Only two football players in NFL history can say they were drafted before Matt Ryan, and one of them is finally healthy. His name is familiar: Jake Long. He memorably made the integral block that led to Atlanta's Super Bowl win played 11 snaps for the Falcons.
Sure, 2015 did not go as planned for the former top pick, but he is finally healthy. Could he make an impact in Atlanta? The answer is no.
"I'm finally healthy," Long told ESPN on Saturday before coaching at the University of Michigan Big Man camp. "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."
The Falcons could use some veteran depth along the offensive line, and Long will likely be required to accept a backup spot as a team's swing tackle. Who else is on the roster that can play tackle? Some guys named Bryce Harris and Tom Compton. And Compton took snaps at guard during OTAs.
Yikes.
The team could use some better depth at tackle, and generally some more talent along the offensive line. Long may be one of the best options left.