Long was the focal point of the Boston College offense during the 2020 season and has a solid projection at the pro level. He is considered to be the third/fourth tight end on most draft boards currently. He gives you a high-floor, low ceiling and teams will regard him as a safe but unspectacular player.

Strengths

• Looks to get involved downfield and will block multiple defenders on a single play when he can. Understands his role as a blocker.
• Knee-bend and technique are good and he shows decent power when his hands hit the target.
• Good body control to reach back for the pass behind him. High-points passes and has good vertical, timing, and hand-eye coordination in jump-ball situations.
• Has hands of glue, about as good as you'll see in the sport.
• Soft, reliable hands center the big target for quarterbacks. Shields the defense and will let the ball into his pads to protect it when about to absorb a big hit over the middle.

Weaknesses

• High cut frame and limited power in hands prevent a top blocking grade.
• Is a bit high-hipped and slow to get rolling. Frame limits upside as a blocker.
• Possesses only average straight-line speed and is a bit stiff as a route-runner, showing only average flexibility and burst out of his breaks.
• Only average lateral agility to elude and might not be fast enough to be a consistent threat down the seam against NFL competition.

We expect him to be picked at the top of the fourth round.