Dolphins may be telegraphing their intentions
The experts are reading the signs as if they were tea leaves and, pieced together like a vast puzzle, they are forming a picture one cannot mistake.
The Dolphins seem to be leaning toward picking Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long No. 1 in the draft, adding help at the 3-4 rush linebacker second, and maybe, only maybe, getting a quarterback sometime after that.
How do I know? Read the signs.
The Dolphins have had initial contact with Long's agent Tom Condon, colleague Jeff Darlington is reporting on The Herald's website. Condon, who also represents Matt Ryan, did not talk to the Dolphins about the Boston College quarterback. The talks centered on a contract for Jake Long exclusively.
What does this mean? It means Ryan is not the guy and how many times have I written that on here? Anyway, before we jump to conclusions about Jake Long, understand these preliminary negotiations do not preclude the Dolphins from also talking to Chris Long's agent.
But maybe the Dolphins don't give a hoot about pretenses.
They may just legitimately want Jake Long. That is what I believe. And I believe this, not just because of the Condon meeting. At the USC pro day last week, a handful of scouts were asked what the Dolphins were likely to do and all said Jake Long was the team's choice based on what they'd heard through the NFL grapevine.
The same week, coach Tony Sparano was asked to run down his lineup along the offensive and defensive fronts. He had no body at right tackle, or no body at left tackle if, as has been suggested, the Dolphins move Vernon Carey back to right tackle. I don't mean to say the Dolphins didn't have anybody as a slight. It is a fact. There was not a body on the roster the team had at the position.
So that pretty much paints a clear picture of how big Miami's need is there. All told these circumstances point to Jake Long first and everything to follow after that. And there is more.
What if Bill Parcells really was telling the truth when he said he has no intention to trade Jason Taylor? That would again suggest the team can hold off picking Chris Long No. 1 and instead take a player that might require a little more polishing later in the draft and plug him in a year or two from now when Taylor is gone. A player like Quentin Groves comes to mind. Lo and behold, the Dolphins are hosting Groves today as part of their Top 30 visits.
And there is more ... Remember I have told you how Sparano sees John Beck as a guy that will be part of the team's nucleus the next few years? That suggests the QB situation is not so dire in his eyes as to demand reaching for Ryan. Again, the Longs seem like Miami's focus, particularly Jake Long.
The Dolphins seem to be leaning toward picking Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long No. 1 in the draft, adding help at the 3-4 rush linebacker second, and maybe, only maybe, getting a quarterback sometime after that.
How do I know? Read the signs.
The Dolphins have had initial contact with Long's agent Tom Condon, colleague Jeff Darlington is reporting on The Herald's website. Condon, who also represents Matt Ryan, did not talk to the Dolphins about the Boston College quarterback. The talks centered on a contract for Jake Long exclusively.
What does this mean? It means Ryan is not the guy and how many times have I written that on here? Anyway, before we jump to conclusions about Jake Long, understand these preliminary negotiations do not preclude the Dolphins from also talking to Chris Long's agent.
But maybe the Dolphins don't give a hoot about pretenses.
They may just legitimately want Jake Long. That is what I believe. And I believe this, not just because of the Condon meeting. At the USC pro day last week, a handful of scouts were asked what the Dolphins were likely to do and all said Jake Long was the team's choice based on what they'd heard through the NFL grapevine.
The same week, coach Tony Sparano was asked to run down his lineup along the offensive and defensive fronts. He had no body at right tackle, or no body at left tackle if, as has been suggested, the Dolphins move Vernon Carey back to right tackle. I don't mean to say the Dolphins didn't have anybody as a slight. It is a fact. There was not a body on the roster the team had at the position.
So that pretty much paints a clear picture of how big Miami's need is there. All told these circumstances point to Jake Long first and everything to follow after that. And there is more.
What if Bill Parcells really was telling the truth when he said he has no intention to trade Jason Taylor? That would again suggest the team can hold off picking Chris Long No. 1 and instead take a player that might require a little more polishing later in the draft and plug him in a year or two from now when Taylor is gone. A player like Quentin Groves comes to mind. Lo and behold, the Dolphins are hosting Groves today as part of their Top 30 visits.
And there is more ... Remember I have told you how Sparano sees John Beck as a guy that will be part of the team's nucleus the next few years? That suggests the QB situation is not so dire in his eyes as to demand reaching for Ryan. Again, the Longs seem like Miami's focus, particularly Jake Long.
posted by Armando Salguero at 3:38 PM
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YESSSSSSS. Finally we will have a respectable offensive line.
Mando,
I'll take the opportunity as the first poster to ask a couple of questions.
1. How high, if at all, do you see the team selecting a CB?
2. Does the team have any interest in Jordy Nelson?
Thanks for all you do!
Armando,
The Dolphins are also hosting Gosder Cherilus who is predicted to go in the top of the second round. Many scouts have said this draft is deep at the Tackle position, and DE is actually realtively thin. It would make much more sense to take Chris Long and then a OT in the second round.
Talking to Jake long's agent like u said could be either a)smokescreen to get someone in the top 5 to jump, or b) auction off the pick w/ the guys they have equally rated at the top, to see who will sign the most reasonable deal ... ala Mario Williams.
As much as I would have wanted Chris Long, having a strong line sounds very nice. With the right protection Beck should bloom, and Ronnie could very well have a great year. Yet still, I'll believe this when they have it in writing, this could be a smoke screen. Anyway, if he goes J. Long #1, then I'd like Groves or Brandon Flowers from VT with our sencond pick.
Ok so you have sifted through the rubble, and have made a reasonable conclusion. The problem I have with you is that you're childish. Don't feed me this "I told you so" crap. Jesus, you're like a little kid.
Your blog, which is average at best, fails in comparison to others. Might I add that its apparent you are a SUCKER for a smokescreen. You willfully take the bait, and run with it all the way to this sub-par blog. Feeling insecure in your own skin, you feverishly type a worthless addition to Dolphins In Depth.
Myself, being a die hard fan in Idaho look for Phins inside stuff like everyone else. What I think is useless is that your blog kills me with your obvious insecurity.
I have found a functional blog, minus the elementry mentallity on the Sun Sentinel. Ah what a glorious blog. Eventhough the grammar lacks at times.
You Suck
Jason In Idaho
Again....pure speculation on the Herald's part. Condon represents both Ryan and J. Long...yet the Dolphins we are told, are only talking about Long..now how do you know that...did a Parcells bird whisper it in your ear?
Mando,
I think this is obviously a good strategy. I just think Chris Long will have a more immediate impact. How do pass on 26+ sacks?
Yet you still read it Jason...
Does it really matter if it is one of the Longs or Ryan? To me the critical fact is that there hasn't been a trade among the first 5 since 2002.
That means that all of these guys are candidates and all are positions of need.
Whichever of those three goes to the Dolphins, I'll be happy.
Armando, didn't you say on 790 The Ticket a few weeks back that Miami's absence from the Michigan pro day meant Jake Long wasn't the pick?
Jake Long makes sense, not only because of his potential to be a 10-year player and all that, but because O-line IS the key. You want to run? You need holes. You want to throw? You need time. Even Cleo could've completed a pass to SOMEONE with more than 2 seconds in the pocket....
OK well maybe not Cleo...but you have to catch my drfit. Imagine...Ronnie Brown, with all of the determination he ran with last year, this time with actual places to run!
Hmm, Parcells and Co vs. Mando I don't know nuffin Salguero.
I'ma go with Parcells and Co.
Mando, how much contact did the phins have with Ronnie Brown vs. Braylon Edwards?
I've got to side with Jason here. Armando is trying to come off as a "genius" for saying that Ryan is not the Dolphins man. I mean come on, many of us posters on these blogs have been saying any QB in the 1st round is out of the question for Miami this year from as far back as the start of last year's reg season. That should be and should have been quite obvious.
As for Ron's comments to Jason, while many of us feel Mando is a complete egotistical blowhard. Ridiculus/Stupid Phins news is better than no Phins news.
CS
Remember what Richmond Webb did for Miami and Marino. Plug in a guard like Keith Sims and Brown can run and "whoever" can throw to Ginn et al.
Makes the most sense Armando.
~Kevin (Ontario)
It would be smart to keep Taylor if they sign Jake Long. Not only because they have no one else to play DE, but Jake Long would prepare for the upcoming season by practicing against one of the best DE's in the league. So if they sign Jake Long, than I think that guarantees JT will stay a Dolphin. Nothing wrong with that.
hey i no doubt like the move. "smokescreen" may still be a possibility for this as mando has stated they could still talk to chris's agent. but i think the best way to go would be to take a tackle that could help anchor your line along w/ Satele for the next 10 years.
--CJ
Mando,
You first wrote on a blog a while ago, that theres no way the fins were going to draft Jake Long, because there were no scouts out there watching him. Boy, how things change!!! Think before you write!!!
Huge, Huge mistake to take Jake Long. He is not an elite LT hes not worth the 1st pick. There's at least one of these guys every year(usually better than Jake)while guys like Chris Long dont come around every year. Build the defense, worry about the offense later, we're not going to the super bowl any time soon anyway.
Armando, come on. You've written about so many possible scenarios that no matter what ends up happening, you will claim you were right. If you keep guessing a different scenario with each blog post, of course one of them is going to be right.
Jake Long is not an elite LT, he played in the big ten where there are very slow non-athletic DE, by the way the best DE he went against(Vernon Gholston) he got beat by, twice. This will be one of the biggest mistakes every made by the Dolphins organization, and it will take us years to recover, reminisant of Robert Gallery. Jake Long is no Walter Jones, Orlando Pace, Ogden, or Joe Thomas, there are guys in the later rounds that will be just as good as he will be on the right side. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!
I Would have liked to see Chris Long drafted #1 and a JT trade to get back in the first round for an OT and then go CB or LB with out two 2nd round picks but thats why Im not a general manager
Armando,
I have to agree with the prior post- you sure can change your tune in a heartbeat.
I am glad to see that after doing some homework, you agreed with my comments from a few days ago!!! Maybe you can recommend me for a staff opening.
More importantly, this is the right move to get this franchise moving in the right direction. Bill and company will turn this mess around but it will take 3 years.
Now, we need more homework done to discuss the Joey "Throw him out with Trash" Porter rumors!!!! Linebacker is a key problem and Joey is public enemy number one.
Jack,
You are the typical fins fan who just does not get it. Jake long is a pro bowler waiting to happen. Guys like him dont come often. Chris Long is going to be a elite player to, but you can find elite DE'S later in the draft. Like you said, the fins will not be good this year, so why not start with the OL which has been a hugeee problem for miami ever since Richman Webb retired. You can always find DE'S in the draft, but those elite left tackle are hard to find.
Parcells knows it starts up front both on offence and defense.
JT will (NOT) be traded if they do select Jake Long.
If this is true than i hope we get a shot at jared mayo in the second round.
Armando said the Dolphins have no interest in Jake Long:
http://dolphinsindepth.blogspot.com/2008/03/dolphins-not-paying-great-attention-to.html
Armando said we’d have to suspend reality to believe Parcells would keep Jason Taylor:
http://dolphinsindepth.blogspot.com/2008/03/do-you-suspend-reality-or-believe-truth.html
NOW he’s telling us another story.
It’s a hell of a tough job to pretend you know everything that’s going on, isn’t it, Mando?
I know we’re all dying for good information this time of year, but the truth is, most of the ‘experts’ don’t know their assessments from a hole in the ground.
I'll take Parcell's and Ireland's opinions over anybody's on this blog.
Hey JACK, "Jake Long is not an elite LT, he played in the big ten where there are very slow non-athletic DE" "Jake Long is no Walter Jones, Orlando Pace, Ogden, or Joe Thomas". Joe Thomas played in the exact same big ten you just shit on, and Jake Long has better college numbers than him. Now im not saying he is a lock pro bowler or anything along them lines, but i like the idea of them taking the most elite tackle in the draft and then finding a pash rusher later on.
Jake Long negotiations
"Consider yourself sucked."-BP
The offensive tackle position is possibly the deepest in the draft. The drop off from Long to someone like Nicks or Baker in the second round isn't that big. So why would they use the first pick for that?
Besides, isn't negotiating a contract with both the Longs and Gholston, and even Dorsey before the draft a smart move? That means if they are our first pick, it's less likely they will hold out.
I like this!
With the prospect of the #1 pick holding out and the lack of interest in a trade, why not negotiate with the player who wants to play football and not just make money. Miami can pick the three or four top prospects (can’t go wrong with either of them) and draft the one willing to sign. Its like saying - ok boys, I have one contract who wants it?
Maybe Mando is part of the smokescreen? Maybe someone "inside" has asked him to write certain things? Who knows.
For some of you to bash him is rediculous! He's a guy who covers the Phins for a living. And you KNOW some of you will be doing the "I told you so" if your player is picked #1. So what if Mando does some of that! After all...he's a FAN too!
I don't have a problem with it.
But of course...I too want Jake Long.
LOL!
To the guy who said the draft is deep at tackle and thin at the DE.
Well guess what!?! Our TEAM is DEEP at DE and OLB, but THIN at offensive tackle! They grade out equal...you take the NEED.
I'm TIRED of hearing well "we can always get someone else later in the draft"...and it always seems to be the guys who want Chris or Matt. We got JT in the 3rd! Tom Brady was a 6th.
There's always "another guy" at every position in the draft.
Bring it home JinVa!
I really could care less if there are other tackles who are "close" to as good as Jake. Jake is the best tackle in the draft. PERIOD!
We don't NEED an OLB! We don't NEED a 4-3 DT! We don't NEED a runningback!
That leaves Jake, Dorsey, and Ellis as the guys who "grade out" worthy of the #1 pick.
What don't you guys get about that? They all grade out basically similar. They all have talent. Yet only a FEW fit a NEED on our team.
Hello?
I don't want the second best tackle in favor of taking a guy who plays JT's position! I want the meanest SOB there is in this draft who plays on the offensive line.
That my fellow fans...is Jake Long. Not ONE person has rated ANY tackle above him. Yet the Gholston vs. Chris Long debates rage on...the Matt Ryan vs. Brohm, Henne, and Flacco rage on. The arguments about Mendenhall and McFadden rage on. The arguments about Dorsey and Ellis rage on.
Anyone see a pattern here? The only undisputed best at his position who grades in the top 5 is JAKE...and low and behold...wow...we only have one true tackle on the TEAM!
See if this reasoning works for you. It did me. Then do your laughing.
"While not an immediate need for Miami due to the presence of outside linebackers Jason Taylor and Joey Porter, it could become a need sooner than some think. Despite Parcells' assurances that Taylor is going nowhere, it remains a strong possibility he is dealt as early as draft day and at least some time before camp. Even if Taylor stays in Miami in 2008, he is likely to begin seriously considering retirement after the season and will probably be gone in no more than two years.
With a potentially glaring hole at the position by 2009 or so, possibly sooner, Long and Gholston would make a lot of sense for Miami at the first overall pick. Parcells has long been a fan of drafting defense early, just like he did when he took Troy University defensive end DeMarcus Ware in 2005. In Long or Gholston, Parcells would pick up a player with the physical tools to join Ware among the elite 3-4 pass rushers."
The saddest thing of all...is that I can see many of you already lining up to be the Ginn haters clube of Jake Long IF he's our pick. You'll be so mad (for no real reason) to HATE him because he's not who YOU wanted. Will I hate Chris if we take him? Nope. Infact...I won't hate if we pick any of these guys. Even if to ME...only ONE guy makes true sense to our team. The rest of you will be calling him "the next Robert Gallery" as some ding dong already said.
Unreal.`
Well, it does seem that finding ELITE left tackles is quite tough, usually those guys are drafted high. Decent left tackles might be found later, but elite.... not often.
Truthfully, I would be fine with either of the longs, Matt Ryan, or even Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis. You've got to win up front before you can do anything else.
That being said, rushing the passer and protecting the quarterback is the name of the game in today's NFL. This draft is deep in both of those areas, at least through the first few rounds.
It keeps coming back to the two Longs. Looks like Jake now, but that could change.
Bring it home bring it home Jin. As much as I would love Chris i have no problem with this(as log as he does not fall to the Jets). That my fellow VA Fins fans would be hard to swallow. At least there is one person on here that can talk football.
I hope so.... Lets just say I don't like surprises... and all these people talk about how nobody hides their intentions better than Parcells?
I Disagree how Cam and Randy with that Ginn pick. I"m pretty sure the Comish was even shocked when he read the card... or Rick Speilman with Eddie Moore.. Shoot he even surprised ole Eddie.
Hey Anony...so we're going to pay Chris Long 32+mil to ride the pine for two years till JT retires? You say he MAY only play one year. That's kinda like playing cap russian roulette isn't it? Imagine the salary cap H E double hockey sticks we'll be in if we are forced to cut Joey Porter...which in all honesty if we pick Chris...I'd still love. lol.
We'd be in deep kimshee if we sign Chris as #1, have to carry Joey for two more years, and our team turns around...and JT decides to stick around because we're winning. That's THREE HUGE salaries for two positions!
YIKES
You know dude, it's amazing they didn't take you instead of Parcells to run the club. You ACT like you know it all, but in reality, you me, and everyone else have NO CLUE what Parcells is going to do. So although you THINK that's what's going to happen YOU don't know for sure. And when the draft is done, and if I'm wrong, I'll come back and admit it. Will you?
Hey JohnUCF...I personally like Ginn. Was I shocked it wasn't Quinn? Sure...but that was before I saw round 2. Terry Shea spent a lot of time preping Quinn for the pre-draft workouts. I don't remember the exact time frame...but it was long enough for him to decide he wasn't who we needed. He and Cam know QB's better than any of us. That sold me on the difference between Kolb, Beck, and Edwards vs. Quinn.
I hate the misplaced aggression toward Ginn. He doesn't deserve it. The guy is all world fast. He can catch...so he's not Troy Williamson. He just needs polish on his route running...which CAN be taught. The speed and hands are what can't be. Ask D. Hagan or Troy Williamson!
6:49 post- dude/lady sounds like they are right to me. You dont even post a name for yourself so we wont know who you are when you come back and ARE WRONG.
Hey Anony...of course I will come back and admit it. They definitely know more than I do...I'm going based on logic...not a bias.
And I'm glad you'll come back and admit it too...but you could start by posting your name so I'll remember who's admitting it...or who I'm admitting it to!
If you don't want to sign up as a member of Mando's blog that's fine...do it like this...
~JinVA
Well said Neil!
Hey man...where in VA are ya?
I can't WAIT for the draft...although I must admit it will be a bitter sweet weekend! The day before I get to watch our beloved Phins draft #1 for the first time...I'll be turning 40!
Booooooooooooo.
lol
Richmond you? I know how you feel... its like christmas is coming. The team already feels so different, but better.
Neil,
I'm on the Eastern Shore...in Cape Charles. I have some friends in Richmond...was up there last summer at the botanical garden to see one of my favorite bands...Big Head Todd. Richmond seems like a pretty cool town. I moved up here from NC three years ago.
I'll post what I was wrong about..If I am. As for why I don't sign up?
NeilVA said...
6:49 post- dude/lady sounds like they are right to me. You dont even post a name for yourself so we wont know who you are when you come back and ARE WRONG.
Why would I be interested? I'm not here to sling insults (like some), or will try to belittle someone by acting like I know more then them. (like others)
Im just happy to see there are more Phin fans here in Virginia...Im tired of all these Redskin fans...Making me sick...lol...Ill chime in on this with what I think, or well hope...Take Jake Long #1..Then in the second round go for pass rushing LB/DE and Im going with a local kid with this Xavier Adibi, the kid is a FREAK...He is faster than what his 40 says, or atleast he plays faster, knowing some of the people I do on the Tech roster they said he is a monster in the weight room, great work ethic...I would love to see him in a Dolphins uniform...But thats just me...
7 cities Phin Fan
Hey guys...as youself this...when was the last time we had an O-line man who was nasty? I mean...the kinda guy who would defend his teammates. A guy who would do ANYTHING to not let someone get to his QB...including...shove someones face in the ground and play THROUGH the whistle. The last guy I remember...was Kevin Gogan.
Anyone see Jake's interview on the NFL Network? The guy just loves to compete...and loves the contact.
We NEED that...our offense lost it's attitude when Danny retired, and the ONLY year I've seen a glimpse was the year Ricky ran for over 1,800...and even then it was only a glimpse.
Big Mistake.
I read on some scouts web pages his scouting from Jake Long.
The problem or doubt is that Jake Long is an Elite Right Tacle (Same as Vernon Carey in his year draft) and a average Left Takle. Some consider that Vernon is our LT and we need help on RT. Vernon is better at right side. We need a natural LT, not another Elite Player on another position.
Read the scouting report, at this mock draft that gave Jake first spot. Does an Elite Rigth Tackle the value for he 1 pick overall and the money involved???
Another Shot:
At SI.com is an article for the value of the positions on OL:
1. LT
2. RT
3. RG
4. LG
5. C
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ross_tucker/04/02/oline.rankings/index.html
Maybe the problem is that if you look at JAke Over the others T, Jake is better RT than the others at LT. I like to take Vernon Gholston or Cris Long and second Pick Baker OT. A natural LT for less money. Same or better Caliber at the position than Jake (LT).
Albert
Hey Anony...is that right?
Funny...I took your comment "You know dude, it's amazing they didn't take you instead of Parcells to run the club." as an insult.
I take this information with some caution. It could lead to a contract, or it could just as easily flush out a potential trade partner.
Jin
never heard of it(band or town). Having a Dolphins draft cookout. To bad you are not closer. Someone just posted from VA wanting X Adibi? Your thoughts?
Hey Albert...I get what your saying, but there's a contradiction there.
If Jake can't play LT at an elite level, but can at RT. Then what's that make the guys who grade out a full round later than Jake?
So we save some money...and we're left with guys who aren't as good as he is...
Then who do we pick? Dorsey? Too small for the 3-4. Ellis? Too small for the 3-4. McFadden? And have 50 mil in RB's on the team. Chris Long...and have huge money in three guys who can play two positions? Same argument for Gholston. That leaves Ryan...and whether the TriTuna believe he's a 20+million dollar upgrade over John Beck.
And there sits our roster...with no RT at all. Sparano coaches O-lineman...and Jake won Big Ten lineman of the year OVER Joe Thomas.
You tell me who YOU'd pick.
Jin Va, Halleluja someone gets it.JT can play 3 more years,look how fit he is ,draft our need,and it`s O-Line.
Thanks
Jeremy in the Canadian Cowtown
nomedeplume: Armando did not say the Dolphins have no interest in Jake Long. In fact he wrote the team sent a rep to his workout, but basically it was too early to tell if he was the pick. It is easy to say someone said something without being backed up by facts.
Nomedeplume said the Dolphins are going to pick a cornerback with the first pick. He is an utter retard for saying that.
Does me saying it make it true?
Well Neil...let me start by saying...my fiance's a Hokie...lol.
So I gotta tread lightly here. ;-)
Xavier has a nose for big plays. Eddie Royal is another one who I'd love to see in a Phins uni. X has the size and speed the TriTuna seem to covet...and he'd be a nice guy to put next to Channing. I can see them feeding off each other the way Zach and Jr. did.
What do you think of him?
Don't most "experts" see him late 1st?
Wow, Jason in Idaho is really pissed at Armando. And yet he continues to visit Armando's "sub-par" blog which puts money in Armando's pockets. I wish I had enemies like that. Jason, if your so smart, why do you live in Idaho? Can't get that potato outta your ass?
According to ESPN, Long himself was only beaten for a sack once this season by Vernon Gholston of Ohio State. In fact, Long has only allowed 2 sacks during his career and been flagged for just 2 penalties. Jake Long is probably best known for his excellent pass blocking, but don't mistake Long for a finesse tackle. As good as people believe he is, his run blocking may still be underrated. He blocks with a real mean streak.
here are some of my reasons why we should take Chris over Jake
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=397545
Jin most mocks and reports Ive read have him in the mid-late 2nd...Eddie Royal is a play maker hands down...Can you see a 3 wide set with Ginn and Wilford on the outside and Royal at the slot...Trouble for defenses...But of course if they dont draft Jake #1 it wouldnt matter because Beck would be on his back before he could get the ball out to them...lol...
7 cities Phin Fan
Hey Jeremy...thanks...the last few years have been hard on all of us.
At the very top of every wish list of mine...Christmas...Birthday...Presidents day...you name it. lol Is PAYBACK.
Payback to the Jills, Tiny Airplanes, and Patsies.
I want NOTHING more than to line up...and shove Ronnie and Ricky down their THROATS...HARD...and OFTEN.
And to me...Jake is the guy who can make that start to be a reality.
Great blog!!! But some of the people commenting on here are stupid or simply cannot read. Finsfan? Your ears ringing?
sorry jin
i cant stand Va Thug U....BUT I like the kid. He is one of the few that stays out of trouble so either way i dont mind. I wanted Chris after the departure of Zach. I wanted him over JT after the "i would trade the whole roster for Brady" comment. Gotta run talk to you when I talk to you. It's been fun and Happy 40th...lollolol.
Go Fins
Kiper has changed his mock draft five times. So has McShay and the guy at the NFL network has changed six times. Things change from day to day before the draft. That's just the way it is.
But some of you say Armando was wrong about Jake Long because of something he may or may not have said a month ago? Give me a break.
This blog is the best source for Dolphins info. Period. Go gettem Mando
Thats a low blow Neil...Only two players from Tech have been that bad...And they both have the last name Vick...I mean it could be a lot worse...It could be as bad as UM...lol
7 cities Phin Fan
Your right 7cities,
just a joke though. but they did just kick Ore off the team. Anyway just joking. You are from Va at least you are not a Foreskins fan.. lol
Jinva,
I didn't want Quinn, I wanted the best player available and that Was Willis or Okoye not Ginn.
1st - OT J. Long
2nd - DE/OLB Q. Groves
2nd - CB T. Porter
oscar_g
LOL...yea Im not that bad...The Ore thing was coming...At least he didnt kill dogs or step on some ones leg...He just hung around the wrong people...lol...
7 Cities Phin Fan
gholston vs long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yot9ClPvZDg
Armando,
you dedicated one these blogs not long ago saying that Jake Long was definitely not the pick. You mentioned that we didn't send hardly anyone there to watch him work out, & your sources told you Jake Long was not the pick. What do you say about that now?
Reguardless of who is picked, there is the fear of a $60 million dollar bust. Of everything I have read, Chris Long appears a "safer" pick. Sporting News list Jake Long the 3rd best OT in the draft and "lacks the athleticism to be a premier LT". Mike Mayock of the NFL network feels that Jake will "ultimately be more suited for a RT." Lindy's calls Jake a "RT prototype and isn't a natural LT". Will Jake Long be a John Ogden or a Robert Gallery? Clady has more upside and will be a better NFL LT but he is too raw to be drafted #1. Whether it's Chris or Jake, it's a $60 million bones gamble. At least Camoron is gone, otherwise we would be drafting a longsnapper or special teams gunner (and their family) to complement that special talent (and family) that was picked @ #9 last year! I still feel that pick started the domino's falling which ultimately ended with the house-cleaning this past winter...I quess that pick was not a total waste.
FLH
There were scouts at Michigan pro day because they were there for Chad Henne. Jake Long was checked out and will be a better left tackle than Carey and will get better. He has great strength and mobility if anyone watched the combine.
"great strength and mobility at the combine" !!!! Who gives a crap about his performance at the combine...in shorts...watch the game tapes. Ever heard of Mike Mamula? He had a "great combine" but sucked once the pads went on. Jake Long may be a future pro-bowler....but there are those that know more than you and I that feel he will be nothing more than a RT. That's an expensive RT. Would Chris Long or Gholston be better. Wish I knew...at least we all agree that Miami's current front office is much more equipped to handle that question.
FLH
Jake Long's ability is all in the eyes of the beholder. Todd McShay on ESPN has him going number 1 to the Fins, and he's pretty high on him. CBS Sportsline has him with better skills than Joe Thomas.
I don't think Armando needs me to speak for him, but the fact is he never said Jake Long was not the pick. He said folks "should chill" if they think he is definitely the pick. Big difference. I'm not making this up. This blog has archives and I saw the entry.
Steve you are a retard.
So what will everyone say next week when we've discussed a deal w/ Chris Long's agent? Everyone has an opinion - but we have 2 more weeks of tom foolery before anyone knows what will happen. JinVA and your new buddy NeilVA - you inherently have some bias when discussing Adibi, Royal, etc. No disrespect though, Jin. I do agree that J. Long makes the most logical sense. And these "experts" are about as accurate as weather men (or ladies). J. Long is left-handed and prefers to play left tackle. I'll take him right now to start at left tackle. So since I'm close to PSU, I guess I should talk up Dan Connor (awesome - Zach Thomas of the future), Justin King (couldn't pay me to have him on my team - he was abused by all tall receivers, especially James Hardy), Anthony Morelli (can throw a ball through a wall - when he's able to hit a wall).
Mike Mayock of the NFL Network has Chris Long coming to Miami in his mock draft released Monday.
Are you haters going to email him and rip him like you rip my boy Mando? Get a life people, it's the draft. Next week the team might offer Chris Long a contract and then Glenn Dorsey and then barak obama. It's a fluid situation.
Better than Joe Thomas or not, they need a LT. I will be very happy with that pick, whether or not he "deserves" to be the #1 pick or not. He's the best LT on the board and the Fins need one of those. I hope the pre-draft contact negotiations go well. Then grab a guard in round 2 and another later. If Beck can improve or Josh steps up we will have a respectable team in 08. Which means I will be able to watch entire games and not turn the toob off at halftime.
The artist likes Jake Long. The artist is satisfied. The artist thinks Matt Ryan sucks. The artist has spoken.
Dude your retarded. You really need to go back & read what Armando said. You obviously didn't. He said Jake Long is not the pick. I'm just calling him out for changing his tune. I don't think Jake is the pick anyway. We are trying to knock down the price on what we will pay for Chris long. This is a strategy to say hey, Chris Long's agent; we can pay this much for Jake if we draft him. What will you settle for, ultimately trying to drive the price down on what we will be paying Chris Long.
JinVa I completely agree with everything you said. Thank you for saving me a lot of typing! NYScott
To those who think we need to get a cornerback. I'm from Wisconsin and am a huge Wisconsin football fan. I'm telling you we should take a chance on junior CB Jack Ikegwuonu. He's young and hes fast. If you watched him against michigan and Inidana, he was able to shut down mario manningham and james hardy. Games without him Wisconsin pass d was horrendous, but with him they ranked among the best. He was predicted to be a late first rounder until he tore his ACL while working out, so we could probably get him in the late rounds. There is a risk but i think we should take it..
I know that I've posted this before (although it may have been on the Sun Sentinel blog, in which case I apologize for the long intro), but I'm almost positive that Jake Long will start at left tackle. He is left-handed and has said many times that he is more at home on the left. An ESPN draft analyst (I can't remember who it was so I apologize) rated him at 98 out of 100 as compared to Joe Thomas' 99 out of 100. He said that while Thomas is more naturally athletic, Long is nastier and more aggressive on the field. They said that he will usually take it harder that even the QB when he lets someone through. His work ethic with that reminds me a lot of Zach Thomas. I personally would not mind at all having someone with Zach's work ethic on the o-line. It's also hard to argue with someone who allowed only two sacks and had only two penalties in two years.
we need to to trust in Parcells and he will DELIVER!
Jumbo Elliott was a LT projected as a RT AT BEST in the NFL but BP chose him in the 3rd rd. and he went on to anchor the Giant's OL at LT for year's.
Here's my thought on JL...EVERYONE is talking about just how bad Gholston is,and HE IS BAD,but seem to forget that JL only allowed him 1 sack and after he adjusted to Gholston's speed,Gholston had to move to the OTHER SIDE(away from Long) to get pressure on Henne.
If Gholston is THAT awesome then just how awesome is JL if Gholston had to move away from Long to have success?
He may be flipping burgers in 3 years or he may be slipping on that yellow jacket in 12-15 year's and while I think it will be the latter NO ONE know's and wont for a year or two but I think he's a no-brainer and we desperately need him.
DA went from a pine rider to Pro-Bowl in ONE year..what changed?
JL won awards OVER Thomas so he was/is better than Thomas and last year Thomas was a Pro-Bowl maker and if the draft is a crap shoot then I'll lay my money down on J.Long!
Brian C.
Brian C...well said!
Hey FLH...give me the link to where Sporting News had Jake the 3rd best. I've read every mock draft and "expert" analysis I can find, and I've never seen ONE that had someone rated higher than Jake at tackle.
Also...you're exagerating about what SOME people are saying about Jake. Mayock, for example, said something to the effect...that he'd be a SOLID left tackle, but a PRO BOWL right tackle in the interview I saw. That means watched not read. Does that mean better suited? Yes...but with the way you present it...you make it sound like he can't play on the left side. The guy dominated on the left in the Big Ten for three years.
I can tell by your post you're one of the Ginn haters...so...I'm sure you'll line up to hate Jake if we take him, and he gives up a sack in his first game.
Here's a great write up on Jake Long...just to show some of the OTHER side of the coin:
http://www.mockingthedraft.com/story/2007/12/12/211124/62
JinVA,
Great article. I love how the WORST case scenario for Jake Long is being compared to Marcus McNeil.
My last post didn't make it into the blog, but here is more evidence that Jake Long is a good LT prospect. This comments from Scott Linehan courtesy of Yahoo Sports:
"There’s no question in my mind (Long) can play either tackle spot. In fact he looks better to me – more comfortable – in his left-hand stance. He played right for two, and left for two in college."
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ak3CJH967Hgmw2I8JIx15jJDubYF?slug=cr-ramsdraftdilemma040808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
(My previously unpublished thoughts talked about how the scouting reports note that Jake does a good job going to the outside, but has average lateral movement to the inside, which, as an LT is where he'd get help from the LG anyway. His trouble with taking care of the inside is more of a problem for pass protection on the right side where he wouldn't get support from the RG - although the QB can at least see that someone's broke free. But most sites note that he can play RT because of his great run-blocking ability. So if you use him at RT, you've got good run blocking but your QB has to pay attention to someone getting loose to Jake's inside. if you use him at LT you don't have to worry about edge rushers coming in on the outside because of his ability to neutralize it, don't have to worry about the inside break since the LG takes care of that, and you've got a great run blocker to boot. How can you turn that down? As much as I've previously felt that we should trade down, I'd rather take this guy then e.g. guess on someone with one of Dallas' two picks)
-Vexorg
Armando, you are a beaut....in ordeer for you to have a job, you toot your own horn whenever you feel you can get away with it. I guess that is the biggest turn off about you. Second, what you are telling us here is 'no f ing brainer. Dah.......the dolphins need a left tackle to protect the QB. It is the lines shortcomings, especially at left tackle that has made our qb's look so bad. Any idiot who knows anything about football knows that. Brady would have looked as bad as any of them behind the lines we have had the last several years. The trifecta are straight talking and thinking guys. They know what needs to be fixed and they are doing it. You and your coleagues are trying to mystify everything to have something to write about. We all know they are going to take Jake and not Ryan. Toot your horn about something that is not so obvious. You don't get any point for that one Armando.
It's nice to wake up next to my sweet boy Mando every morning. I think that if you all could see how cute he is when he is sleeping you would be kinder. Nice soft lips as well.
Look, everybody has their poker faces on at this time of the year prior to the draft.....it's all a crapshoot for us fans who aren't on the inside.
Bottom line is this, the Fins are going to pick the guy that they can have signed from DAY ONE. If Jake Long is willing to agree to contract terms prior to the draft, then he will be on the radar. Any of the guys that the Fins "might" be interested in who indicate a possible hold out will be scratched off the board. I like that way of thinking. Lengthly holdouts do more harm than good. Pick the guy that is going to be there from DAY ONE to help the team. Thats what I'm rooting for.
P.S. Armando isn't always right...thats what makes him human. He reports things as he sees them and thats all we can ask for. Just because he says something one week, doesn't mean its set in stone. Keep up the good work Armando. Like one poster said......some news is better than no news.
There was a trade in the top 5 in 2004. The Eli Manning/Phillip Rivers trade.
Jake Long makes the most sense. He's the best pick Miami could make at #1.
JAKE LONG, JAKE LONG JAKE LONG JAKE LONG JAKE LONG JAKE LONG JAKE LONG JAKE LONG JAKE LONG JAKE LONG!! Finally we have some football minds running this team.
With the first pick of the draft the miami Dolphins select Jake Long!!
2nd - DE/OLB Q. Groves
2nd - CB - Patrick Lee
3rd - Next best right gurd
4th - WR - Eddie Royal or Earl Bennett.
What Ya Think Boys!!!
There is a lot of Armando envy on this blog.
FINSFAN, we already have a RG. We need a LG. Other than that I like your picks.
Ok, how bout this mock!!
With the first pick of the draft the miami Dolphins select Jake Long!!
2nd - DE/OLB Q. Groves
2nd - CB - Patrick Lee
3rd - QB - Chad Henne
4th - WR - Eddie Royal or Earl Bennett.
Mando, remember this mock draft. Give me my credit when it happens. lol
BREAKING NEWS THE FINS ARE ALSO TALKING TO VERNON GHOLSTON'S AGENT PER PFT.COM
Oh Boy,looks like another sorry ass year.I can't believe we are not talking to Condon about Matt Ryan.John Beck sucks and Mccown is just as bad.
Welcome to the Masters of the Obvious Club Armando. This isn't a smokescreen, it's been obvious since they released 4 OTs and didn't replace them in free agency.
Jake's the best choice, had the most success at his position in college, and fits the prototypical size for the position of greatest need on the team.
The Fins will be the laughingstock of the NFL if they pass on Jake Long.
Every year, draftfans (including me) overanalyze the draft and players -- who have finished playing their last game in December and January -- shoot up or down the board based upon sheer speculation, non-contact 40 times, and bench press reps.
So we see media darling Chris Long - the son of Howie Long who "can't miss"- shoot up draft boards, all while memories of other DEs drafted high seem to fade. Remember Courtney Brown? Drafted #1 overall? He was a "sure-fire" prospect at DE. Mike Mamula? Another sure thing.
Meanwhile, Jake Long's status hasn't changed. He was the top tackle going into the season - he would have bee a top 5 selection in last year's draft. Offensive tackle might not be the sexy pick, but it's the type of pick that Shula would have made, and reflects the Fins' desire to build a championship foundation, rather than generate short-term hype.
heres what i believe is going down the cowgirls are going to have the number one overall pick miami is going to end up with two first rounders and a potetial fourth round pick minus the great jason taylor who unfortunetly will be a cowgirls next year you heard it here first
I've been saying it all along - it's Jake Long.
Sometimes it is what it is !
You dont go shopping for a tie when you have no shoes.
Jake Long !!! Hopefully now we have our next Simms or Webb.
I can't believe no one (that I saw) is outraged at the thought of using the #1 pick in the draft on the OL.
I understand the war is won in the trenches but you have to use a pick like this on a skill position.
Taking a chance on a gamechanger is the better chance. We've seen highly rated OL flop too, it's a gamble at any position.
No disrespect for Armando, but he said this about Jake last month:
"For those of you excited about him (Jake) being the possible first overall pick to the Dolphins ... I would chill on that idea. He's not the pick."
The truth is, most of the internet free world had a man-crush on Howie Long's son, and many still do. The rest are Ryan worshipers or Ghoston upsiders. Few wanted Jake and many outright slandered him.
Meanwhile, like the other poster said, it's kind of obvious we'd be drafting O line heavy and early because the Dolphins did spring cleaning and added only Smiley.
I watched the film snippet of Jake supposedly getting manhandled by Gholston during his lone sack, and it's clear Gholston didn't have a straight run to the QB. The QB held onto the ball too long, moved around, and eventually Gholston broke through the line, and didn't particularly "beat" Jake to the QB. As has been pointed out by other astute posters, Jake is the best tackle in this draft, period. We don't pick him up, the next team in line will.
Having said that, I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch. We could still end up picking C Long. But in my opinion that would be a mistake.
There are alot of things that bother me about this team. What about our RB situation? Will Ricky and Ronnie be ready? Is Ginn ready to bust out or is he a bust? Who to draft Long or Long? Our QB situation is also suspect. Will we draft a QB or not? What about our secondary ? Are they gonna be healthy? So many questions and no answers. Lets hope we get some answers on draft day !!!!
Hey, NeilVA, Big Head Todd started out as a College Rock band out of Colorado, in the early 90's. Their first album, Sister Sweetly was one of my favorite albums of all time(though I love so much music that still only leaves it in the top 50 lol). Their second album, Kensington line, I believe, was good, but not nearly the caliber of Sister Sweetly. I don't know what happened to them after that, but they are really strong, musically, with a good blues/rock feel, with a bit of funk, and a light sprinkle of country. Just by the sound, you would be absolutely shocked that the lead singer is of Korean descent(not that Koreans are not musically inclined, just that His voice is nothing like what you would expect).
On to football. Jin, you, and I could be tag team partners on last year's draft, and the current needs of the team. You like the VA receiver, but I wouldn't absolutely hate seeing Mario Manningham in Aqua, either. He isn't polished, or the fastest guy around, but every time I saw him, he was behind the D, catching a deep TD. He seems to have a knack for getting open. That may be the difference between college secondaries, and the pros, but I'm not convinced of that. I know Connor won't be around, and probably neither would Flacco, but If eitehr was, that would be awfully convenient for us.lol.
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