Pass-rushers usually take some time to develop
By
Bernie Miklasz
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Saturday, May. 10 2008
Chris Long, the Rams' No. 1 draft choice, has the necessary skill and attitude
to be a top defensive end in the NFL. But how soon can he develop into a feared
pass rusher?
History shows us that it usually takes time for even the most talented DEs to
get to the quarterback on a frequent basis.
Mario Williams, drafted No. 1 overall by Houston in 2006, had 4.5 sacks as a
rookie, and 14 in his second season. In 2007, the defensive ends picked in the
first round combined for only 10 sacks. In 2005, the three first-round DEs
produced 13.5 sacks combined. In 2004, three first-rounders at DE had 16 sacks
among them.
There are exceptions, of course. In 2005 Chicago received 12 sacks from rookie
defensive end Mark Anderson, and he wasn't picked until the fifth round. In
2002, early first-rounders Julius Peppers (Carolina) and Dwight Freeney
(Indianapolis) made immediate impact with the rush, with 12 and 11 sacks,
respectively.
Long is often compared (fairly or not) to Seattle's Patrick Kerney. Kerney had
five sacks over his first two seasons, then erupted for 12 in his third year.
The expectations for Long are high. He was the second overall pick, and the
Rams were overjoyed to get him. But how soon will he crank up the pass rush?
That's a big question.
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