Jake Long

BigDog74 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 529 Location: Minnesota

News out of Miami is that may be on his way out. Now I'm a realist so I know this is a huge leap of faith and I put the chances of it really happening at <1% but...

With his declining play is there anyway we could look into him as a RT? Here is why I think it makes sense:

1. We aren't paying Kalil a huge cornerstone LT salary. May be give Long a two year deal?

2. Is Loadholt the answer at RT? His play has also declined recently.

3. I know 6' 8" OGs aren't exactly common, but we could slide Loadholt to RG and solidify one of our biggest needs.

4. With a line core of Kalil, Sullivan, Loadholt and Long we'd be set. Ponder backers such as myself couldn't use the protection argument and AD would have huge holes.

Again it's a shot in the dark (Long will most certainly find a suitor as a LT) but I figured I'd at least mention it and get your takes on the possibility.

vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66567

Vikefan79 · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 25060 Location: Atlanta

I think Loadholt has played well. Some of Peterson's best run have come from running on Loadholts side. Where we need to spend money on the line is upgrading the guard position.
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JMac79 · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 2511 Location: St. Anthony, MN

Yep, think I'll join the chorus noting that Loadholt's play has improved this season; he may never be the greatest pass protecting RT, but he's one of the best in run blocking, and he's improved in his pass sets.

From what I've heard, Long's play has gone downhill from a couple years ago, but my guess is that there will be teams needing help at either OT spot that would willing to throw some good money at hoping Long can rebound. Similarly, I'm not a fan of trying to slide Loadholt (or Long for that matter) in to play OG; at 6-8 and not the being the most athletic or agile guy, I don't know if he can get low enough to play with decent leverage inside. That's not mentioning the issue of having a guy his size potentially blocking the QB's throwing lanes in the pocket.

It's an interesting idea, but I think the money would be best used elsewhere...
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marshpit23 · Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 691 Location: Baxter, MN

Sloppy28 · Joined: 16 Apr 2012 Posts: 420

From what I've heard, the lack of production this year from Long has come with Miami's switch to a WCO... So, I'm not sure he would be a great fit with us anyways. And I also don't think he will settle for a 2 year deal. I'm sure other (better) offers will be on the table.
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BigDog74 · Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 529 Location: Minnesota

Loadholt's play has improved this year I agree. But I do think he still struggles from time to time with Pass Pro. He seems to be a fantastic fit at OG (minus his size) with his ability to dominate in the run game and Long would be a great pass blocker, while still excelling in the run game at RT I believe. It was just some food for thought and a more of a discussion point instead of something I actually think could/should happen

arKnaD7 · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 1438

Long will not sign with a team to be a RT. (Unless they throw ridiculous money at him)

Loadholt will walk (he's a UFA after the season) if the plan is to move him to guard.
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rpmwr19 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 16906 Location: Stillwater, MN

Pay Long, LT money to play RT... no thanks.
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LostRoadStone · Joined: 06 Jul 2012 Posts: 1001

No thanks. According to PFF, Loadholt is the 6th ranked RT in the NFL. He has been getting better. I'd rather take the money it would take to sign Long, and resign Loadholt, and sign Andy Levitre.
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GoneWithTheWind · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 11:07 am Post subject: Re: Jake Long

SteelKing728 · Joined: 23 Aug 2008 Posts: 10849 Location: Pittsburgh

couldn't Long just play Guard?
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2013 Adopt a Minnesota Viking - Jared Allen - DE - #69

GoneWithTheWind · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 11:32 am Post subject:

rpmwr19 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 16906 Location: Stillwater, MN

vikingsrule · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 7:41 pm Post subject:

Just an all around unlikely proposal. Long is a good LT, but we will soon have one of the best in Kalil. You dont need premier RTs and OGs to get by in the NFL. We dont even know if Long can play OG.