LA 'Surprise': TE Hunter Long 'Excited' For Rams Opportunity
It can be easy to forget when watching that the NFL is a business and at the end of a day a franchise will do what it thinks is best in order to win.
So when the Los Angeles Rams traded cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins, it was expected but still stunning. Especially when the return was only a 2023 second-round pick (No. 77 overall) and third-year tight end, Hunter Long.
Long, like fans and analysts alike, was shocked by the trade but is looking forward to the opportunity ahead of him with the Rams.
“Really excited to join the Rams, really excited to get out there and start working with the coaching staff," Long said. "Coach Caley’s a great tight end coach they just brought in, so I’m really excited to start working with him. But yeah, just excited for the opportunity. It’s a great opportunity for me and excited to take advantage of it.”
On paper Long does not appear to be an enticing return for a player of Ramsey's caliber. In his first two seasons, he has recorded only one reception for eight yards on three targets.
However, it is worth noting that he found himself behind former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki which greatly reduced his opportunities.
Going back to his time at Boston College makes it easier to see the potential Long can have in Sean McVay's offense. His final season as an Eagle saw Long haul in 57 receptions for 685 yards and five touchdowns, second on the team to a potential 2023 first-round pick in receiver Zay Flowers.
While Long will find himself behind Tyler Higbee with the Rams, he will likely get a real chance to make an impact this season.
If he can show the skill set that got him drafted by the Dolphins, then he will be yet another weapon for McVay to work with on offense.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here
Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!
Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.
Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
