Chip Kelly likes in his linebackers. Guys like Mychal Kendricks, Kasey Matthews, newly signed Emmanual Acho, Jason Phillips and DeMeco Ryans exemplify a group of linebackers that flash everything that Long is not.
The Perfect Storm:
If Philly were to take a shot on Long, it would come at defensive end, which is not what most teams are looking for out of him. Remember though that he started at end for his first 3 seasons and produced at least respectable numbers on a terrible overall defense. He could add depth to that position but again I’m not sure I see it. It’s possible Kelly saw enough while coaching in the Pac-12 to have fallen in love with what Long brings to the table, but I’m not sure the Eagles can afford to not address other needs.
Likelihood of Getting Drafted by Eagles:
F