Mike Mayock Thinks Jake Long Would Make a Better Right Tackle in the NFL

NFL Network draft maestro Mike Mayock has been beating this drum for the last six months: former Michigan left tackle Jake Long would make a much better right tackle in the NFL, at least to start his career.

"He's got the talent, the toughness and the emotional stability to play left tackle at a high level, if he's transitioned over time ... I know he's a good athlete; I know he's left-handed and is used to playing the left side. With all those things, I think he could be inundated his first two seasons because I've seen tape when he goes up against defensive ends with NFL-type speed, and he struggles a little bit.

Jake doesn't have the rare feet of a Joe Thomas, who started at left tackle from Day 1."

Obviously, the Dolphins disagree, because Long, who signed with the team in the days leading up to the draft, will be the starting left tackle come Sept. 7. Mayock thinks it makes more sense to keep Vernon Carey on the left side, start Long on the right side and gradually transition him into the job. Unfortunately, the Dolphins won just once last year; they don't have the luxury to groom players.

Browns general manager Phil Savage agrees with Mayock, but is also realistic about the situation: "That's the biggest question teams have to ask; if you take Jake Long in the top five, you almost have to say he'll be your left tackle."

Luckily, the Dolphins aren't alone in the belief that Long is their left tackle going forward. Dan Dierdorf, CBS analyst and former Wolverine, also thinks Long will be very successful for one simple reason: he's left-handed. Which is why I thought Scott Mitchell could've prolonged his career if he had only moved to left tackle.