per PFT

[alohabillsfan]

Jake long a Dolphin, Rams are on the clock!

[Pinkerton Security]

beat me to it: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/news/story?id=3358424


and you know when ESPN knows, the entire sports world knows

[THATHURMANATOR]

Can't go wrong with that pick. Long is a great player.

[Bill Brasky]

how are they allowed to sign a guy they haven't drafted yet. couldn't this be considered tampering? if this is the case, what's the point of the draft?

[feelthepain]

I love the pick. I would have been happy with Long, Long, Gholston or Dorsey.

[Pinkerton Security]

Can't go wrong with that pick. Long is a great player.

:pray: oh please let him be a robert gallery....


or perhaps a mike williams? :sadwalk:

[gr8slayer]

how are they allowed to sign a guy they haven't drafted yet. couldn't this be considered tampering? if this is the case, what's the point of the draft?
No, it's standard procedure for the team with the #1 overall pick to negotiate with whoever they plan on drafting.

[feelthepain]

how are they allowed to sign a guy they haven't drafted yet. couldn't this be considered tampering? if this is the case, what's the point of the draft?

Because Longs is a RFA, he is not under contract with anyone. The Dolphins have the first pick they can sign whomever they want, whenever they want.

[Pinkerton Security]

how are they allowed to sign a guy they haven't drafted yet. couldn't this be considered tampering? if this is the case, what's the point of the draft?

mario williams was signed before the draft, too.

I wonder if this means that St. Louis can actually try to sign someone now?? prolly not.

[Mr. Pink]

It's how Cleveland decided back in 99 between Couch and Akili.

The guy that was easier to negotiate and accept a contract was the pick...hence Couch.

Teams with the number 1 pick tend to do this more times than not, to avoid things like John Elway and Bo Jackson from occuring again.

[Bill Brasky]

I know, but I've never understood how fair that is to the other 31 teams? Seems to defeat the entire purpose/"excitement" of the draft.

[gr8slayer]

Too bad there's no talent around Long.

[mikemac2001]

I know, but I've never understood how fair that is to the other 31 teams? Seems to defeat the entire purpose/"excitement" of the draft.

NO THEY HAVE THE FIRST PICK!!!

they have the choice of whoever they want not like rams talking to him saying we will give you more....that would be an issue

[more cowbell]

http://www.kffl.com/images/hot_sign.jpgDolphins | Team to select J. Long first overall in draft
Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:58:06 -0700
Jay Glazer (http://www.kffl.com/link/14), of FOXSports.com (http://www.kffl.com/link/189), reports the Miami Dolphins (http://www.kffl.com/team/22/nfl) and Michigan OT Jake Long (http://www.kffl.com/player/16021/nfl) have agreed to terms on a five-year deal. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Long is scheduled to fly into Miami later Tuesday, April 22, to join his new team. Long will be the first offensive lineman to be drafted first overall since 1997, when the St. Louis Rams (http://www.kffl.com/team/34/nfl) took Ohio State OT Orlando Pace (http://www.kffl.com/player/1761/nfl).

[Mitchy moo]

I love the pick. I would have been happy with Long, Long, Gholston or Dorsey.

Great pick up for the fins. I'm sure within a few years he'll be great for you guys while he goes through his learning curves.

[feelthepain]

Can't go wrong with that pick. Long is a great player.

Good post. While I think there is risk no matter where you pick, I think Long is also a great player. I just hope his play at Michigan transfers to the next level. I think this is a good thing for Beck as well.

[feelthepain]

Great pick up for the fins. I'm sure within a few years he'll be great for you guys while he goes through his learning curves.

I'm not 100% sure he'll be a Dolphin yet, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Miami trade him in the top 5. I'm not sayin it'll happen, just that it wouldn't surprise me.

[ddaryl]

every playoff team has a rock solid dependable LT... The Tuna knows the game is won and lost in the trenches... Defiitely not a Ginn Jr. pick

[gr8slayer]

every playoff team has a rock solid dependable LT... The Tuna knows the game is won and lost in the trenches... Defiitely not a Ginn Jr. pick
Seriously, talk about one of the dumbest, boneheaded picks of all time.

It's like drafting Roscoe Parrish in the first round, morons.

[Mr. Miyagi]

As anti-Dolphin as I am, there's no knocking this guy. Jake Long at 6'7" 315lb is huge but still light enough to move around. He can be a great player for years to come.

Now the question is, is he playing LT or RT? He's a natural RT but Beck is right handed. So you still don't have a undisputed LT to protect Beck's blindside.

[feelthepain]

every playoff team has a rock solid dependable LT... The Tuna knows the game is won and lost in the trenches... Defiitely not a Ginn Jr. pick
Ginn was worth the pick and will make a difference for the Dolphins.

[Mr. Miyagi]

diffeREnCe

[hydro]

As anti-Dolphin as I am, there's no knocking this guy. Jake Long at 6'7" 315lb is huge but still light enough to move around. He can be a great player for years to come.

Now the question is, is he playing LT or RT? He's a natural RT but Beck is right handed. So you still don't have a undisputed LT to protect Beck's blindside.

I am pretty sure he was a LT @ Michigan.

[feelthepain]

As anti-Dolphin as I am, there's no knocking this guy. Jake Long at 6'7" 315lb is huge but still light enough to move around. He can be a great player for years to come.

Now the question is, is he playing LT or RT? He's a natural RT but Beck is right handed. So you still don't have a undisputed LT to protect Beck's blindside.

I know the rule is you don't draft a RT as high as number 1 overall, but I seriously doubt Miami is giving a kid 30 mil in guaranteed if they didn't think he had the tools to line up on the left.

[gr8slayer]

Ginn was worth the pick and will make a diffense for the Dolphins.
Yeah he will make a diffense, he'll set their salary cap back four years once the realize they made a mistake.

[feelthepain]

diffeREnCe

oooppps.

[gr8slayer]

<img alt="http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/sports-illustrated/1975-1.jpg" src="http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/sports-illustrated/1975-1.jpg"> <img alt="http://images.mockingthedraft.com/images/admin/JakeLong.jpg" src="http://images.mockingthedraft.com/images/admin/JakeLong.jpg">

[justasportsfan]

I think Long is also a great player.. in college. It remains to be seen if he can hack it in the NFL.

[feelthepain]

in college. It remains to be seen if he can hack it in the NFL.

Thanks Captain obvious!

[justasportsfan]

Thanks Captain obvious!


he should be on Stroud and Kelsays side. Let's see if he can handle that. :jam:

[BigGabes23]

$30MM guarenteed seems like a lot for a RT! What a terrible year to have the #1 pick.

[justasportsfan]

Ginn was worth the pick and will make a difference for the Dolphins.


Yet Stroud is questionable? :crazy:

[FinFaninBuffalo]

$30MM guarenteed seems like a lot for a RT! What a terrible year to have the #1 pick.

They are planning to play him at LT. Vernon Carey will move back to the right side.

[FinFaninBuffalo]

Yet Stroud is questionable? :crazy:

I like Stroud, but he has missed signicant time the last two years and he will not be playing next to John Henderson. So, even if they are small, there are questions.

[FinFaninBuffalo]

he should be on Stroud and Kelsays side. Let's see if he can handle that. :jam:

He will be on Schobel's side.

[justasportsfan]

I like Stroud, but he has missed signicant time the last two years and he will not be playing next to John Henderson. So, even if they are small, there are questions.
I agree with you. It's FTP who thinks everyone we brought in is questionable . We supposedly brought in nobodies and didn't improve anything defensively.

[justasportsfan]

He will be on Schobel's side.
now that you've pointed it out that he will converted to LT. Hopefully Aaron will own him like he did D'Brick.

[FinFaninBuffalo]

now that you've pointed it out that he will converted to LT. Hopefully Aaron will own him like he did D'Brick.

He has played LT for the last two years at Michigan. Just like many LTs that get drafted, some will question if they can play LT at the next level. I think most scouts believe he can play LT. He faced quality competition in college. He was equally good and pass blocking and run blocking. Most of the tackle prospects that are clearly able to handle the speed rushers are less accomplished as run blockers (D'Brick). I doubt he will step in and be a probowl player as a rookie, like Joe Thomas, but he upgrades the OL.

My biggest complaint about the Fins for the last 5 years has been the stability of the OL. Hopefully this puts that issue to rest for a while.

Long - Liwienski - Satelle - Smiley - Carey is a solid OL. I think they will also upgrade the LG position this year as well.

[mikemac2001]

Good pick for them

[FinFaninBuffalo]

I agree with you. It's FTP who thinks everyone we brought in is questionable . We supposedly brought in nobodies and didn't improve anything defensively.

Stroud was a beast in Jac. If he returns to form, he will be very, very good. I heard an interview with him on Sirrius. He sounded like a solid guy. I also like the Mitchell pickup by the Bills. I like their DL and their LBs. I'm not so high on their secondary. Also, their DEs under performed last season. They need to raise their level of play to 2006.

[mysticsoto]

Stroud was a beast in Jac. If he returns to form, he will be very, very good. I heard an interview with him on Sirrius. He sounded like a solid guy. I also like the Mitchell pickup by the Bills. I like their DL and their LBs. I'm not so high on their secondary. Also, their DEs under performed last season. They need to raise their level of play to 2006.

You know, I wouldn't mind upgrading our CBs also by adding a top draft prospect, but I think people perceive the position to be worst than it really is. I thought this was a good article that talked about it:


The corner position is certainly a need for the Bills, but the idea it's a weak link is false. In fact, starters Terrence McGee and Jabari Greer had fine campaigns in '07, proving themselves as ballhawks (35 passes defensed), playmakers (six interceptions) and solid cover men (each gave up only 5.0 yards per completion). The duo managed to do all that with a horrific front seven which couldn't generate any pressure on opposing quarterbacks in front of them. Common sense says that when a D-line and the linebackers behind it are unable to create any push, QBs are awarded increased time to stand in the pocket and search for receivers, and said wideouts are given more of an opportunity to break away from defensive backs and find openings. Heck, even the likes of Champ Bailey (http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/bills/10956#) can't cover receivers forever; eventually, there's a breaking point. With that said, can the Bills upgrade over McGee and Greer? Absolutely. But it definitely shouldn't be thought of as the franchise's biggest defensive priority. If the Bills are going to take the draft route to find a corner, they should grab someone who possesses good size and a physical edge (McGee and Greer don't) and can enter the fray immediately as a nickel CB. Iowa's Charles Godfrey might be a nice fit.

http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/bills/10956

[FinFaninBuffalo]

You know, I wouldn't mind upgrading our CBs also by adding a top draft prospect, but I think people perceive the position to be worst than it really is. I thought this was a good article that talked about it:


The corner position is certainly a need for the Bills, but the idea it's a weak link is false. In fact, starters Terrence McGee and Jabari Greer had fine campaigns in '07, proving themselves as ballhawks (35 passes defensed), playmakers (six interceptions) and solid cover men (each gave up only 5.0 yards per completion). The duo managed to do all that with a horrific front seven which couldn't generate any pressure on opposing quarterbacks in front of them. Common sense says that when a D-line and the linebackers behind it are unable to create any push, QBs are awarded increased time to stand in the pocket and search for receivers, and said wideouts are given more of an opportunity to break away from defensive backs and find openings. Heck, even the likes of Champ Bailey (http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/bills/10956#) can't cover receivers forever; eventually, there's a breaking point. With that said, can the Bills upgrade over McGee and Greer? Absolutely. But it definitely shouldn't be thought of as the franchise's biggest defensive priority. If the Bills are going to take the draft route to find a corner, they should grab someone who possesses good size and a physical edge (McGee and Greer don't) and can enter the fray immediately as a nickel CB. Iowa's Charles Godfrey might be a nice fit.

http://www.realfootball365.com/index.php/articles/bills/10956

I would agree with that. They are not bad. The Bills have spent the last two seasons focusing on the DL and LBs. (Tripplet, McCargo, Stroud, Poz, Mitchell, resigned Schobel and Kelsay, etc.). I don't think they will reach for a CB in the draft, but taking one in the first three rounds would surprise me.

[justasportsfan]

Stroud was a beast in Jac. If he returns to form, he will be very, very good. I heard an interview with him on Sirrius. He sounded like a solid guy. I also like the Mitchell pickup by the Bills. I like their DL and their LBs. I'm not so high on their secondary. Also, their DEs under performed last season. They need to raise their level of play to 2006.

:up:

[Luisito23]

At least we didn't need to spend the top overall pick for our franchise tackle.....:cool:

[justasportsfan]

At least we didn't need to spend the top overall pick for our franchise tackle.....:cool:

he's gonna make more money than our proven LT?

[feelthepain]

Stroud was a beast in Jac. If he returns to form, he will be very, very good. I heard an interview with him on Sirrius. He sounded like a solid guy. I also like the Mitchell pickup by the Bills. I like their DL and their LBs. I'm not so high on their secondary. Also, their DEs under performed last season. They need to raise their level of play to 2006.

This is what Justa has problems with. He thinks everyone get's instant credibility simple because a player puts a Bill's uniform on. Other facts he just constantly leaves out of his BS posts is the fact that I have maintained Stroud is a question mark, not a bad addition. But then again as you'll learn, Justa wants the whole world to believe the Bills are on the cusp of greatness even though the Bills have had a defens and offense that have been ranked in the last 2 positions or near last 2 positions of rankings 4 out of the last 5 years.

Every year it's the same speach from Justa..."so in so will be a great addition because I say so". Hradly a ringing endorsement. You also point out Stroud won't be lining up next to Henderson in Buffalo, that's an important comment because you're right he won't be. Stroud also has a drug issues and lower leg problems. Neither of which can be simply ignored cause it takes away from ones right to brag....Justa!!!!!!!!!!!

Bottom line, the Bills had one of the worst defenses last year and for them to rise above that they will need every player on their roster to step it up. I think 3 or 4 years ago getting Stroud would have been a very solid addition to their D. Or if they had signed Shaun Rogers whom I think is by far a better DT then Stroud. Buffalo would have made a bigger impact.

Stroud will have moments, but he will not be a pro bowler in Buffalo, IMO. If the Bills had signed Rogers and Samuel....what exactly could I have said execpt excellent additions? But they instead go for the lesser talent and cheaper players, is that my fault? Should we all skirt the facts so Justa won't cry about it? I don't think so, it is what it is.

[mchurchfie]

This is what Justa has problems with. He thinks everyone get's instant credibility simple because players a Bill's uniform on. Other facts he just constantly leaves out of his BS posts is the fact that I have maintained Stroud is a question mark, not a bad addition. But then again as you'll learn, Justa wants the whole world to believe the Bills are on the cusp of greatness even though the Bills have had a defens and offense that have been ranked in the last 2 positions or near last 2 positions of rankings 4 out of the last 5 years.

Every year it's the same speach from Justa..."so in so will be a great addition because I say so". Hradly a ringing endorsement. You also point out Stroud won't be lining up next to Henderson in Buffalo, that's an important comment because you're right he won't be. Stroud also has a drug issues and lower leg problems. Neither of which can be simply ignored cause it takes away from ones right to brag....Justa!!!!!!!!!!!

Bottom line, the Bills had one of the worst defenses last year and for them to rise above that they will need every player on their roster to step it up. I think 3 or 4 years ago getting Stroud would have been a very solid addition to their D. Or if they had signed Shaun Rogers whom I think is by far a better DT then Stroud. Buffalo would have made a bigger impact.

Stroud will have moments, but he will not be a pro bowler in Buffalo, IMO. If the Bills had signed Rogers and Samuel....what exactly could I have said execpt excellent additions? But they instead go for the lesser talent and cheaper players, is that my fault? Should we all skirt the facts so Justa won't cry about it? I don't think so, it is what it is.
This post sounds like a whole lot of wishful thinking and a vehicle to trash Justa IMO.:1:

[justasportsfan]

This post sounds like a whole lot of wishful thinking and a vehicle to trash Justa IMO.

FFIB knows better though. FTP spent all that time to post that :snicker:

[Luisito23]

he's gonna make more money than our proven LT?


That's because the fish are unlucky idiots....The only reason he's going #1 is because this is a weak draft....And he can only wish he can one day be as good as Peters is now.....:squish:

[mchurchfie]

FTP spent all that time to post that :snicker:
Now we know where she's been for the last few months.:snicker:

[mysticsoto]

This is what Justa has problems with. He thinks everyone get's instant credibility simple because players a Bill's uniform on. Other facts he just constantly leaves out of his BS posts is the fact that I have maintained Stroud is a question mark, not a bad addition. But then again as you'll learn, Justa wants the whole world to believe the Bills are on the cusp of greatness even though the Bills have had a defens and offense that have been ranked in the last 2 positions or near last 2 positions of rankings 4 out of the last 5 years.

Every year it's the same speach from Justa..."so in so will be a great addition because I say so". Hradly a ringing endorsement. You also point out Stroud won't be lining up next to Henderson in Buffalo, that's an important comment because you're right he won't be. Stroud also has a drug issues and lower leg problems. Neither of which can be simply ignored cause it takes away from ones right to brag....Justa!!!!!!!!!!!

Bottom line, the Bills had one of the worst defenses last year and for them to rise above that they will need every player on their roster to step it up. I think 3 or 4 years ago getting Stroud would have been a very solid addition to their D. Or if they had signed Shaun Rogers whom I think is by far a better DT then Stroud. Buffalo would have made a bigger impact.

Stroud will have moments, but he will not be a pro bowler in Buffalo, IMO. If the Bills had signed Rogers and Samuel....what exactly could I have said execpt excellent additions? But they instead go for the lesser talent and cheaper players, is that my fault? Should we all skirt the facts so Justa won't cry about it? I don't think so, it is what it is.

What a crock of crap!

Stroud is better than Tripplett...upgrade
Poz is returning...upgrade
Mitchell is better than Ellison...upgrade
Ko, Wilson and Wendling will be returning to safety...upgrade

But somehow, our defense is not supposed to get better with these additions...only in FTP la-la land...

[feelthepain]

That's because the fish are unlucky idiots....The only reason he's going #1 is because this is a weak draft....And he can only wish he can one day be as good as Peters is now.....:squish:

Really? I disagree.

[feelthepain]

This post sounds like a whole lot of wishful thinking and a vehicle to trash Justa IMO.:1:
Or maybe I was "justa" being truthful.

[X-Era]

I love the pick. I would have been happy with Long, Long, Gholston or Dorsey.
For the Fins, i like this pick.

Many many teams have proven you can win games in the trenches and moreover average QB's can win with a very good LT.

Now, that said, Jake Long is #2 as far as talent IMO. I think Glenn Dorsey is a better prospect. To me, my Fins board would have looked like this:

1) Glenn Dorsey
2) Jake Long
3) Vernon Gholston
4) Chris Long

[LtFinFan66]

Seriously, talk about one of the dumbest, boneheaded picks of all time.

It's like drafting Roscoe Parrish in the first round, morons.You will find out REAL soon that you are full of crap and will be eating crow about the Ginn pick. Write that down

[X-Era]

You will find out REAL soon that you are full of crap and will be eating crow about the Ginn pick. Write that down

I like the pick of Ginn actually, I just dont see why the Fins fans booed it... They were hell bent on Brady Quinn.

Fans arent always right. Remember Philly booing McNabb because they skipped Ricky Williams?

Its all a crap shoot and none of us will know for several more years.

[feelthepain]

For the Fins, i like this pick.

Many many teams have proven you can win games in the trenches and moreover average QB's can win with a very good LT.

Now, that said, Jake Long is #2 as far as talent IMO. I think Glenn Dorsey is a better prospect. To me, my Fins board would have looked like this:

1) Glenn Dorsey
2) Jake Long
3) Vernon Gholston
4) Chris Long
I think the fact that BP is a Defensive guy first, for him to pass on the likes of Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey and Vernon Gholston add to the fact that BP had the number 1 overall pick and the money involved and picking the most important position on the team other than QB, I think all that speaks volumes about what BP thinks Jake could be at the next level.

[justasportsfan]

I think.
you wish ,liar

[Luisito23]

You will find out REAL soon that you are full of crap and will be eating crow about the Ginn pick. Write that down


I'm not saying differently, but this is based on what?...QB?...New system?....New coach?

[Ingtar33]

how are they allowed to sign a guy they haven't drafted yet. couldn't this be considered tampering? if this is the case, what's the point of the draft?

no. the 1st team can negotiate. if they sign him, the 2nd team can start negotiations, and so on and so forth.

in theory... (though it would never happen) the nfl draft can be DONE, before draftday, if every team signs its "picks"

[!Papacrunk!]

So who exactly has said he's going to play LT? Maybe he will eventually, but Carey did just fine at LT (when so many said it was the wrong thing to do). Have Long play to his strength at RT until he gets used to the speed of the NFL, but having a HC who's specialty is the offensive line will probably know a whole heckuva lot more than me. If it's LT it's LT, but I don't think anything has been specifically said so far.

Other than the pick and *possibly* having another solid tackle, I think it's extremely awesome to have our 1st pick signed--he'll be at all camps and won't hold out like Russel did until September **shudder**


***EDIT***

I guess I should read some of the press conference before I posted, lol
Sparano and Ireland stated specifically that he will go to LT. Vernon Carey did pretty good at LT, so worse comes to worse if they have to swap them, Carey has a season of experience at the spot, but now he can go and play at his strength of RT.

[feelthepain]

I'm not saying differently, but this is based on what?...QB?...New system?....New coach?
Ginn has loads of talent much more then many here want to admit. As does Beck. Miami took a huge step today by ensuring the Offense more specifically the Oline is going to be a priority. By getting Long you help Ginn get an extra second or 2 in his route and you make Ronnie better running to the left or right. Cause even if Jake plays on the left or the right, Vernon will be on the other side. Giving our Oline two very good if not future pro bowlers. Beck of course will have better protection. This one pick makes a huge difference in what Miami can and will do.

Today Miami's Oline looks like this

LT- Jake Long/ Vernon Carey
LG- XXX
C- Samson Satele
EG- Justin Smiley
RT- Vernon Carey/Jake Long

I myself would draft another T and move Carey to LG because I think that's truely Carey's best position. But play Carey at T one more year to help the young guy's get someexperience. But that's me.

[justasportsfan]

As does Beck..
where's your NFL proof?

[X-Era]

I think the fact that BP is a Defensive guy first, for him to pass on the likes of Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey and Vernon Gholston add to the fact that BP had the number 1 overall pick and the money involved and picking the most important position on the team other than QB, I think all that speaks volumes about what BP thinks Jake could be at the next level.

I tend to agree. Mich is just plain studly at cranking out OL. The turth be known, they can do alot worse than landing any of the 4 I mentioned.

If I were the Fins, I would have worked on landing a QB to be the "now" while Beck develops. They must think he can play this year...

Anyways, adding BP is going to pay dividends ultimately.

But if I were to be critical of him for a minute I think he tends to get hell bent on a few players and sometimes they never end up being great. Heres a few:

QB Ray Lucas
RB Dave Meggett

[X-Era]

So who exactly has said he's going to play LT? Maybe he will eventually, but Carey did just fine at LT (when so many said it was the wrong thing to do). Have Long play to his strength at RT until he gets used to the speed of the NFL, but having a HC who's specialty is the offensive line will probably know a whole heckuva lot more than me. If it's LT it's LT, but I don't think anything has been specifically said so far.

Other than the pick and *possibly* having another solid tackle, I think it's extremely awesome to have our 1st pick signed--he'll be at all camps and won't hold out like Russel did until September **shudder**


***EDIT***

I guess I should read some of the press conference before I posted, lol
Sparano and Ireland stated specifically that he will go to LT. Vernon Carey did pretty good at LT, so worse comes to worse if they have to swap them, Carey has a season of experience at the spot, but now he can go and play at his strength of RT.

Wow man, ask Bills fans how it goes when you draft a RT real early.

No, hes got LT written all over him. Hes looks to be a pro-bowler IMO. Maybe he does, maybe he doesnt, but hes a very very good prospect.

[feelthepain]

I tend to agree. Mich is just plain studly at cranking out OL. The turth be known, they can do alot worse than landing any of the 4 I mentioned.

If I were the Fins, I would have worked on landing a QB to be the "now" while Beck develops. They must think he can play this year...

Anyways, adding BP is going to pay dividends ultimately.

But if I were to be critical of him for a minute I think he tends to get hell bent on a few players and sometimes they never end up being great. Heres a few:

QB Ray Lucas
RB Dave Meggett

Meh, no coach or GM gets all of them right. Heck Jake may not be what we hope he will be. Bu I sure do like the effort and the thinking that went into this pick. I also think Jake could have landed worse places as far as coaching. I think Sparano will coach this kid up big time.

Plus Miami is running one mean conditioning program right now. It's been the big talk so far this offseason. Something we found out wasn't a Big deal for Cam and company. Everyone (the players) have been remarking about how Miami's conditioning program last year was quite meek. Many of the new guy's and several of the returning players are comenting this is the toughest conditioning program they've ever attended. It also might explain why Miami fell off the second half of their games last year and why we had so many injuries.

[feelthepain]

Wow man, ask Bills fans how it goes when you draft a RT real early.

No, hes got LT written all over him. Hes looks to be a pro-bowler IMO. Maybe he does, maybe he doesnt, but hes a very very good prospect.

I'll tell ya, even if the worst thing that happens is he moves inside and becomes a pro bowler, I won't lose much sleep over it. But when he talks you can see the passion. He deffinitely doesn't look to be anything less then a solid starter. But time will tell. I would love to call him a future probowler, but I think that would be a foolish statement at this point. Lets just say there are a lot of happy Dolphin fans today.

[YardRat]

Great pick, IMO...Long could be the anchor of Miami's line for the next decade. I still like Beck (I did last year pre-draft) and will be interested in seeing how he's progressed after his first year.

I need to go take a shower now, I feel dirty writing a post with two positives for the fins.