Hoos To Pros: Chris Long & Branden Albert Go First Round In NFL Draft

Update 7:00 p.m.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia defensive end Chris Long and
offensive lineman Branden Albert were among the top picks in the
NFL draft on Saturday.
Long, an All-American and son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, was
picked second in the draft by the St. Louis Rams and was quickly
anointed a starter.
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Long had 14 sacks, 23 quarterback
pressures, nine pass breakups and an interception as a senior, and
forced two fumbles. He's already had his jersey retired at his high
school and college.
Long knew the Rams were interested. How much, he wasn't sure.
Howie Long was the nervous one at the start of the day, to hear
Chris Long tell it. The suspense didn't last, with the Dolphins'
formality of picking Jake Long put the Rams on the clock almost
immediately and then quickly came "the most exhilarating moment"
of Chris' life.
"I didn't know it was going to be me until the commissioner
called my name," he said. "Everybody that was in New York, the
Rams were interested in, all six of us. It comes down to needs and
the way it falls."
The Kansas City Chiefs swapped their 17th pick of the first
round for Detroit's 15th and used it for Albert, a 316-pounder who
can play both tackle and guard. Albert, who didn't take up football
until his junior year of high school, will probably be used at
tackle.
Virginia Tech offensive lineman Duane Brownwas drafted 26th by
the Houston Texans.
The state had numerous other players expected to be picked,
including Brown's fellow teammates linebacker Xavier Adibi,
cornerback Brandon Flowers, defensive end Chris Ellis and wide
receivers Eddie Royal and Josh Morgan.
Virginia tight end Tom Santi and safety Nate Lyles, might get
tapped, as well, and Richmond running back Tim Hightower and
Hampton defensive end Marcus Dixon also have attracted interest.
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The St. Louis Rams have used the second pick in
the NFL draft to take Virginia defensive end Chris Long.
The son of Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long, Chris was a
starter his final three years at Virginia. He was named the ACC
Defensive Player of the Year last season after amassing 75 tackles,
19 for loss, and 14 interceptions. He also batted down seven balls,
picked off one pass and blocked a kick.
Long started 12 games his sophomore and junior years, finishing
2006 with 57 tackles, 12 for loss, and four sacks. Long also
accounted for 21 quarterback hurries as a junior.
The 6-foot-3, 272-pound Long was a handful for ACC offensive
linemen who had to deal with his accelerated knowledge of the
position. He displayed near-perfect technique and execution with
the Cavaliers, showing an ability to handle counter moves while
staying on his feet. He's a high-energy player who might be the
most polished defensive lineman in the draft.