Mark these dates on your Dolphins calendar
You know the Dolphins cheerleader calendar you bought when your wife or girlfriend wasn't looking? The one you keep hidden in the drawer underneath copies of your old tax returns?
Get that out and bring a Sharpie with you.
These dates are important to the Dolphins, and to you also, because you are a big Dolphins head fan: March 14 and March 18.
On March 14, which is Friday, Michigan will hold its pro day. And the Dolphins will have a full contingent of scouts and coaches and likely even general manager Jeff Ireland on hand to watch Jake Long do his thing in front of EVERYONE for the final time.
Long is expected to lift and go through pass blocking drills at the Wolverines' pro day in hopes of improving his draft stock.
Four days later on March 18, both Boston College and Virginia will conduct their pro days. And a split squad (baseball term) of Miami folks will be at both places to focus on BC quarterback Matt Ryan and Virginia defensive lineman Chris Long.
The pro day event will be particularly important for Ryan because, well, he hasn't really shown much so far in leading up to the draft. He passed on playing in the Senior Bowl and didn't provide a complete workout at the scouting combine. So he'll have to go through all the paces at BC to show scouts he's worthy of being mentioned as a top 5 selection and possibly THE top pick.
Now I don't think he'll be the top pick because, call it instincts, I don't see the Dolphins making that investment on a quarterback with so many question marks about him -- such as decision-making and mobility for starters. But again, Ryan is being thoroughly scrutinized by Miami.
At Virginia, Long is considered the most likely No. 1 overall pick. He's good, he's got a great motor, he comes from Pro Football Hall of Fame stock being Howie Long's kid, and his college coach is Al Groh, who is very, very, very tight with Bill Parcells.
So every sign is pointing to Long as the guy if Miami keeps its No. 1 overall pick. But ...
Long has to show he's getting better physically as the draft draws closer because many of the other guys certainly are. Ohio State's Vernon Gholston, for example, improved his combine 40-yard dash time from 4.67 to 4.6 and even 4.59 on some stopwatches. His vertical jump at his workout was a winged 42 inches.
Considering Gholston and Long had pretty much the same production and project to play the same position in the NFL, Long has to show he is in the same physical league even though at the combine he was not as fast (4.75) and not quite as impressive on the bench press. Long seemed more fluid in coverage drills, but that's more objective.
So there is a lot at stake in the next few days.
Of course, if you ask me, the Dolphins should also be marking March 25 on their calendar. That's when Darren McFadden will have his pro day in Fayetteville. We'll see then if he stands pat on his unofficial combine timing of 4.33 in the 40 or if he's a competitor and tries to do better.
Get that out and bring a Sharpie with you.
These dates are important to the Dolphins, and to you also, because you are a big Dolphins head fan: March 14 and March 18.
On March 14, which is Friday, Michigan will hold its pro day. And the Dolphins will have a full contingent of scouts and coaches and likely even general manager Jeff Ireland on hand to watch Jake Long do his thing in front of EVERYONE for the final time.
Long is expected to lift and go through pass blocking drills at the Wolverines' pro day in hopes of improving his draft stock.
Four days later on March 18, both Boston College and Virginia will conduct their pro days. And a split squad (baseball term) of Miami folks will be at both places to focus on BC quarterback Matt Ryan and Virginia defensive lineman Chris Long.
The pro day event will be particularly important for Ryan because, well, he hasn't really shown much so far in leading up to the draft. He passed on playing in the Senior Bowl and didn't provide a complete workout at the scouting combine. So he'll have to go through all the paces at BC to show scouts he's worthy of being mentioned as a top 5 selection and possibly THE top pick.
Now I don't think he'll be the top pick because, call it instincts, I don't see the Dolphins making that investment on a quarterback with so many question marks about him -- such as decision-making and mobility for starters. But again, Ryan is being thoroughly scrutinized by Miami.
At Virginia, Long is considered the most likely No. 1 overall pick. He's good, he's got a great motor, he comes from Pro Football Hall of Fame stock being Howie Long's kid, and his college coach is Al Groh, who is very, very, very tight with Bill Parcells.
So every sign is pointing to Long as the guy if Miami keeps its No. 1 overall pick. But ...
Long has to show he's getting better physically as the draft draws closer because many of the other guys certainly are. Ohio State's Vernon Gholston, for example, improved his combine 40-yard dash time from 4.67 to 4.6 and even 4.59 on some stopwatches. His vertical jump at his workout was a winged 42 inches.
Considering Gholston and Long had pretty much the same production and project to play the same position in the NFL, Long has to show he is in the same physical league even though at the combine he was not as fast (4.75) and not quite as impressive on the bench press. Long seemed more fluid in coverage drills, but that's more objective.
So there is a lot at stake in the next few days.
Of course, if you ask me, the Dolphins should also be marking March 25 on their calendar. That's when Darren McFadden will have his pro day in Fayetteville. We'll see then if he stands pat on his unofficial combine timing of 4.33 in the 40 or if he's a competitor and tries to do better.
posted by Armando Salguero at 4:04 PM
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Jake, Jake, He's our man, if he can't do it, no-one can!
Isn't Chad Henne working out at Michigan that day too?
Maybe the Phins will be looking more at him as a later pick than at Long.
My heart says Jake or Chris Long, but my head says Vernon Gholston with that first pick!
Trade out, trade out, of number one, if we can't do it, then Howie's son!
YEAH IM HOPING WE TRADE OUT AND HOPEFULLY CAN STILL PICK JAKE IN THE FIRST AND HOPE MANNIGHAM DROPS TO THE 2ND ROUND COULD BE A SWEET DEAL WE NEED A BIG PLAY RECEIVER AND HE IS IT AND LETS SAY WE JUST GO FOR THE TRIFECTA AND GET HENNE IN THE 3RD ROUND THAT WOULD MAKE THIS MICHIGAN/ DOLPHIN FAN VERY HAPPY!!!
My choice in order would be Jake Long, if not then Chris Long, if not then Vernon Gholston, if not I would take McFadden or Matt Ryan if they don't take any of the others. You can't go wrong with one of the first three I named. A decade or more QUALITY blocking or rushing the QB over a possible bust in Ryan and a possible short carreer by McFadden who seems to be weak at times. PICK JAKE!! NYScott
I would love to see Miami pick Jake Long cus no QB currently playing for the Dolphins will be successful behind the terrible offensive line they had last year.Picking Jake Long will improve the line drastically and then hopefully John Beck will show everyone what he can do.We dont need Ryan or any QB in the draft.
Improve the line, the receiver corps, and get the running backs on the roster healthy.
Then, no matter who is QB, will be at least serviceable.
I still will never forget poor ol' Brian Griese running for his life in the fading Wannstedt years.
The Miami Dolphins are at it again, another ex cowboy may be heading to Miami, cornerback "Nathan Jones", will be coming in for a visit. Dam may as well calls us the Miami Cowboys or Dallas Dolphins. Nathan would add more depth to the secondary and he is a special team standout.
Amando, lets draft long and another offence line with the first pick in the second round that will solve the left side of the line for the next 8 to 10 years!!
Is McFadden, or I guess Arkansas, really doing their Pro Day in Little Rock or did you mean Fayetteville? We have two stadiums.... Donald W. Reynolds in Fayetteville where the school is located.... or War Memorial in Little Rock where they play two games each season for the Central Arkansas crowd.
No way they pick a QB first. Beck is a known gym rat, has a quick release, decent mobility and a pretty good arm, just what Tuna likes. Let's face it, no rookie QB would have shown much on that 2007 team. Some of you can bash Cameron all you want, but the guy does know something about qb's believe it or not, and he chose Beck over Quinn for a reason. We needed a qb and if he thought Quinn was better he'd have taken him. My point is, Ryan is likely just another Quinn. Personally I'd like to see them go with J. Long, the best defense is an offense that stays on the field.
Armanodo. In your live blog I asked the very first question if Gholston jumped 42 iches or not. You answered that you belived the scout that said he didnt and the equipment was broken but in this blog you back up that he did! Im not trying to show you up but I dont want dolphins fans going around saying this guy is better than he is and then we draft a bum. Please correct yourself. Did he jump 42 inches or was the equipment broken?
Bad Karma
Chris Long didn't bench press at the Combine b/c of a hand injury (I think it was his thumb), so who really knows how he'll stack up against Gholston there.
That being said, I hope Jake makes it abundantly clear to our coaches this Friday, that they'd be crazy to pass him up in April.
Chris, my bad ... Fayetteville.
Bad Karma: I don't remember writing that he didn't jump to the freakin' moon. I remember the question being about his ability to bend at the hip or something like that. Anyway, he verticaled (new verb) 42 inches.
Think about it. If the season started tomorrow, Miami could not field a team on Offense. The left side of the o-line is empty with zero in free agency to pull in. If unable to make a deal out of the first pick. (And they would love a drop down to #3, Atlanta pick Ryan, Rams take C Long). Then Miami Draft Jake Long OT, Pick #2A draft Branden Albert OG. The left side is complete for 10-12 years. Done Deal
As long as we're drafting here...with selection 2B Miami drafts Cliff Avrill ILB, Round 3 Dustin Keller TE, Round 4 Ahtyba Rubin NT. Without a selection in round 5 and the switching of 6th round with Dallas, the 6th and 7th rounds are for real long shots. I'd love to see it work out this way. Understand there is no "flash" here with RB, QB or WRs but Miami needs to add the solid big boy parts before the Flash.
Could it be there is zero talk of the fins taking Mcfadden because that is really what they intend to do? Maybe they want to catch some other team licking their chops for McF, snag him first and force the drooling team to make a trade?
There have been way too many HIGHLY productive rb's taken after the 1st round in the last 10 years so I can't agree with you Armando on making him a #1, it's still a gamble whether or not another team would trade up. RB is like the only position we really have covered, besides maybe center.
Think about it. If the season started tomorrow, Miami could not field a team on Offense. The left side of the o-line is empty with zero in free agency to pull in. If unable to make a deal out of the first pick. (And they would love a drop down to #3, Atlanta pick Ryan, Rams take C Long). Then Miami Draft Jake Long OT, Pick #2A draft Branden Albert OG. The left side is complete for 10-12 years. Done Deal
As long as we're drafting here...with selection 2B Miami drafts Cliff Avrill ILB, Round 3 Dustin Keller TE, Round 4 Ahtyba Rubin NT. Without a selection in round 5 and the switching of 6th round with Dallas, the 6th and 7th rounds are for real long shots. I'd love to see it work out this way. Understand there is no "flash" here with RB, QB or WRs but Miami needs to add the solid big boy parts before the Flash.
I agree ....why draft C Long into a position that is full on the roster when the O-line has no one on the left side. I'm tried of all the Brady Quinn talk. Beck will prove long term to me a better NFL QB. I agree 100% with a prior post. The quick release and accurracy is critical. Beck has both. watch some ND highlights of Quinn passes like most punt. Lucky not to get picked. Quinn on his best day will have more INTs than TDs
This offseason is a very positive, they just need to follow it up with a solid draft.
#1 Jake Long OT,
#2A Branden Albert OG
#2B Cliff Avrill ILB (for Zach)
#3 Dustin Keller TE
#4 Ahtyba Rubin NT
CBs and O-Line will go quick in this draft, they need to improve the D by improving the Offense and Special Team. Add the beef to avoid the 3 & outs.
The Kidd
The Dolphins need to trade out of the no. 1 overall pick. They have way too many needs. A good idea would be to trade with Dallas. After McFadden's Pro Day Jerry Jones is going to be even more infatuated with him. The offseason moves the Cowboys have made suggest they want McFadden.
The Dolphins should request both of the Cowboys 2008 first round picks, a 2008 second round pick and their 2009 first round pick. They should trade up to a mid first round spot with a team by trading the Cowboys 22nd pick, the Cowboys' 56th pick(2nd round) and a 3rd round pick. By doing this the Dolphins can take Brian Brohm or Chad Henne with the 15th or 16th overall pick, take an OL with the 28th overall pick and pick up Mario Manningham with the 32nd pick(2nd round since Pats forfeited their pick). This sounds crazy, but it is something to contemplate. The Dolphins can potentially have 3 "first round" picks.
the previous poster definitely high on drugs. the cowboys are going to give two #1 picks and a #2 in exchange for one #1? Even Santa would take that deal. The fins can 'request' all they want, doesn't mean they will get it. Also, what's with these folks listing their top 5 picks, as though everyone of those players will be automatically available. Childred, lets get with the program now....
ah, correction, the previous poster actually wants 3 #1's and one #2 for our #1. Hilarious. Hey, how about requesting 7 #1's, 6 #2's, 5 #3's and a partridge in a pear tree for our sole #1? Will that make you happy? You might try some metamucil.
Nice idea on the trade, but dooley has it right, unfortunately there arent any complete FOOLS running NFL front offices, especially not in Dallas. I seriously doubt the Cowboys will trade up for McFadden, at least not anywhere higher than 4th. If they are smart they'll wait to see where he's taken and then try to trade for him (Eli Manning). As for Chis Long? Any time I hear a player's best attribute is his "strong character" and "good motor" I get queasy, it means he's not a great player, and drafting number means you want a great player, which is what I believe V Gholston has a chance to be. Gholston is a beast, he handled Jake Long head to head, and he makes Jason Taylor expendable from an X and O standpoint. That frees up another draft choice that can help with the depleted OL and secondary. Leave J Long for the Rams/Chiefs, there are a handful of LT with first round grades, and one of them will fall to #32 (Otah, Clady, Nicks, etc). Wont be the best of the bunch, but after QB, pash rushers and cover corners are the hardest to find, especially in the later rounds, and they rarely if ever are allowed to hit free agents. Pace was a decent player who got 42 million. Go figure. Dont touch Ryan with a ten foot pole, he's no better than John Beck. Dont touch McFadden either, he ran behind an unreal OL, and if you watch his runs, he runs away from contact, fumbles too often, and oh yeah, his back up had even better than numbers than he did. Not saying he wont be a good pro, But if RB is the pick, trade down, even if its for peanuts and take Rashard Mendenhall.
I'm wanting Gholston more and more every day. I think he's going to be an absolute beast as a 3-4 linebacker, he's a physical freak. I've loved watching him for the past few years. I'd take C. Long, but I'd prefer Gholston and I'm hoping Parcells' prior relationship with Groh doesn't seal the deal.
And if Miami takes McFadden, I'm flying down to Miami to bitch-slap Bill myself.
And I'd also like to say that in my view, Jake Long makes the least amount of sense between him, Chris Long, Gholston or Ryan. The draft is significantly deep at offensive tackle - we can pick up a very good player (or two) at the position in the second and third rounds. Meanwhile, players on the level of a Gholston or a Chris Long aren't as plentiful at the position. In my mind, we shouldn't use the first overall pick on an offensive tackle in a draft this deep unless he's a Pace- or Ogden-type prospect. And I feel that, while a great prospect, Long isn't on the level. Thoughts?
It has been said many times on this blog. Take the best player available in round one. I personally don't like media darlings. It is a sales job. Long, son of Howie may be a great player but is he better physically than Gholston. Do you have to be a rocket scientist to play that position?
I think not, so if we are drafting into that position take the best physical and mental beast we can get. Besides media darlings always ask for too much money!
If we pick up a DE/LB hybrid before we fix the offensive line we are missing a huge opportunities. Speed/edge rushers are a dime-a-dozen. Taylor was a third-round pick, and the NFL is full of dominant defensive linemen who were picked up in later rounds.
Franchise offensive left tackles are another matter. The top left tackles of the last ten years have been top picks; e.g., Walter Jones and the next perennial pro-bowler, Joe Thomas. Jake Long would not garner many headlines, but picking him would demonstrate that Parcells and Co. are interested in building a long-term foundation for the Fins, ala Shula picking Webb and Sims in the early 90s.
Don't be getting a man crush on Gholston, he's a workout wonder... Remember Mike Mamula, The Eagles traded their first round draft pick (12th overall), and two second round selections to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for their first round draft pick (7th overall) and a third round selection to pick Mamula based on his combine work out.
Mamula was a bust because his production on the field never equated to his work out numbers. Gholston may turn out to be the real deal, but the knock on him is that he took plays off in college.
I think it was Bill Polian that was once asked if he was interested in moving up to the #1 pick of the draft and he said "Sure, what else are you going to give me?" That is basically how GM's view this pick.....If we get out of it, it will not look like a good deal on the surface....we'd be lucky to get both of Dallas #1 picks and some "throw-in's."
Gholston's not a Mamula, he's not simply a workout warrior. He's a physical freak but he's also a great player.
Why not mark the date of the owners meetings? Seeing as how Compensatory draft picks are awarded then and from all estimates the Fins should gain at least 2 picks then. What do you think Mando?
Chris, the guys I'm always wary of are the ones who are rated in the 7 to 15 range before the combine, have these great workouts and then start climbing up the boards. I'm not saying Gholston is a bad football player and he could turn out to be special, but I prefer to look at on field performance over combine numbers when evaluating a player.
The caveat would be that Jake Long gave up one sack is entire college career and is was Gholston who got it. But think about Jake Long, one sack his entire career and one penalty! That's pretty amazing. If I'm going to spend the kind of money we're looking at with the first pick, I would go with a guy who will anchor the offensive line for the next 10 years.
Not knock on Gholston, but Jake Long is about as sure a thing as I see in this draft.
But Gholston was very productive on the field. And like I said, offensive tackle may be the deepest position in the draft. I would say more separates Gholston from the second- and third-round 3-4 pass rushers than separates Long from the other offensive tackles in those rounds. There are some potentially very good left tackles (Nicks, Richardson, etc.) that will be available after Round 1.
I have heard some dumb things but all the Madden pitches on here are ridiculous. Face facts. Superstar OLB/DE's are not a dime a dozen like some half-wit suggested. We already solidified our nose tackle issues. We picked up some LB's. We have serviceable QB's with McNown being a far better option than Ryan as a rookie. So. The Dolphins need OT, CB, and OLB in a big way. This draft is very deep in OT's, only a few CB's and only 2 superstar OLB/DE's. Hence;
1st pick: Long/Gholston (I take Gholston - no sub for speed)
2nd pick: Cromartie/Talib/Cason/Thomas
3rd pick: Hills/Greco/Barton
4th pick: Goff/Moffitt/Larsen
5th pick: Richardson/Medder/Boatman
Cromartie and Talib will go in Round 1. Richardson will go before 5.
Gholston is a physical athlete and Long is a physical football player. Long will be a very good NFL player. Gholston who knows - could be a bust or could be a pass rush specialist like Simeon Rice although he's less fluid than Rice. Gholston doesn't have the motor to be great though. Long has that desire to be great.
Jake Long....
Miami has had no offense due to horrible OL play for at least 6 years.
Do you guys even watch the games?
Miami needs to focus this draft on OL. Then Secondary.
You can risk all on Jake Long as the number 1 pick or you can select two very good OT's and play the odds. Lets see: 30 million guaranteed for one need or a few million for two potentional franchise tackles while addressing several other needs. It seems to me Gholston had no problem beating Jake Long in college. In the AFC east, we need to limit the number of points teams score on us - we don't have a QB or WR corp that can score 30 points a game and won't have one just because we grab a left tackle that is overhyped.
Final Answer!
#1 Jake Long OT,
#2A Branden Albert OG
#2B Cliff Avrill ILB (for Zach)
#3 Dustin Keller TE
#4 Ahtyba Rubin NT
Add the BIG Boys then add the Flash next year.
The Kid
i would hop gholston was more impressive on the bench press...especially considering long dident participate in the bench press because of a sore thumb!!!!
First off, we don't need a nose tackle so you can skip that. Lets make this simple, Parcells will go defense for the first pick. That pick will be Chris Long. He will use the second pick on a left tackle in the first round in exchange for trading Jason Taylor. He will use the third pick (2nd round) on a corner. He will use the fourth pick on a linebacker (2nd round). He will use the fifth pick (3rd round) on a wide receiver or tight end. End of story.
Chris you make a good point about the depth at LT in this draft... It could rival the 1983 QB draft where as many as 5 tackles could go in the 1st round. But after that there is a drop off and it would leave some project players.
If it was possible to trade out of number 1 and move down we could still land a good LT prospect but I think we will have a hard time trading that pick. If we do it will probably be for players and not picks.
I think we'll know what the Dolphins will do based on what happens with JT. There really is no immediate need for Gholston or Chris Long if we keep JT but if he is traded then that will leave a pretty gaping hole in an already gaping defense. Then it will be Gholston or Chris Long, but all indications are they are setting up to take Jake Long or a QB if they are really enamored with Ryan.
Jake Long is force.... What was the first thing Parcell's did in FA this year sign Smiley.
When & who was the last time Miami devoted to OL as more then just a passing fancy or afterthought.
Richmond Webb, 11 Seasons, 118 Consecutive Starts
A Great offense starts behind a great group of lineman. Ask Marino.
If Miami is going to rebuild right, and they can't get great value out of trading out of #1, they should pick Jake Long.
and then get a couple more lineman.
Ok look the Dolphins are most likely to take Chris Long with the First pick because honestly the LTs in this draft go deep. The 2A draft pick is going to be a LT. Also they need to get a good CB and believe it or not that can be done with the 2B draft pick. After the take the CB they need to draft a good G that should solidify the OL for a good while. The Dolphins do not need another QB drafted Because believe it or not Beck is Good. You can't judge him by last season, Every time he hiked the ball he had a DE in his face when he took one step back. I say he is really accurate and has a strong arm and could possibly be a good QB.
THE DOLPHINS ARE GOING TO TAKE CHRIS LONG WITH THE FIRST PICK. AN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN WITH SECOND PICK #32.WITH PICK # 57 MAYBE A DB. WHAT PUZZLES ME IS WHY NOBODY IS MENTIONING MICH QB HENNE OR THE ONE I LIKE USC QB BOOTY. WE CAN PROBABLY GET ONE OF THEM GUYS WITH A LOWER PICK. COMMENTS ?
In a way I agree with you (fmagliv) , but Jake Long is (NOT) Joe Thomas nor is he Orlando Pace type talent. I know how important it is to have a OL, but in this leage you need a"QB",its real simple, you need a guy who can run the ship. So if parcells thinks beck is not the long term answer, they need to draft Matt Ryan. Listen theres other OL in my opinion that are as good or better then Jake Long, examples, Carl Nicks, Gorder Cherilus, those two guys are day 1 starters and they will be there in the second round.
Why do you want to waste another draft pick on a QB I say give Beck another shot because you can't judge him from last year. We need other positions not draft the same Position again, And Booty stock has lowered from his workouts. We need A possesion reciever rather than another young QB.
Also to all of you that say we need Matt ryan answer this for me.
Does P. Manning have a good OL? Does T. Brady have a good OL?
Does C. Palmer have a good OL?
And the Answer to my Question is that All The Really Good Elite QBs have good or great OLs.
Not OLs that collapse when the QB says "HIKE".
The problem is (BECK) is not Manning, Brady or Palmer. Those guys you are mentioning are 3 out of 32 NFL teams, They are elite "QB's", they make the offence run and also make there whole team LOOK reallY good. Example how did Brady do in the Super Bowl with his great elite OL. Defence wins championships, but you also need quality QB. The fins have not had one since (MARINO). We nned to find that one guy, that will chage this franchise
Hey Armondo, is it possible to hear, read, discuss more about what is going on with the "actual" headcoach and gm. I mean I know Parcell's is the head honcho and all but this time last season and every offseason coaching change we new all about the type of coach and coaching staff we were inhereting.
I don't know guys, as a Canes fan I hate Michigan but Jake Long is the real deal and I can't believe people say he's no Joe Thomas.
He was a consensus All-America the past two years, just the fifth two-time Big Ten offensive lineman of the year. He allowed only one sack in his career, against Gholston and did not committing a penalty his senior season and had one his entire career. On gassers, he was always the first lineman down and back. He's over 300 pounds, and he beat Mike Hart and Mario Manningham in the mile!
He did 47 reps at 225 (pounds) before the 2006 season, the record at the (NFL) combine is 45. He didn't lift at the combine because of a hand injury, but we're talking about an absolute beast.
If you're going to build a team this is the type of player you start with. He may be the best tackle prospect to come out since Tony Boselli.
Im with Patrick... Jake Long's college career is impressive.
even Tom Brady looks like crap when you get pass that formidable NE line.
You get in any QB's face and disrupt his timing and he's toast, even the great ones. Same with a RB, disrupt them at the line - toast.
Oh and everything I read suggest Jake Long is as good as Joe Thomas or Pace.
Then get me a pair of shutdown corners with potential like Madison & Surtain and Im happy.
Yeah Baby
Any truth to the rumor Parcells to retire this week due to serious health issues?
The pick must be Jake Long. People talk about the draft is deep in left tackles but 5 will go before the Dolphins pick again at 32. If we could live with the 6th best in the draft we would have kept Shelton.
Look at it this way.....Improving the Offense and the Special Teams only improves the Defense. Don't pick Jake Long and Branden Albert with the first two picks and the Offense will be 3 & out all year. Improving the O-line improves the entire team.
This year the same situation with OTs & CBs in the draft. The best 4/5 will be gone by 32.
JAKE LONG OT then BRANDEN ALBERT OG
LONG, ALBERT, SATELE, SMILEY, CAREY Will be the starting o-line for years.
Signed: The Kid. Believe in the words of The Kid - He knows Dolphin Football
Albert will go in the first round.
And taking the sixth best offensive tackle in this class would be WAY better than Shelton. My grandmother is better than Shelton.
Well, let's remember everything won't be solved in one offseason. They have to be already looking ahead to what will be available in next years draft, which in turn will affect where they make their picks this draft.
Hey Patrick...you're usually dead on, but Jake Long is NOT the one with the hurt hand. Chris is.
Jake DID lift at the combine and benched 225 lbs. 37 times which was tied for the combine lead.
This is what i believe the fins draft would look like after day one! Tell me what yall think.
1. Jake Long- OT
2A. Goster Cherilus - OT
2.B. Patrick Lee - CB
3. Earl Bennett - WR
4. Jerminckeal Finlay -TE
I'm with "The Kid" and as I too have constantly posted...it needs to be
1. Jake long
2. B. Albert (HUGE guard)
It would be the modern day Webb and Sims.
We would be foolish to spend that kind of cash on Chris Long who's a "tweener" IMO. The "knock" on Chris Long is that he's not a pure speed guy, and he's not strong enough to be a power rusher, so what exactly does he do? Hustle...wupdie do. He can chase all he wants but who cares if he can't get there!
SO what if this is a deep draft for LT's...Jake is by far the BEST. Clear cut~! Why not draft the best in a DEEP draft? I think Chris long and Gholston are fine...but not consistent future All Pros. They are both tweeners with weaknesses. Chris lacking pure speed or power, and Vernon lacking fluidity and flexibility in his body. If either were on the level of JT...then ok...but they aren't!
Take the clear cut best at his position. Which is JAKE Long.
ATTENTION: Branden Albert will go in Round 1.
That is all.
B. Albert will gooo in the first round to the steelers at pick number 21!!! Remember they lost Faneca first round. thats why the next best tackle is GOSDER CHERILUS, HUGE GUARD!!!
Poeple on here think, its only the fins drafting, yall forgeting theres 31 other teams!!
Redskins have 21, Steelers have 23.
Ok by bad!! good looking out, but do you agree he will go 23rd to the steelers? I mean every mock draft out there has albert going to the steel city!!
That's where I have him going.
JinVa, Chris, Finfan.
I think we're all saying the same.
BIG O-LINE, BIG O-LINE
Jake Long
Branden Albert or biggest beef
I agree it is possible that Albert goes to Pitt with the 21st although I believe someone will slide to them that they will grab. If Albert does not go to Pitt at 21 he will be there at 32. If/when that happens I will be the one dancing in the streets.
Miami needs to add the BIG BOYS before the FLASH!!
The Kid don't lie
Chris, How many reps can your grandma put up? 40 time? If they draft Chris Long versus Jake Long, we'll need her playing on the left side this year.
Tell me what you people think of this trade. We all know that Jason Taylor is on the trading block .. right ? How about we trade Jason Taylor to the Eagles for Lito Shepard straight up ! There's our DB that we need and he's younger than Taylor. Then we draft Chris Long or Gholson to replace jason !!
Before making the trade, we'll need to attend Grandma's pro day because we have not left side of the offensive line. It's either Shelton returns or Grandma signs a multi year deal.
The ONLY trade I'd make for Jason Taylor is for Chad Johnson.
Jeff Ireland
I find it comical that you all crush Armando's pick of McFadden as our 1st pick. Nobody knows how things will shake out or talk to all the scouts, the player, the coaches & used our years of experince evauluating talent. I point to the draft of 1994. #1 - Dan Wilkinson, #2 - Marshall Faulk, #3 - Health Shuler. Insert Jake (or Chris) Long, Mcfadden, & MAtt Ryan. It could very weel turn out like 1994
"...though at the combine he was not as fast (4.75) and not quite as impressive on the bench press."
Did you watch Long in Indy? He didn't DO the BP @ the Combine due to injury. So, there is no comparison so far at all. He was slightly BETTER than the guy there is no way we are going to pick in the shuttles. And, very close on the vertical and very, very close on broad. Intangibles off the charts, smarts....90% likely he is the pick if not traded. Other Long 8%. Ryan 2%
Hey Steve...well I FIND it comical that you are defending picking McFadden. I don't care if Ronnie won't be healthy by week 1...he's still getting #2 pick in the draft money. We'd be complete idiots to keep Ronnie at that salary level and draft McFadden #1, 2, or 3. Talk about "how to srew up your teams cap for years" 101.
I can't think of one team that has drafted two RB's top 5 within' 4 years of each other and not traded one. Can you?
You people need to post your names when making these "bold" predictions so we can remind everyone of who guessed right and who's eating crow. lol
Just post it like this if you don't want to join Armando's blog:
~JinVA
If we don't trade out...the pick will be JAKE Long. The only player who meets a need, is the best at his position, and is considered one of the few positions considered "worthy" by the draft gurus of #1 money.
A tweener OLD/DE is NOT.
JinVa, I agree the pick needs to be & will be Jake Long OT Miiichhhigan. Nothing else makes sense based on the current roster and long term needs.
- The Kid
JinVa, you clearly don't understand Armando or the purpose of the draft. It doesn't matter if you blow $30 million & the guy is just an average football player, or worse yet a bust. If they draft McFadden, I hope Ronnie brown gets back to his old form. If he does, you can get a 1st day draft pick for him. You just have to pick the best player, as a 1-15 team here. You can't miss on this pick. If that's Mcfadden, or whoever. Regardless of the postion.
Washington traded Champ Bailey to the Broncos a couple years back straight up for Clinton Portis. Minnisota pulled the trigger on Peterson when they just gave Chester Taylor a huge free agent contract the year before. I don't see them regretting it. If Mcfadden is the best player in this draft, you have to pull the trigger. I'm not saying he is, cause I don't know. But if they feel that way, they can't be scared.
McFadden will not be the Dolphins pick I just can't see it happening. Look at this that I dug up on him. I have the feeling he will drop like a rock...
In 2006, McFadden, had surgery for a dislocated toe - after a police report said he was involved in a fight outside a Little Rock club. According to the police report, McFadden was involved in a disturbance at 4:20 a.m. Palace the Club, a private club in Little Rock. When officers arrived, a fight was taking place in the parking lot while a crowd watched. McFadden told officers he didn't know the person he was fighting with. Palace the Club was shut down in December of 2004 when a judge ordered it closed. Two people were killed and police responded to over 30 crimes or other incidents at the club that year. What was not noted in this report was that McFadden was 19 years old at the time and under the legal age for alcohol.
On January 10th, McFadden was involved in a confrontation at Ernie Biggs bar in Little Rock, where he was handcuffed. The fight involved one of the bar bouncers. Authorities say that one of McFadden's relatives was being escorted out of Ernie Biggs when McFadden and the people he was with got involved in a fight with Brant Hankins, the bouncer. The argument went into the streets of the River Market where the Little Rock Police Department had McFadden in handcuffs for "agitated and provoking aggressive behavior." Once he calmed down the handcuffs were removed. So far, he has not been charged, but this could be a battery 3rd degree charge if Hankins presses charges. Ernie Biggs, the bar in the River Market where McFadden was handcuffed had 67 trips made by the Little Rock police department during the same time span.
No way you spend $30 million on this guy, what will happen when he gets all that green and has the run of South Beach? I can't see it happening.
JinVA, thanks for the correction on the longs, I got them confused on the combine reps.
Hey Steve...I've been following the draft and the Dolphins for over 30 years.
I think it's YOU who clearly doesn't understand the draft. And the Vikings situation is MUCH different than ours. Chester Taylor is no Ronnie Brown for starters. While he's a nice back...he's not a game changer or their long term solution. They took AP because he was a top 5 talent who fell, AND they had Chester who was a solid pro, but not a future HOF.
In MY eyes McFadden is no AP. Infact...MANY "gurus" say he's not even the #1 RB in this draft! Many, including Mayock, rate him #2 and #3 and #4 are just as good.
In the draft...historically...the top 3-5 guys are all "worthy" of the #1. If there is a glaring #1 and he doesn't fit a NEED on your team...you trade out. You don't just take him because he's the BPA.
If you watch the true draft legends at work...the stock piled players and picks through this tactic. IE...Jimmy Johnson...the Tuna...Ron Wolf...etc.
We don't NEED a RB that is not the clear cut #1...rarely is there a clear cut #1 who's a back. Barry Sanders, E. Smith, E. Dickerson, M. Faulk, Edge, Ricky, Alexander, AP, LJ, Maroney, the highly touted Reggie Bush, and even the all world LT wasn't taken #1. Name the last RB taken #1?
I'll tell ya who...it was Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.
Historically QB, LT, DT and BIG STUD DE's are the only positions deemed worthy of the #1 money.
McFadden is NO Bo Jackson ('86)...the only other RB in a little over the last two decades taken #1.
So...in reality...there is only ONE who's been taken #1 since the salary cap started. Ki-Jana...and the Bengals were starving for a face of the franchise, and a franchise back. Turned out well didn't it? They were strapped for YEARS with is contract when he got hurt...and hurt...and hurt again.
With Ronnie, Ricky, Lorenzo, and Cobbs...we don't need to wrap #1 money in another back.
HOWEVER...IF we think McFadden is a future HOF we should trade back one or two picks and take him there.
If you knew so much about the draft, there is no way you would be talking about trading out of the 1st pick in this day & age, because it won't happen. There is no way anyone is going to trade into a spot where you have to guarantee over $30 mil to a rookie. So again, you take the best player regardless of position. You can always adjust your roster with trades if you get 2 great players at one position.
What does Ki-jana Carter have to do with anything. Are saying all top running backs are busts. It is the easiest position to play straight of college. Are you saying RB's are most likely to bust? What about other postions at the top of drafts. What about Robert Gallery, Alex smith, Tim Couch, & Charles Rogers? It doesn't matter the position. You have to draft the best player.
Look at all these backs drafted as top 5 overall draft picks. Jamal Lewis, Reggie Bush, A. Peterson, Edegerrin James, Ricky Williams, M. Faulk, Ronnie Brown. If anything, RB is a safer pick.
DT's and LT's are not really all that worth the #1 pick either. Who was the last LT taken #1.
Ill tell you who.
Robert Gallery
Yeah exactly, stop acting like you know what your talking about with your long ass post
You simply cannot make your decision based on a previous bust at the position. There are busts at EVERY position, that's how this thing works. All you can do is do your homework and take the guy you're most confident will pan out. If they feel it's an offensive tackle, Robert Gallery shouldn't sway them.
Patrick,
Gholston is nopt just workout freak. He had the results on the field, and his numbers are very similiar to Chris Long.
I live in Columbus, listening to sports radio constantly, and I have never heard one person including Chris Spielman and Kirk Herbstriet, ever talk about Gholston taking plays off. In fact, all I have ever heard is good things like he is humble, is a hard worker, had to work his way up through the ranks, etc.
Two years ago hardly anyone, even in Columbus, knew who Vernon Gholston was. But he busted his butt, and now is a specimen.
Anyone who says he either doesn't produce or takes plays off never watched him play in his career.
Running Backs, Def ends, off tackles. Guys in the NFL if you dont have a quality number #1 quarter back, it dont matter what type of talent you have. YOU NEED TO PICK MATT RYAN!!! He is a franchise "QB", PARCELS IS NOT DUM, IF YALL SAW THE LAST GAME OF THE SEASON VS (BENGALS) WHEN BECK CAME IN THE GAME AND FUMBLED THE SNAP, DID YOU SEE PARCELLS FACE, HE WAS IN DISBELIEF. Parcells picked drew bledsso with the first pick he will do the same with MATT RYAN. Then you go and get goster cherilus or brandon Albert as your future left tackle. What is it going to take for you guys to realize, this team has not had a franchise QB since (MARINO.
JJ, I don't really mean to knock Gholston, I've seen him play and there is no doubt he has the potential to be a great one... I just get a little scared of guys who make great leaps because of combine workouts. I didn't search too hard but here is what NFL draft countdown had to say. This is only the negative, the positives are very good.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/de/vernongholston.html
Weaknesses:
Needs to be more consistent...Questionable awareness and instincts...Undersized if he were to play defensive end...Does not have a lot of experience dropping into coverage...Has some work to do when it comes to technique...May have to learn a new position at the pro level...At times he gets by on his natural ability...Does not have an elite burst...Some durability issues...A better athlete than football player?
Don't get me wrong, I would not be too disappointed with Gholston and if TJ is traded this may well be the Dolphins pick.
Patrick I was wondering if I was the only one thinking Tony Boselli when I see Jake Long. I didn't see Boselli in college but Boselli was one of the more physical LT's i've ever seen. If we get that in Jake Long i'd be one very happy dolphin fan. Ronnie, Ricky and Lorenzo running behind him I love it.
Mando.....how's Long's pro day going.....i believe it is today.
Thanks.
Oh yeah...one more note...i read that JT calls himself "twinkle toes". Nice Taylor.....I hope to the coaches eat that up during press conferences this year. (After your 3 sack games for the dolphins of course)
Agreed Fins Fan, He definitely looks a lot like Biselli. I'm sure Parcells will have a lot of influence in The draft, but Sparano was an OL coach. He will want to build his team from the interior line.
We talk about drafting McFadden, but a great OL can make a decent RB look great. In contrast, a crappy line can make a great RB look like crap.
The other thing I like to take into account when thinking about a RB is the average career is only 4 years. While a great OL can last 10 or more. It will be a couple years before the team is rebuilt and I have to think a RB would get beat to death before his value could be realized.
One thought also on the Longs and Ryan is that they may have reached their potential in college. Gholston on the other hand does seem like he has room to grow because he was a late starter. But I'm sticking with Jake, there is no substitute in football for a great line.
I don't get all the people that want McFadden. We have ronnie, ricky and booker. Hopefully they all remain healthy this year. Ronnie and Ricky's injuries were both flukish. Ronnie was trying to break up an int return and Ricky got stepped on. Maylock showed video of McFadden where he goes down often on contact and can't catch a screen pass in traffic. I know Mando will argue on that one and I'm sure he's seen McFadden more than myself.
I really won't be disappointed with jake long/chris long/gholston after that pro day he had (someone compared that pro day to a demarcus ware type workout which had a nice ring to it). Gholston's lack of experience in pass coverage might be irrelevant if the QB is on his back :)
Even if we draft Ryan I'll understand. I liked what I saw out of Beck at times in limited action last year, although I was frustrated he couldn't beat out Cleo Lemon on a consistent basis.
McFadden has rare talent, serious speed and illusiveness. He truly is the most talented player coming out this year so it is easy to see why people want to grab him. His off the field transgressions are what is hounding him. Maylock has him ranked like 16th or something because of that.
I also don't like his lower body, he looks a little thin in the legs and hips kind of like Reggie Bush. I just can't see it happening especially with Parcells at the reins. He rarely has picked RBs high in the draft.
Ryan's pro day will determine his slotting, but the triumvirate would have to not think very highly of Beck before they would pick him I would think. Having 2 QBs compete for the starting spot would not be a bad thing.
I think it will come down to what happens with JT. If he is traded then Gholston will be the pick because in my opinion he has more up-side than Chris Long. If JT stays then it will be Jake Long.
I could talk about the draft for days!
On another subject, sure Parcells is the top dog, but Sporano won't exactly be a flower pot either, he'll be running the show on game day, and nothing I've seen about him suggests he has the imagination or dynamics to outsmart his peers, I am more concerned about his performance than the #1 pick, and once Parcells eats a bad twinkie and decides to bail, not sure Sporano is the guy we want to match up with Belicheat.
Welcome aboard "Nathan Jones", one thing is for sure, we will have depth at the cornerback position and a good special teams unit this year.
Now its time to draft the future stars on April 26, 2008.
With the first pick of the draft the Miami Dolphins select....
(JAKE LONG) ot out of Michigan!!!
Hey Chase...if you don't like my posts then don't read them and don't comment. Your remark only makes you sound like an idiot. Your Gallery remark is foolish. HE WAS TAKEN #2 not #1!
Hey Steve...how many drafts have you watched? ONE? Your remark about trading out of #1 in "this day and age". Uh...How about Vick? Uh...how about Eli? I'd call them recent...wouldn't you?
The owners are starting to turn up the heat on the escalating draft pay scale...that iw why they are saying trading out of 1 will be tough.
The POINT of Ki-Jana was that he's the ONLY RB taken #1 since Bo Jackson in '86! THAT was my point. Not that he was a bust. Also that most teams draft for need even in the top 5 if the top tier are relatively equal. There are COUNTLESS examples of teams drafting for need in the to 5. Infact I'd argue there's more of that than taking the BPA.
You obviously know nothing about this draft because there is no Mike Vick in this draft. There is no trading out of this spot.
Vernon Gholston will be the 1st over pick in the 2008 draft. Uncle Bill will take Gholston and Gholston will be signed prior to the April draft.
That Bill Parcells is my uncle guy is right. He has been calling Gholston to Miami since back in January on a couple of message boards that I read. The guy is well connected.
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