Seeing as there have only been 5 #1 left tackles taken overall (I think I remember hearing that stat correctly, if I find a link with information I'll put it up) that is an incredible thing.
Only 2 in the modern era, Ron Yary a HoF LT with the Vikings, and our Jake Long. Ryan Clady is getting the accolades, Big Jake is getting the play off start. #edited to add Orlando Pace, but he didn't play LT all of his rookie season.
Pretty amazing when you see that he is actually the 1st #1 pick of the draft that was picked by the previous years worst team and made it to the playoffs. What a testament to this coaching staff and front office. We have a wonderful eye for talent acquisition and I am really really looking forward to this years draft. I cant believe I actually said that being that we are in the playoffs.
I think it's a little more prolific that what we are reading. As I read it, it has nothing to do with his position. I think it's like he's only the fourth number one over all draft pick to start in a playoff game in their rookie season. Kind of signifying how far a team has come after being so bad the year before.
Orlando Pace was drafted #1 overall in 1997 and will likely end up in the HOF as well. Let's hope Jake can keep up that tradition.
How long has it been since the Dolphin's have had a franchise left tackle? Its nice to know that they placed so much importance in the offensive line since it felt like no one else saw any importance in it in the past. Their serious consideration of the offensive line is probably one of the reasons we are in the playoffs.
Baltimore used their very first pick,#4 overall on J.O.. Many people were pissed because we didn't pick the #1 rated running back,which was Laurence Phillips. You guys will never regret picking a Left Tackle like long. Very sound decision. H.H.
Good for Jake. He's deserved it. The whole team has. But Jake has had a pretty darn good year, which definitely helped this team progress. Lets hope Long can make an extremely rare superbowl start this year too
Craziness. IIRC, Odgen played guard his rookie year (at a pretty high level, mind you). We'll be lucky if Long reaches JO's level. But he's surpassing expectations thus far!
It's saying the #1 pick overall, regardless of position. Only 3 other #1 overall picks have started in the playoffs the next season (Jake will be the fourth). And, as the article points out, the other 3 had special circumstances.
I think that was the best first round of the draft any team has every had. Two players who come into the conversation of best ever at their position, and at two of the most important positions (MLB and LT).