Buffalo Bills: Is Jake Long Worth Taking a Gamble on?
By Paul Taylor
With Jake Long finally healthy for the first time in years, should the Buffalo Bills take a chance on the former first overall draft pick, in order to boost their offensive line depth?
As with most NFL teams, the Buffalo Bills‘ offensive line will go a long way towards deciding the success of the offense – and by extension the team as a whole – in 2016. The success of the Bills line last season is open to interpretation, but there were plenty of positive signs.
For a start, the fact the Bills led the league in rushing is extremely encouraging. Further, regardless of your opinion on how Pro Football Focus works out their rankings, putting the Bills line in ninth place has to count for something.
Of course, there’s always room for improvement. For example, the Bills allowed the 11th-most sacks last season, although some of this was down to Tyrod Taylor‘s inexperience as a starter.
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In truth, most of the question marks relate to the right side of the line, with John Miller focused on recovering from a frustrating rookie campaign. In addition, will Seantrel Henderson be healthy enough return to action, or will Jordan Mills begin the upcoming season as the starting right tackle?
Despite the relatively settled nature on the left side of the line (and at center) you can never have too much depth on one of the most important areas of the team. In that respect, could it be worth the Bills time taking a look at Jake Long?
Yes, that would be the same Jake Long who was drafted first overall in 2008 and was voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons. Unfortunately, it is also the same Jake Long whose prime was far too short, due to constant injury issues.
However, the Lapeer, Michigan native insists he’s ready to play again and is searching for a new team. Speaking recently to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, he said: “This is the healthiest and best I’ve felt in probably about five, six years.
“My knee’s back. I’ve just been working out, feeling good and ready for the opportunity when it comes along.”
Long’s health was likely helped by not playing much last season, with the Atlanta Falcons. He’s also cut his weight down to 308 lbs, something he feels good about.
The 31-year old appreciates he has to show people he still has the desire to play, something which was questioned during 2015. However, this will take a backseat to proving he really is over his knee issues.
For what it’s worth, Long is genuinely convinced that he is: “When I wake up my knee doesn’t hurt, you know what I mean?
“I feel the strength back – you can see it, you can feel it. My body feels good the way I’m moving, working out and how good I feel moving on it.”
In truth, the former Miami Dolphins’ player is likely a long shot to make any team he signs for. However, given that you will be getting a former First-team All-Pro at a bargain price, it couldn’t hurt the Bills to give him that shot.
Next: Tyrod Taylor negotiations headed in the right direction
While no one doubts Jake Long’s resume, what are your thoughts on him? Should the Bills take a chance on the 2008 first overall draft pick, or stay well away from him? Let us know in the comments section below.