Jul 20th 2008 12:35PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Rams, NFC West All we heard leading up to the draft was about Chris Long’s character, about how he’s a throwback to the old-school style of player. He promoted that way of thinking by swearing he’d avoid the type of training camp holdout second-overall picks often partake in. And, to his credit, he’s held his word.

The Rams and Long agreed to a deal that Scott Linehan claims is at least five years, and ESPN reports that it’s a six-year deal.

When asked if Long had any doubts he’d be in camp on time, he simply answered “no.” But there’s been a serious freeze on first- and second-round signings this year because of doubts regarding the collective bargaining agreement. Still, Long’s deal couldn’t have been hard to slot, as the players picked before and after him, Jake Long and Matt Ryan, had long agreed to terms.

So now Long gets to prove that his character applies to the football field, as well. And it better, because the team has a lot — in hope and salary — invested in him.