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Chris Long Gives Jim Haslett Some Options

Apr 26, 2008 – 3:24 PM
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Tom Mantzouranis

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With two blue chip prospects, both with great personality and character, I'd have to guess that the Rams' decision between Glenn Dorsey and Chris Long came down to Adam Carriker.

Last year's first-round selection came out of college with the option of playing end or tackle, and the Rams chose to play him inside last year. It was assumed whoever the pick was this year would determine whether Carriker stayed inside or moved out to end. With Long being the guy, Carriker will remain the nose tackle.

But not strictly. Long's ability to play a traditional end role or stand up as a pass rusher gives Rams' defensive coordinator Jim Haslett many more options for his rush schemes. The versatility of Long and Carriker will let the Rams shift their linemen and move both players around to disguise their blitzes, a problem for their vanilla rush, which only produced 31 sacks last year.
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