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Be The GM: McKelvin Vs. Long

Authored by Andrew Perna - 19th August, 2009 - 2:23 pm

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We kick off the AFC half of the first round with a battle between Eastern division rivals; Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long and Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin.

Both players are coming off their first season in the NFL, and spend a serious amount of time on the field together each time Miami and Buffalo do battle.

Why McKelvin Is A Franchise Player

McKelvin forced a fumble and notched two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, in his rookie season. He also deflected five passes and recorded 1,468 return yards for Buffalo.

The Bills crumbled in the second half of the 2008 season, but McKelvin was actually a very strong defender as the weather became cooler in upstate New York. He has incredible speed, which makes him a perfect option on special teams. Many believe that he and secondary teammate Terrence McGee could form one of the league's top tandems in 2009.

He has been criticized for not being a ball hawk, but has exceptional feet and is thought of as a very hard worker. If he can improve his hands, and intercept more balls, he'll add a new dimension to Buffalo's defense. He has a knack for making plays with the ball in his hands.

Why Long Is A Franchise Player

Long stepped in immediately and provided an upgrade for the Dolphins on the offensive line. He has a nasty streak, which is likely one of the reasons Bill Parcells was drawn to draft him with the first overall pick in 2008.

His speed and agility for a guy of his size are impressive, which helps him fend off defenders with great frequency. There were a number of things that went Miami's way last season, but Long played a huge role in the team's rebound from 1-15 to 11-5 and a playoff berth.

The team's incredible turn around is strong evidence that Long is a very good option as a franchise cornerstone.

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Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM's Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com

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