[Nick_Weasel]

Originally Posted by RAMarkable

Let's review your post bit by bit, shall we? You stated that "Long and Dorsey are similar in terms of talent." How do you know this? From what I've been able to gather the majority of teams (and most especially the Rams) rate Dorsey the better prospect. Just how much better is, of course, anybody's guess; however, imho, I think that Dorsey is at least rated significantly superior to Long.

1.) Needs are subject to change at a moments notice. Did you read Jim Thomas' article yesterday? He did a wonderful analysis about the allegedly "deep" Rams DT position. An injury or a suspension can change things muy pronto in the NFL.

2.) And according to the Rams neither does Glen Dorsey. Seriously now, what can you say about a guy that never missed in a game in college? That he's injury prone?

3.) But Carriker's main value may just be that he is a versatile player capable of playing anywhere along the D-line. And, at this point, nobody really knows just which position (if any) he may be best suited for. Also, not to disparage Adam, but he in all likelihood will never be the UT that Dorsey is projected to be.

4.) Actually it is usually the other way around. It is very difficult to find 300+ Lbs. men that can move and play with quickness and speed in the trenches. Yes I know that the NFL places a premium on pass rushers, but B. Devaney himself said that Long was not a natural pass rusher. He's just another high motor guy and you can find those elsewhere in the draft.

I hope that I've answered your concerns to your satisfaction.

WHAT SAY YE?

I do not know whether Long or Dorsey is the "better" player, but I do know there is a split over which is the better prospect, though I readily admit there are probably more in the Dorsey camp than in the Long camp.

re #1 - Yes I read that article, but you do not draft somebody #2 overall to solve "depth" issues.

re #2 - I didn't say he's injury prone, but I did suggest he has some injury concerns, which should be obvious.

re #3 - Just because Carriker could play DE does not mean he will be as dominant there as he could be at DT or that there is no cost to moving him around.

re #4 - Just because C. Long plays the run well doesn't mean he is bad against the pass, and just because he is "high motor" doesn't mean he's unathletic.