Dolphins101
Starter
I'm guessing you've heard that the Dolphins have opened negotiations with Jake Long. Now before anyone gets excited and pencils the Michigan tackle into the first slot, keep in mind that Miami is expected to begin negotiations with Chris Long and Vernon Gholston as well. Matt Ryan is not on that list, as expected.
Teams negotiate with players they don't pick all the time. The Texans spoke with Reggie Bush for at least a month before settling with Mario Williams. The Raiders dealt with Brady Quinn. If anything, this makes me more encouraged that Miami is pursuing Chris Long; this could be a great way of getting Chris' agent to lower the asking price.
Why Chris Long? I wouldn't be completely shocked if the Dolphins snagged Jake Long off the board. But Chris Long is a perfect fit for Miami's dreadful defense, and seems like a Bill Parcells guy. The Dolphins need a 3-4 rush linebacker. They'll be able to grab a quarterback, nose tackle and right tackle later in the draft, but they won't be able to obtain a devastating sack-artist like Long or Vernon Gholston at selection No. 32. Long played the 3-4 at Virginia and it doesn't exactly hurt that his father is Howie Long. The Tuna has a history of drafting players who have NFL bloodlines (Bobby Carpenter).
Why Not Jake Long? Parcells could feel the need to upgrade his offensive line right away, but at the expense of a top-notch defensive player? I don't know about that. And I don't think Jake Long is going to be an elite left tackle. If Long were Joe Thomas, I'd be all for Miami using its first-overall choice on him. But he's not. He's not as athletic. He'll be a great right tackle in this league. If the Dolphins really want a right tackle, they can obtain one atop the second round. :up:
