Also of note, in regards to Ireland's evaluation of the 2008 draft class, I really liked his answer:
Ireland: I think three years is when you can evaluate a draft. Sometimes it takes players more time than that to develop. I use that philosophy when I evaluate players on other teams that I didn't draft. If they are not successful after three years, it's hard to say they will be. But I think it also depends on the position as well. Look at quarterback. You can say a certain kid hasn't developed yet, but it could be because he hadn't played yet.
When we look back at the 2008 draft, we will be saying we hit on Jake Long. I'm certain of that. We're going to say we hit on Chad Henne. It may be three years, it may be four years down the road when we really know that. But from what I've seen of Henne in this short exposure, I'd say we hit on him.
Phillip Merling is playing regularly. He has a good base to him. I think you'll feel good about him. Kendall Langford, I think you are going to feel good about him. Donald Thomas, we liked what we saw of him in a short amount of time. I think the two running backs we drafted will get a chance in the next year or two to show what they can do. There may not be any Hall of Fame players in this group, but there might just be. You'll know in three years how we did in this draft.
I particularly liked the part on hitting on all of those players, it might not be right away, for example Chad Henne, but it could be a few years down the road. I'd say that's a pretty clear indication of how they feel about Henne. I also think Jalen Parmele can come in and be our #2 RB in 2010 when Ricky's extension is up.
All in all, I foresee in the future having Long, Merling, Henne, Langford and Thomas as starters, Dan Carpenter is the kicker. We'll also have Parmele, Dotson, Bess, as rotational players. This may shake out to be one of the best draft classes in Dolphin history.
