Dolphins may offer several No. 1 deals
The news the Dolphins have entered preliminary contract talks with Jake Long's agent sent ripples throughout the NFL. And there may be more ripples coming.
By next week, the team could talk to the agents for Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, and possibly even Glenn Dorsey. That has not happened yet. But it would be the smart thing to do.
Rather than getting caught up with which player the Dolphins prefer, think of it in terms of which CONTRACT the Dolphins prefer.
It is smart for the Dolphins to offer all the players contracts that are advantageous to the team. By working several players at once, the team can play one against the other and the supply of options can somewhat lower the worth of the deal. At least that's what Miami hopes.
The reason an agent would enter into such a negotiation is because it allows him to judge the contract the Dolphins put before him to sign at No. 1 versus the possibility of his player dropping to, say, No. 3 or below. Gholston, in particular, might not go in the top 3 if he doesn't go to the Dolphins.
So him considering a cheap No. 1 contract that pays $25-$29 million in guarantees is better than the risk of going, say, No. 4 or No. 5 which would bring around $16-$18 million in guarantees.
This strategy also speaks to Miami's intention not to repeat the Raiders' mistake of a season ago. The Dolphins want their No. 1 pick signed on draft day. They have no desire to pick a player that might then entrench himself in a prolonged negotiation as JaMarcus Russell did last year.
Russell missed all of training camp with Oakland while his agent negotiated his mega-deal. The Dolphins can't afford that kind of setback.
By next week, the team could talk to the agents for Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, and possibly even Glenn Dorsey. That has not happened yet. But it would be the smart thing to do.
Rather than getting caught up with which player the Dolphins prefer, think of it in terms of which CONTRACT the Dolphins prefer.
It is smart for the Dolphins to offer all the players contracts that are advantageous to the team. By working several players at once, the team can play one against the other and the supply of options can somewhat lower the worth of the deal. At least that's what Miami hopes.
The reason an agent would enter into such a negotiation is because it allows him to judge the contract the Dolphins put before him to sign at No. 1 versus the possibility of his player dropping to, say, No. 3 or below. Gholston, in particular, might not go in the top 3 if he doesn't go to the Dolphins.
So him considering a cheap No. 1 contract that pays $25-$29 million in guarantees is better than the risk of going, say, No. 4 or No. 5 which would bring around $16-$18 million in guarantees.
This strategy also speaks to Miami's intention not to repeat the Raiders' mistake of a season ago. The Dolphins want their No. 1 pick signed on draft day. They have no desire to pick a player that might then entrench himself in a prolonged negotiation as JaMarcus Russell did last year.
Russell missed all of training camp with Oakland while his agent negotiated his mega-deal. The Dolphins can't afford that kind of setback.
posted by Armando Salguero at 11:03 AM
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71 Comments:
Smart Post. We discussed that quite a bit yesterday.
I really don't think you can go wrong when choosing Chris Jake Gholston or even Dorsey. I really don't care what he is suited for. Dorsey is a talented playmaker. Everyone said JT would only excel as a down 4-3 DE when Saban came along. Well, there ya go.
Each has their cons.
Jake may not transition to LT very well. He isn't Joe Thomas. I think that is widely accepted.
Chris is safe but never be elite
Vernon has mega-elite upside, but is known to not always give it his all and is a bigger risk. PLus gym-rat like him David Boston, and Vernon Davis aree always big bust risks.
Dorsey has health issues that seem to have been quited and may not be prototypica for this system. But we pay coaches a lot of money too. They should be smart enough to make room for Dorsey if they believe he is the most talented and safe in that balance they like.
I would take Chris, but I can find a reason to get excited about any of them.
Boy, I didn't see that one coming! But thanks for the post.
This makes a ton of sense this year, but I understand why the Raiders didn't do it last year.
The Raiders couldn't afford someone calling their bluff. They were zeroed in on Russell.
We're not zeroed in on anybody! I guess that's good, but it also says there is no clear-cut No. 1 stud in this year's draft -- just a bunch of OK No. 2s and 3s.
Sun-sentinel reporting the Dolphins are now discussing contract parameters with Gholston...gentlemen, start your engines!
Mike in Houston
Texans did it with Mario and R.Bush - the Raiders are the Raiders - not clever and not good - sorry - the QB with #2 is a bust - Brady Quinn would have been a better option - Miami is doing a better JOB than last year - but only a "Ginn" in a bottle .-)knows
So JaMarcus Russell is a bust, but Brady Quinn is the better option, based on what?
So Quinn has had a better career than Russell?
Not in college or the NFL.
Comments like yours are why people never want to listen to each other.
HOw can you say Russell is a bust? He hasn't even been a starter for a season yet.
You probably think Beck is a bust too, don't you. You probably said Peyton Manning was a bust in 1998...
I want Gholston.
Jake Long is nice. So is Chris Long.
But Gholston looks like he could be better than all of them.
He has so much speed and power.
Just watch -
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YE2y_ypR9wQ
I say if you can get Jake Long at number 2 or 3 money why not? The guy is massive. What is he 6-10 375 pounds, I cried when I watched my gators lose to this guy. He is HUGE! Someone commented on the article (not blog) "why get a babyface Tackle who needs to learn and develop when you have a QB who is learning as well?"
NewsFlash "We are not going to make the playoffs this year(unless they let AFC teams take the NFC 8-8 or 9-7 wild card potential) and we HAVE TIME TO LEARN! We are not trying to winquick this year. I'd be thrilled if we go 8-8 realistically." I am happy with whatever happens, I say get Jake long, and we could probably draft a better or as good Chris Long DE next year in the 2nd.
I believe the Dolphins are handling this well. It is so funny that they could be doing everything out in the open, not trying to hide any of their intensions and it still keeps people in the dark because people think everything is a smoke screen. I also like the idea of playing the top picks againts each other, i believe that any of the top 5 would be a good pick, because neither of them really stand out.( but taking Ryan would be a hard one for me to swallow ) So getting the one with the least hit on the salary cap is going to be the way to go. ( and that wouldnt be Ryan) So let them play off of each other. Personally I would love to get Jack Long. Marino had his Webb, let Beck/McCown/Flacco? have their Long
The Dolphins cannot draft Gholston. He does not give 100% on everydown. I played the game for a long time, not mentioning where, but I cannot respect a player with that mentality, and neither did any of my teammates. It's poison! Gholston made his own bed by being lazy and getting by on raw talent against lesser competition. In the NFL that gets you a one way ticket to the waiver line. Gholston had a great work out becaue he could and wants the big pay day. Again, he can be great but he will not be because wants he has the money he'll turn into a donut eaten, video game playing slug.
I'm # 11, I'm # 11 look at me everybody!
If Parcells isn't worried about Gholston's character, then I'm not worried about it either. I trust him to pick good players.
I think Gholston's play speaks for itself. 14 sacks in one year?
That's good stuff.
Chris Long had as many sacks as Gholston, and he plays the run, too. Gholston could be great, but I think he is the most likely of the top picks to be a complete bust.
I agree that I could justify any of them (least of all Ryan), but I'm hoping for a Long, though I can't decide which.
Jay in Raleigh
Why would the Dolphins take Ryan out of the equation?
Seems to me with the draft this year and next year being weak at QB...and so many teams needing a QB...for the Dolphins to just say three weeks before the draft...we have no intetest in Ryan is just stupid. At the least, they should just be quite and say nothing...no one can say what will or will not happen when the clock starts ticking. The only reason why I can see the Dolphins doing this with Ryan...is if they already have a team trading for him and they are bringing in these other top players to see what they will cost with a lower selection in the draft.
This year is different than last year. Russel was the #1 selection on everyones board. There are at least half a dozen or more guys who could go #1 because of the lack of a Russel. For that reason the Fins have a stronger hand to play with. A guy like Jake Long HAS to consider a low ball offer to keep from sliding a few positions and cost hiself a lot more money than what that low ball offer costs him.
There is another thought why Jake Long has to be the No1 pick, if they take say Chris Long or Gholston then they run a very real risk of not getting an OT good enough to start cos thats what he's gonna have to do. All the good OT's will be off the board by the time we pick at No 33, unless there's any truth to the Mckinnie for Taylor trade then Jake Long will be the pick unless they trade Taylor and a pick to move back into the first round but I dont see Parcells doing this.
Anon RE: Ryan
Is it really that the DOlphins are stupid or do the Fins and the ENTIRE league all know that MIami has just drafted a talented QB prospect that will cost them $2M this year and that they like this kid and maybe the ENTIRE league realizes it would be stupid to not give your number 2 draft choice last year a chance to be successful. Especially when Ryan doesn't grade out that much better than Beck did last year, and especially When Ryan would cost $35M guaranteed in a $60M contract while Beck has a 4 year $10M contract with him getting all of his guaranteed money before this season is out. Especially when we have so many other holes like OL CB S and DL.
Maybe the Dolphins and the ENTIRE NFL are NOT stupid enough to consider Ryan number one and Maybe you and Mel Kiper have it wrong.
I am not trying to be rude but the Dolphins aren't really trying to pretend they are gonna take a guy that everyone in the league knows a smart team would never take, esp since they just drafted a QB high the year before who hasn't even had a chance to really develop or play.
Gholston ?????????? Can anyone say Mike Mamula! As a lifelong Dolphin's fan, I hope they aren't serious about drafting Gholston #1 overall! I'll be extremely disappointed if they do. This guy is nothing more than a combine warrior who only shows up for 50% of his defensive snaps once the game starts. The pick needs to be either Jake, Chris, or Matt!
Guys, keep an eye on Sedrick Ellis. He's a monster and the perfect 3-4 nose tackle in the Parcells system. He benched 510lbs, did 42 reps and is strong as an ox.
If contract negotiations do not go well with the Longs, Ellis could sneak in for less money and the prestige of being the number one pick. I believe he will move past Dorsey by draft day.
It seems the Dolphins have positioned themselves to take Jake Long, but you never know what will happen when they start talking money. Gholston scares me and I don't see Chris long being the guy if they intend to keep JT.
Keep an eye on Ellis, he's going to start climbing the boards.
On Sun Sentinel reports that the Dolphins talk with Golsthon Agent too. My pick is Golsthon. At the Combine and his Pro Day I in Love with this Guy. This is the best guy of the draft. If don´t select him, Cris Long. I prefer an Elite DE than a OT like Jake Long. Jake Long is an Elite RT but an average LT.
1. Vernon Gholston
32.trade to Kansas City for his 35 & 136 (First of 5th round) last year Trent Green deal by the way.
35. Sam Baker OT
57. Joe Flacco (IF AVAILABLE) OR AN OG, CB, DT, ILB. (THE BEST AVAILABLE.)
64. Donald Thomas OG or Chilo Rachald OG.
Let's assume that SEllis is a perfect fit at NT for a 3-4 defense (which he's not)...do you really think it's cost-effective to take a guy at #1 overall whose only realy job is to take up blockers? You would be paying $30M guaranteed for a player who you don't expect to get sacks, QB pressures, or any other game-changing plays from...doesn't sound very good to me. We'll take NT prospect later in the draft (or sign an undrafted FA) and he and Soliai will have the opportunity to develop into Ferguson's replacement next year.
He anony...who says Jake "isn't" an elite tackle? The few who've said something similar say they don't think he'll be a "pro bowl" LT, but would be a SOLID LT and PRO BOWL RT. Those are the WORST "guesses" I've heard.
The guy dominated at LEFT TACKLE in the big ten. The guy WON the Big Ten O-lineman of the year OVER Joe Thomas.
What you're regurgitating is nothing but guesses...and not factual. Neither side, for that matter, is factual when it comes to the NFL level.
And lastly...if Jake doesn't end up an "elite" LT...what in god's name do you think the guys who grade out a full round LOWER will end up being? Do you think you can mysteriously "develop" late round guys to be better than the BEST prospect in the draft?
Get a clue...
My order for the fist pick:
1. Vernon Gholston
2. Cris Long
3. Jake Long
Period.
Matt Ryan is the next Manning??
If you answer is yes, this will be our fist pick, if not, don´tink about it.
If Jake Long will be an Elite LT then take him. You never got the chance to have another like this, if not, don´t dink about it, unless you pay for you buy.
If Ryan couldn´t be a Manning or Jake an Orlando Pace type, then take an DE. (Cris or Gholston).
By the way, the problems for Gholston could be fixed by a good couching staff. Bill Parcells & Co. don´t let that happen.
Further more...what is funny...is that you bash Jake, but then say you want Gholston! The biggest question mark out of ALL the top 7 guys on everyone's board! LOL
You gotta be kidding me! It's one thing to say you want Gholston, but to say you want him over Jake because you question Jake's ability to be elite is laughable!
I have said over and over again I'll be happy with anyone from the top tier accept Matt Ryan and D. McFadden. As Ron in Charlotte said...I just don't see Matt Ryan being 20+million better than Beck. I don't see us taking McFadden and having 50+mill wrapped up in two guys who have to share a backfield. And for that matter...I'm shocked we are talking with Gholston and if we eventually talk with Chris Long's agent. We have two HUGE salaries in JT and Joey at their position already!
IF we draft Gholston or Chris Long...to me...that spells doom for JT, and that...will be a sad day in Dolphin land.
Jinva,
I read that this is the best year for OT in years. You could have a solid LT with 32 pick. Sam Baker or Antony Collins.
Look at this scout page for the reporting of jake Long. I really want to imporve the OL, but my doubts is Jake Long has the value for a 1st. overall. If the Dolphins select 2nd or 3rd my call is Jake Long all the way.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockdraft.html
Give more information about Jake Long, maybe I change my mind about the guy. The first need of this team is an OT. I´m sure about that, but I´m scare for another bust.
Hey Anony...
I hear your concerns about it being a lot of money for a guy in a deep class of tackles...and I would agree if there were guys who graded out better, but every other guy in the top 6 has big question marks as Ron pointed out.
Chris Long is the next closest to "safe" after Jake. How ever he has to transition to OLB from DE if we play the 3-4...which I hope we do. Chris lacks pure speed, lacks pure strength, and is a true tweener. IMO...he's the perfect DE for a 4-3...and is more like Grant Wistrom.
Dorsey is a true DT for a 4-3, and the "experts" don't see him shinning at DE in a 3-4, and he's not big enough to play NT.
Gholston has the same transition Chris has to play OLB full time in a 3-4, has the speed, has the strength, but last the flexibility needed to drop into coverage routinely, and lacks motivation.
I have crossed Ryan, and McFadden off for reasons I listed. Ellis has the same problem as Dorsey, and it's said has less "pure passion" than Dorsey. The guy above who said he has the build for a NT in a 3-4 is completely off base. He'd have to gain 60 lbs, and not many can do what Traylor did and still be affective.
So...of the three key guys, all having question marks (Long, Long, Gholston)...only one fits a need as well.
And that's Jake.
Folks, I know you guys are saying the Sun-Sentinel is reporting Gholston is now in talks with the Dolphins but The Herald is not reporting that. Has not happened yet. May happen, but not yet.
Say we take Gholston or Chris Long...then what do we do with the big cap dollars we have in JT and Joey who play the same position? Trade one of them? That presents a big hit much like paying Jake...not to mention you'll have to pay the same money to Gholston, so...we aren't saving anything!
SO why pick Gholston or Chris? Do you want JT traded? Who say's they'll be as good? We may take one of them, and force the best DE/OLB tweener in the league OFF our team to replace him with a question mark!
That doesn't sound safe to me!
Safe to me says...KEEP JT...you know what you have with him. OLB is set already! We have NO real RT on the team. Gamble with the best prospect at THAT position...
I just don't see replacing an All-Pro like JT with unproven guys...
Hey Mando...keep us posted! I know you'll get the word when/if it does happen.
I, personally, think they are using Gholston to drive the price down on JAKE! Gholston is the guy who would take the least...so they could negotiate with him, and then go back and say to Jake...ok...here's what it will take to make you #1 or it's the other guy.
I just hope Jake wants to play here and says..."sign me up!"
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.
For those of you, who say Jake Long is not a ELITE LT. How does 2 sacks and 2 holding calls, his whole career sound to you. He is better then Joe Thomas.
Parcells knows you build up front, it will be Jake Long. The only way the fins take Chris Long, is if they got a trade in place for JT, thats to much money tired to DE/LB.
This would be much more interesting if the Fins had not already doomed the 2008 season by failing to sign Faneca, Hall & Pace! It will be years until the team recovers from these devastating mistakes, right 'Mando?
That is my biggest frustration with guys who constantly regurgitate negatives they are READING by talking heads...the lose the context.
When a scout see's Jake run block...they say..."holy jesus...that guy's a beast"...and then they see him pass block, and only give up two college sacks in 4 years in the big ten...first to at RT, second two at LT...second two winning big ten O-lineman of the year...first year of that over Joe Thomas...and they say...wow...he's a pretty darn good pass blocker too. I think he's the best O-lineman in the country, and the #1 LT prospect. He's a beast run blocking, and dam_ fine pass blocker.
Then fans see "beast" and "fine"...
Translation...his weakness is pass blocking.
Unreal
Oh I'm not done...LOL
Further translation...beast run blocker...weaker in pass blocking...perfect for RT...
Now he's a pro bowler at RT...and "solid LT prospect"...
Translated AGAIN..."he'll never be an elite LT"...
And as the whisper continues around the room...
"That's way too much money for a guy who can't play LT! We can pick someone a couple rounds later who'll be as good or better than him no doubt...why take the risk?"
I feel like I'm watching the NFL version of Airplane...and picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue!
jinva!!!
You are on point homie. Jake Long is a stud, if you read any of my blogs, ive been saying that from the get go. The fins in my opinion will draft a DE/OLB probably Q. Groves and that may and only may make JT EXPENDABLE. But at the same time, it may not, parcells may use JT to groom a player like groves for the future.
Cracking me up JinVA! Keep it coming... I absolutely agree with you on Jake Long. Definitely the safest number one pick. Think about it, the worst that can happen is you have a pro bowl RT. That's the worst that can happen!
Any other guy comes with legitimate questions... Gholston is a workout wonder who takes plays according to many published reports. He even said he would have to stop doing that because he was saving his motor for 3rd down pass rushing. He said it! Chris Long has everything you love in a football player as far as intangibles are concerned but he is not a natural end or line backer in a 3-4. So you take the chance that he will not make the transition. Dorsey is not a true nose guard or end in a 3-4.
Seems I mentioned that something like that could happen yesterday. Was even called a lady for posting
anonymous. LOL Oh well.
The Palm Beach Post is reporting that the Dolphins are talking to McFadden's agent.
haha jinva you nailed it bro
Nobody will be talking about Chris Long unless they are mentioning the fact the he is Howie Long's son 4 years from now. Trust me. This guy is going to be a "good" solid player but I don't think he's a first rounder. Howie is promoting him through his connections through the networks and as everybody knows, most people who don't know anything just agree with what they "hear" on the tv.
So....with that in mind, if everybody "hears" chris long's name long enough and how "great" he is the media will put "pressure" on Parcells to take him number one, Howie's family makes "number one" money. It's Garbage.
Jinva,
I´m back.
I like your point of view about Jake Long. But why you think Gholsthon will be a bust. He also are raising on some draft boards. His performance at the combine and Proday was perfect. Some boards are considering Gholston as a 1st. pick.
I love JT, which dolfans are in desagree about your thougts on JT. I don´t want see on another team. But remember that JT is on his final years. We need to look on the future. When this franchise will ready for a Championship, JT is no loger a Player at the best on his finals years. You are right on Cris Long, I have more concers about him than another 1st. pick prospect. (Jake, Cris, Gholston). Gholston has big problems on his his motivation. If he has a JT as mentor and the trifect as coaches, we thing we have a diamond in fact.
If you are sure about Jake will be an Oustandig player, the difference between a mediocre OL and a Elite OL, then the Dolphins no have more choice and Jake is the answer.
Now my thoghts are more clear. We just have two answers:
- Jake Long or Gholston.
Which player you select with the second round if you take Jake???
Jake Long has allowed a total of two sacks and has only been penelized twice for his entire collegiate career. That is awesonme. Over the last three seasons I have seen plenty of offensive drives ended by stupid false start and holding penalties. Jake Long is not only a beast physically (37 reps of 225 lbs.) compare that to Joe Thomas's effort (28 reps of 225 lbs.) he also has the brains and nerve not to commit drive ending penalties. When you get great offensive line play something positve occurs to the skill players behind them. They either make the pro-bowl or the playoffs. After the Browns drafted Joe Thomas and signed OG Eric Steinbach all of the sudden Derek Anderson who was a sixth rounder who was cut by the Ravens in 2006, evolves into a Pro-bowl QB who barely misses the playoffs. When Jamaal Lewis was signed by the Browns everyone scoughed and said dumb move, he's washed up and has nothing left in the tank. Bang he starts running behind a re-juvinated O-line and rushes for over 1300 yards and becomes a Pro-bowl alternate. Braylon Edwards production nearly doubles compared to his first two seasons and he sets the Browns all time receiving records in yardage and TD's in a single season because his QB actually has the time to survey the field and make an accurate pass. Another thing happens when you upgrade the O-line, drives last longer, you get less 3 and outs which gives your Defense more time to rest on the sideline's thus making them more effective when their on the field. To me this screams draft Jake Long !!!
The team has a management team that is working out great.
They have got everyone guessing including us. That is great. We will really have to wait and see. No obvious play here. Advantage Phins. Who would think after last season we would be in such a strong position. Long certainly looks like a monster. He is definitely number one. A bully offensive tackle. Beating on the defense.
I also like the idea of having Jake Long being our first pick we need good OT very bad. Carey played well last season at left tackle but the right tackle spot sucked big time last year. If Long is in the team the coaching staff will get the best player at the right position.
After that pick this is what I tink will happend:
pick #32 ILB
Dan connor penn st if no available,
Curtis Lofton Oklahoma or Beau Bell UNLV
pick #57
Dustin Keller Perdue if not avai,
john Carlson NotreDame or Craig Stevens California
round #3 CB
Tracy Porter Indiana if not avai,
Charles Godfrey Iowa or Tyvon Branch Connecticut
round #4 RB
Kevin Smith UCF if not avai;
Matt Forte Tulane or Cory Boyd South Carolina
Round #6
DT and OG
Round #7
Safty and WR
peace out
Hey Mando you would be wise to read the SUn-Sentinel they reported this morning that the Dolphins have entered into contract talks with both Jake Long and Gholston.
This is from the ESPN story:
According to several reports out of South Florida, the Dolphins, who own the first overall selection in the draft, have begun contract negotiations with Long.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel is also reporting that the team is talking contract with Vernon Gholston. However, a source told ESPN that Miami was not negotiating with the Ohio State defensive end.
Haha anonymous, didn't you see that Armando said earlier on this thread that the Gholston thing hasn't happened yet, irregardless of what the sunsentinel is reporting?
Listen to Jake Long on NFL.com "I love to pile drive people into the ground, there is no better feeling than that!" Thats what Im talking about, games are won in the trenches baby. Finally a real football player may be coming to the Dolphins!
Our ex-O-Line coach is setting it up so that Long, Satele, Carey, and Smiley are punching holes in Defenses for Brown, Williams, and Booker. This gives Beck a chance to grow. Good move.
Armando:
The article you wrote in the paper this week about the women's college basketball tournament caused quite a stir in my home. My wife Carolina was livid because she read it as sexist and degrading to women. I tried to defend your reasoning, but honestly her arguments rang true, you came off as dismissive of women in sports. I believe the take-away from my exchange with her for you is this: refrain from writing on topics outside of your area of expertise. We've had this discussion before, my friend, but this case is clearly the most egregious. One topic off on a tangent: Do you monitor the number of posts on your blog? It appears you have a cast of regular posters that dominate the conversation. "Ron in Charlotte" seems to be one of the most habitual posters, often attempting to endear himself to you so you respond favorably to his commentary. My suggestion would be to moderate the discussion a bit more so you have a wider range of opinions. That being said, of course this is your forum and you have the right to administrate the conversation as you see fit.
Continue your great work, some comments here the past few days have impugned your reporting abilities, but do not be discouraged. I for one admire the tirelessness with which you pursue the fruits of your profession.
God bless and be healthy.
G. Restrepo III
Coral Gables
Mandingo man stop tooting ur horn dude you think a thug can't recall what you said yesterday? Cmon thats bs to say i told u so when youve told us everything. cmon dogg GGthuGG peace out
Restrepo: I am glad my column could cause an intelligent conversation between you and your loved one.
And I appreciate all your journalism advice. Be assured I will file your advice where it rightly belongs.
Hey Anony...I've NEVER said Gholston would be a "bust"...I've only said he has his question marks just like ever other potential pick. Truth be told...as I've said on here before...I think he has the chance to be better in the long run than Chris Long IF he goes to the right coaching staff.
I PRAY he doesn't fall to the Patsies or Jets...but atleast...we MAY have Jake to handle his a$$.
lol
If we take Jake...then I've always said I'd like to see us trade up and take Branden Albert, but I keep getting told that's a "pipe dream" because we'd have to trade infront of Pitt. Well guess who sits one slot ahead of Pitt? DALLAS...hmm...wonder if we have any connections there. LOL
If he goes earlier...the the next guy I'd really love to see us find a way to get is Kenny Phillips. Again I usually get berated for that pick too...but I think we need a STUD safety who's young and can stay healthy. I know I know Jason Allen MAY keep improving, but to me...he's proven he can't make the secondary calls. Bell can...but geez...coming off an injury...do we really want to count on him? We need a "quarterback" for the secondary similar to Bob Sanders...someone who'll knock some heads off guys coming across the middle and give guys aligator arms.
If they both go before we pick or trade up...then I'd like to see us consider Dan Connor.
Connor to me...has the chance to be a GREAT MLB and would be a really nice addition after losing Zach. While I like Channing...I just don't think he's the answer. He's a follower...not a leader. With Zach gone...we need a leader!
See what yall are not looking at is the fact that the dolphins are trying to pick safe this year all dolphins fans like my self should be happy that we are not just running out planning on pickin anybody ex:tedd ginn.
to Ron in Charlotte
You never know who will be good and who not - but I knew that Alex Smith is a bust and JaMarcus Russell is a bust, too - if not and I am wrong - good for the Raiders - time will tell.
Brady Quinn is as good as Russell with the ball - has a better leadership and a better work-ethic - thats why he is a better face of a team.
"Comments like yours are why people never want to listen to each other." Why - no free speech? Come on :-) Ron - a you a Russell Fan - than I hope the best for the kid...
You probably think Beck is a bust too, don't you. Ok - Beck is a bust, too - ok - so what :-) I saw him playing at his U and he will need time to play in the NFL - more time than others and he is older than others - so was a bad thing to give up a second round - thats a bust! The GM and the HC are gone - their were busts, too.
Sorry Ron - but we all have our options on players - some are ok - some are not - only time can tell.
Greetings.
S.
I think Jake Long is the best pick at #1.He's among the best values at this spot and serves a need.Beyond this,he gives the best TRADE value because of the Chiefs sitting at #5.Many mock drafts have the Chiefs reaching for another tackle if Long's off the board.If we can trade Long for the Chief's #5 and an additional pick, we can get someone like C.Long,Gholston or Ryan.Furthermore,if we land Ryan at #5, we might be able to trade down to the Raven's #8 and get a tackle like Clady plus another pick.If none of this happens, we still have J. Long.Not bad!
Parcells predominantly picks powerful, passionate players. Players possessing primadonna, partying, pot-smoking pre-dispositions plainly plague Parcells. Presuming Parcells' public posturing perplexes people, Parcells probably prays punking people pays proceeds. Possibly picking plentiful people provides powerful pull. Pick proven, productive, positive players. Possible pick - Paul Pozluzny... damn!
Hey anonymous, Gholston would be solved with a good "couching" staff, he's already in a couch, come on. He's a stiff, all muscle, no brains and never gives a 100% effort. I'll be macd if we pick him.
Art in GA
See anyone saying Gholston because of his Combine performance ? Give me a break. If he has been ID'd taking plays off which "he has". Why would you want him.
Jake Long is a beast his college career stats, and awards put him in front of Joe Thomas. His combine was better.
and wow we have seriously needed to address the Oline forever.
Miami has consistently cheaped out at those position in the draft for years, and where has is gotten us.
successively dismal offensive performance, year after year.
Spend some freaking money on improving that Oline and Ronnie & Ricky will tear it up. John Beck will be able to develop nicely behind a bruising running game and then break out, making smart throws behind a great running game, where the opponents defense is trying to figure out how to stop the run being forced down their throaght by Jake Long, Vernon Carey, Smiley etc.
I CAN SEE WHAT PARCELLS IS THINKING, IF U GO O-LINE WITH THE FIRST PICK, YOU CAN GET A VERY GOOD DE SLASH LINEBACKER WITH THE 31ST PICK THATS WHY THEY ARE WORKING OUT GUYS LIKE QUENTIN GROVES AND MARCUS HOWARD AND SUCH. THE DE'S AND LB'S ARE DEEP IN THIS DRAFT. CONVERSELY OFFENSIVE LINEMEN WILL GO QUICK, CLADY,ALBERT,OTAH,WILLIAMS ETC. WILL ALL BE GONE BY OUR 2ND RD PICK AND WE WILL BE LOOKING AT GUYS LIKE CARL NICKS FROM NEBRASKA AT THAT SPOT. SO INSTEAD OF TAKING CHRIS LONG WITH 1ST PICK AND SETTLING FOR BEST AVAILABLE O-LINEMEN (NICKS PROB.)WITH 2ND PICK. WE CAN GET JAKE LONG FIRST WICH WILL SEND TEAMS IN A FREE FOR ALL FOR O LINEMEN AND GET A BEAST DE/LB AT 31 LIKE GROVES, GOODEN, HOWARD, AVRIL ETC. WE HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF A STUD DE/LB DROPPING TO 31ST THAN A GREAT O-LINEMAN DROPPING TO THAT SPOT. I LOVE IT! I JUST PREY THAT JAKE LONG DOESN'T TURN INTO ROBERT GALLERY. IF THIS WORKS OUT THEN WE GET A BETTER COMBO WITH FIRST 2 PICKS. ID RATHER HAVE JAKE LONG AND QUENTIN GROVES THAN CHRIS LONG AND CARL NICKS. VERY SMART PARCELLS!!
SONNY CROCKET
Been very impressed with your posts this offseason. Get up the great journalism.
PS. Ronnie Brown was on a Pro Bowl year before he got injured.
I rarely seen the Dolphins Oline ever open up a big hole where Ronnie could get a real good start.
Could you imagine his stats with a great OLine !!
Jake Long !!! I will be dissappointed if we dont draft him, the other OT's are not at #1,2 or 3 for a reason.
HEY SONNY, I like your reasoning. I REALLY HOPE WE GET LONG FOR 2ND OR 3RD PICK MONEY which is what I think Parcells is trying to do right now. If they take Chris Long I will be totally pissed OFF!! Especially if I wake up at 630 am to watch our first pick? WTF is up with that? No time to go to hooters and grab beers before the draft starts. NFL is stupid for that.
MartinK: Your post is too clever for this blog.
Whoever said Chris Long will never be elite just doesn't know.
Either "Long" is a cornerstone player and absolutely the right pick. Either way, can't go wrong.
The Dolphins will go with OT Long - looks like 24M. 6y. (36M. over the 6y) - a close friend in the Dolphins Organisation told me... - any trades? nobody knows.
not more money? was he afraid of other players coming in for the Dolphins?
24 in garantee ? does it make the other players cheaper for the rest? good job miami !
Why not taking Gholston for less - 20M or so ?
First off, Someone posted that it would be a mistake to put a rookie on the OL with a young QB. I remember Miami not only putting ONE rookie on the line, but TWO early in Marino's career. Not only did they put TWO on the OL, they put them both next to each other. Not only next to each other, but on Marino's LEFT SIDE! I don't remember how many sacks Webb, and Simms allowed, but it was somewhere between 0 and 2.
As for questions about putting Long on the left? HE IS LEFT HANDED, and has played on the left for a good chunk of his career, at all levels. He has a nasty streak in him, and has been extremely successful against high level competition.
Ironically one of his two sacks allowed came against Gholston, who I pray we don't take as hard as I did that we take Ginn, rather than Quinn (Yes I actually did call for Ginn from the end of the Season before, and am not displeased with his progress at all). People keep saying that the right coaching staff can make him great. The first pick should be someone who would be great regardless. You should have a guy that even Wannstadt would have a hard time misusing.
Chris was my early pick, but Jake has grown on me. He makes too much sense.
I would love to see Either Dan Connor, or Joe Flacco still available in the second round, but neither will be. There has been talk of Flacco going as the second QB,and Connor will be the first true LB. We could use some assistance in the secondary, if neither of those guys are around.
as far as i'm concerned they are making deals with different people for money reasons. that being said nothing will change. it's all about money not the best players. i'm out.
The NFL/NFLPA should change the rules so that all rookies have a fixed, guaranteed-yet-non-negotiable three-year contract. Give the first overall player, say, a $15 million contract over three years (Guaranteed $5 million each year for three years EVEN IF HE DOES NOTHING), the next pick $14 million, the third pick $13 million, etc., etc. Give the 11th pick $7 million, then the 12th $6.9 million, 13th $6.8 million, etc., etc. until you get out of the second round. Pick 32 would be $4.9 million. Make pick 33 worth $4.89 million, and continue going down the line the rest of the draft in increments of $0.01 million.
This would make a lot more sense than allowing these guys to earn $60 million on potential alone. Let them earn $60 million by actually playing at that level for three years in the NFL.
Actually, make the increments of $0.1 million from the second round until you reach $1.0 million over three years, which could be the rookie minimum (i.e., $333,333.33/Yr), which is still nearly ten times more a year than your average worker in America.
And make none of the money guaranteed for anybody drafted in the fourth round or lower, giving an incentive to make sure you're drafted on day one.
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