eckonice
Offensive Future
Chris Long at #1 done deal for Dolphins
First and foremost, allow me to go on record by stating strictly based on talent level, Jake long, Chris Long, and Glenn Dorsey are equal in value, and the ideal situation for the Dolphins would be to trade down and acquire more picks. However, that is highly unlikely considering there is no elite, clear cut above the rest talent in this draft that a team would fall in love with (ideally a sure fire franchise quarterback like Eli Manning in 2004) and be willing to mortgage a future 1st round pick for.
Remember the 2004 NFL draft? The Giants gave up their first round pick, a future first rounder, a third, and a fifth just to move up 3 slots in the draft to number 1 overall. Coupled with the guaranteed 30 million dollar investment that a team would have to make in the player selected, the chances of someone trading with us is slim to none, and chances are the dolphins will be selecting the top player in the 2008 draft.
With that said, here are several reasons why Chris Long will be the #1 overall choice by the Miami Dolphins.
1. Defensive Philosophy - If we weren't already, this team's base defense is a 3-4 scheme with Bill Parcells now on board, and GM Bill Ireland will draft accordingly. If you look at the recent first round draft picks these two choose while with the Cowboys (Terrence Newman, Demarcus Ware, Bobby Carpenter), the common theme was defensive player capable playing in a 3-4 scheme. At 6'4, 284 lbs, and capable of running a 4.79, Chris Long is a perfect fit in this scheme. His versatility allows him to rush as DE or OLB effectively at various spots on the field. Think Jason Taylor 2.0, except for a much better run stopper.
This is also why Glenn Dorsey wouldn't be an ideal choice. Although Dorsey is a dominating player, he simply wouldn't excel in this scheme and is suited to play in a 4-3. His strengths are to rush the passer and make plays in the backfield, not to occupy blockers and allow linebackers to make the plays. He wouldn't be a premiere playmaker in the 3-4, thus his selection as the number 1 pick wouldn't be cost effective.
2. Familiarity - This really cant be understated. The main reason why Ireland and Sparano are the GM and coach of the Dolphins is because of their familiarity and ties with Parcells. He wants people in this organization he knows and trust. The obvious connection is that Chris Long's coach, Al Groh, was an assistant to Parcells while he was with the Giants, Patriots, and Jets. I'm sure Parcells will strongly consider Groh's thoughts on Chris. By the way, Al Groh has gone on record stating that Chris Long is the best player in College Football.
3. He's a Bill Parcells type player - Parcells has stressed the importance of size and run stuffing ability in his players. Also essential is a tremendous work ethic, relentless motor, and really being immersed in the game of football. Long fits these bills on all accounts and could have the immediate impact this 3-4 Dolphins defense needs.
Considering all this, Chris Long looks like the best bet for the player Bill Parcells would want to select to be the cornerstone of this franchise for the next decade. And you know what, I couldn't be happier. Watching him on film, he looks like a player that cant fail. He always plays hard and never takes a play off. He has a vast array of pass rush moves that Im sure he got from his Hall of Fame father. If there was one word i could use to describe him, its disruptive. Even when he dosen't sack the QB he finds a way to get pressure or bat the ball down. He's someone we all as dolfans would be proud to watch for years.
What do you guys think about Chris Long in a Miami Dolphin uniform?
First and foremost, allow me to go on record by stating strictly based on talent level, Jake long, Chris Long, and Glenn Dorsey are equal in value, and the ideal situation for the Dolphins would be to trade down and acquire more picks. However, that is highly unlikely considering there is no elite, clear cut above the rest talent in this draft that a team would fall in love with (ideally a sure fire franchise quarterback like Eli Manning in 2004) and be willing to mortgage a future 1st round pick for.
Remember the 2004 NFL draft? The Giants gave up their first round pick, a future first rounder, a third, and a fifth just to move up 3 slots in the draft to number 1 overall. Coupled with the guaranteed 30 million dollar investment that a team would have to make in the player selected, the chances of someone trading with us is slim to none, and chances are the dolphins will be selecting the top player in the 2008 draft.
With that said, here are several reasons why Chris Long will be the #1 overall choice by the Miami Dolphins.
1. Defensive Philosophy - If we weren't already, this team's base defense is a 3-4 scheme with Bill Parcells now on board, and GM Bill Ireland will draft accordingly. If you look at the recent first round draft picks these two choose while with the Cowboys (Terrence Newman, Demarcus Ware, Bobby Carpenter), the common theme was defensive player capable playing in a 3-4 scheme. At 6'4, 284 lbs, and capable of running a 4.79, Chris Long is a perfect fit in this scheme. His versatility allows him to rush as DE or OLB effectively at various spots on the field. Think Jason Taylor 2.0, except for a much better run stopper.
This is also why Glenn Dorsey wouldn't be an ideal choice. Although Dorsey is a dominating player, he simply wouldn't excel in this scheme and is suited to play in a 4-3. His strengths are to rush the passer and make plays in the backfield, not to occupy blockers and allow linebackers to make the plays. He wouldn't be a premiere playmaker in the 3-4, thus his selection as the number 1 pick wouldn't be cost effective.
2. Familiarity - This really cant be understated. The main reason why Ireland and Sparano are the GM and coach of the Dolphins is because of their familiarity and ties with Parcells. He wants people in this organization he knows and trust. The obvious connection is that Chris Long's coach, Al Groh, was an assistant to Parcells while he was with the Giants, Patriots, and Jets. I'm sure Parcells will strongly consider Groh's thoughts on Chris. By the way, Al Groh has gone on record stating that Chris Long is the best player in College Football.
3. He's a Bill Parcells type player - Parcells has stressed the importance of size and run stuffing ability in his players. Also essential is a tremendous work ethic, relentless motor, and really being immersed in the game of football. Long fits these bills on all accounts and could have the immediate impact this 3-4 Dolphins defense needs.
Considering all this, Chris Long looks like the best bet for the player Bill Parcells would want to select to be the cornerstone of this franchise for the next decade. And you know what, I couldn't be happier. Watching him on film, he looks like a player that cant fail. He always plays hard and never takes a play off. He has a vast array of pass rush moves that Im sure he got from his Hall of Fame father. If there was one word i could use to describe him, its disruptive. Even when he dosen't sack the QB he finds a way to get pressure or bat the ball down. He's someone we all as dolfans would be proud to watch for years.
What do you guys think about Chris Long in a Miami Dolphin uniform?
