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http://www.palmbeachpost.com/dolphins/content/sports/epaper/2008/04/01/0401nflnotes.html

Dolphins reworking offensive line

By Tim Graham
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Palm Beach — There are holes in the Dolphins' offensive line, although they're not the kind running backs Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams and Lorenzo Booker would prefer to see.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano on Tuesday provided a rundown of how the offensive line looks with the NFL Draft three weeks away. He admitted two players are missing.

Sparano, at a media breakfast for AFC coaches, said Vernon Carey still is listed at left tackle despite thoughts of a switch to the right side. Samson Satele will return as the center. Incoming free agent Justin Smiley will be the right guard.

As for the other positions, Sparano said "At left guard there is a little bit of a hole, and right now right tackle has a hole."

Sparano mentioned Drew Mormino and Trey Darilek as candidates to replace free-agent departure Rex Hadnot at left guard.

The Dolphins drafted Mormino in the sixth round last year but placed him on injured reserve in September with a shoulder injury. Darilek was acquired through free agency after a season in the CFL. Sparano was line coach of the Dallas Cowboys, whom Darilek went to training camp with in 2006 and ë07.

"You're going to see us bouncing players around trying to find the right formula," Sparano said. "Right now they're just pieces on the board. We'll put them in some spots and that's where they'll start, but not necessarily where they'll end."

Tandem backs: Sparano, who was the Cowboys running-game coordinator last year, has no qualms about finding ways to get Brown and Williams to share the backfield workload.

"I think it's a good problem," Sparano said. "My experiences have been obviously through Dallas to have a couple of those guys ready to play. In our league you're seeing less and less of that one back, that guy that's doing it all the time.

"I don't really know how each one of them may complement one another right now until we get out on the field and we see them. So they know that there's competition there as well. Ronnie knows that. Ricky knows that."

Sparano also said Booker is "a guy that when you watch, he jumps off the film a little bit. He's interesting in that he's a guy that you've got to get touches for. You've got to find a way to get Lorenzo the ball. I think there's a role. . . . He's going to be out there."

New rules: The owners on Tuesday voted 25-7 to adopt a radio communications system for defensive players.

Quarterbacks have used radio helmets, but the league had been unable to come up with an effective way to do it on the other side of the ball, requiring teams to use hand signals from the sidelines to call defenses. That practice led to the New England Patriots' "Spygate'' video-taping scandal.

The proposal to forbid flowing hair from covering a player's jersey nameplate was tabled until the owners reconvene in May.

Owners will vote today on seven other rule proposals:

- Make all pass receptions require two feet inbounds regardless of a force-out.

- Allow teams that win the coin toss to choose at the start of the second half.

- Allow for replay on field goals except for when the ball sails over an upright.

- Eliminate 5-yard facemask penalties.

- Rule all hand-to-hand exchanges, even when handed forward, as a fumble.

- Rule all mishandled snaps as fumbles, eliminating rare times of a false start if the ball doesn't touch the quarterback.

- Discontinue offsetting penalties that involve delay of game for spiking the ball.

Interesting to see what he said about the running backs, considering how the Cowboys used Jones and Barber. I think Ronnie is going to do most of the work horse running, with Pothead coming in at the goal line and using his size to get the TD's.

we lost Shelton and Rex Hadnot.  In terms of strict pecking order they were the low men on the food chain anyways I think we'll be ok at guard but who is going to play the tackle position opposite Carey, regardless of which side Carey lines up on?

We need a left tackle, plain and simple.  Carey is a right tackle and should be moved back there. 

I hope that trade involving Jason Taylor and Bryant McKinnie goes through.

Much as I'd like to see that trade, Tommy, I don't think it will occur.

If the dolphins don't take Jake Long at number one, they'll likely draft an OT with one of their second round picks. I understand this is an OT rich draft. I think we'll see a rookie starting on the line this year.

I think they are likely to take Jake Long.Miami is  going to need a solid O-line man for years to come.   While i would not object in taking Chris long either  but  getting a solid DE thru FA is good Enough for me.   Drafting an O-Lineman are a dime a dozen.  Jake Long is a skill player. He also takes pride in being an  in your-face asshole.  Dont know how well it will translate in the PROS.  6-foot-7 and 315-pounds Long  man  he is bigger than anyone on Miami's current O-Line.

Yeah but DZA you need an elite pass rusher just as much if not more than a LT.

I mean who won the Super Bowl? Matt Light or Osi Umenyiora (spelling?)??

Remember, height can hurt you on the O-Line (or D-Line for that matter).  The taller you are, the easier it is for your man to get under you.  Getting low on your opponent is crucial in winning the battle of the block. 

we already have 1 of those already...

I would say (and this is my opinion), that the guys up the middle (like Tuck) were the big play makers for the Giants. Pressure up the middle is a commodity that people pay high for, just look at the Raiders. Pressure from the ends, you'll find a lot more guys who can do that. Granted, there are not a huge overflow of good ends, but you'll see more of them.

Now, look at good left tackles. It's a hard position to fill. You rarely see a good one hit the market. If you get someone through FA, usually they come with some baggage. Teams don't give up good left tackles often. Teams should always focus on the trenches. A good pass rush makes a defense much better. Good protection will make an average quarterback a god. However, if I'm looking at an end vs. a left tackle (and this is what the Dolphins first pick comes down to), I would pick the left tackle.

Jason Taylor's career is nearly over. He isn't ever going to a playoff game again and he will retire in the next 3 years (at most...I think 2).

You need a young leader on defense and Chris Long is the perfect fit for what this football team needs.

If the pick came down to Michael Oher in 2009 and Chris Long in 2008 I would take Oher every time. But Jake Long is not the prototype.

He ran a 5.17 40 at 315 pounds (comaped to Joe Thomas who ran a 4.92) and he doesn't have extremely quick feet. He is not the prototype. You don't want to draft a player #1 overall who doesn't fit the prototype. Jake Long will struggle with speed. I have seen flaws in his athletic ability on film, and while there aren't many I didn't see those same flaws in Joe Thomas from what I saw from him last year at the Combine and games he played while at Wisconsin.

Doesn't defense win championships? Giants. Steelers. Colts (without that defense no way Peyton wins). Patriots. Bucs. Ravens. The list goes on and on. Pressure is the way to win a Super Bowl and Chris Long will bring that in the NFL

Again...The Giants D-line was special,The Steelers great defense took them on a one year wonder (in the last decade).The Colts Defense was smoke and mirrors sucked all year...Peyton carried them,Marvin Harrison,Reggie Wayne,and J.Addai..Against A great Defense in the Bears,and a shotty offense of the Bears!
The Bucs and Ravens Runs to the super bowl were Extrodanary Defenses,and each only had that one year run to the Superbowl....

Your arguemnt is looking like swiss cheese...

We're talking about the Miami Dolphins that right now have Abuttload of money sunk in to their froont 7 on defense...yet have Glaring holes on our Offensive line....

Lil B you are so narrow minded.

Tell me why you seem to believe that Jake Long is the only offensive lineman in this draft because that is the argument every dolphins fan pretty much implies.

A very good offensive lineman could potentially fall to #32 like Jeff Otah, Carl Nicks, Gosder Cherilus, etc.

The difference in value with Chris Long and then the 2nd tier of hybrid linebackers is simply in a different galaxy.

I don't think there is a tremendous drop off from Jake Long to Gosder Cherilus.

Making the argument that you should not draft a player #1 overall because you have too much money tied up into a position is a horrible argument.

You can cut Joey Porter, and it isn't like the Dolphins have that much money invested in a pass rush which I simply don't buy.

But hey I mean yeah you should invest more money into the 5th best player in the draft rather than the 2nd or 1st.

Easy there, cowboy...last time I checked, having your own opinion isn't being narrow-minded.

Personally, I see a significant drop-off from Long to Cherilus, and even a large gap between Long and Clady, who most rate as the #2 tackle in the first round.

Just my opinion of course, but since we're all predicting the future here, the only thing that will truly solve the argument is what happens in the future. I'm looking forward to watching the "Long Debate" develop, regardless of which one Miami ends up taking.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion here. Yours is not the gold standard.

Wait...I'm so narrow minded?

I drop Verifiable facts and you keep dropping a Bullshit opinions!

You're a 21 year old college student! That claims to be an NFL analyst,and draft expert..(Who's the IDIOT that gave you that!) You have no accountability...No inside info....You're not a college Scout..No one is paying you for your opinions....Are you even old enough to be Drafted?...

Last time I checked you're not a Dolphns fan....
as Fans,if Bill makes the wrong Decision,We're all crying in out Beers for the Next 5 years.....

I don't know shit about Jake Long.(and never claimed to either..But I know about the Miami Dolphins...and The Idea of Paying another DL/OLB Franchise QB type Money (Chris Long) Where we already have alot of money wrapped up....Doesn't make alot of sense to me at All....And maybe if you actually listened to "other Dolphins fans"  Most of us Think they'll take Chris Long,But are more comfortable taking Jake Long....


Apparently You've never heard of the Salary Cap..You can't just "cut " Joey Porter...There is dead Money,Trading Jason Taylor Means Cap hit.....Ohh wait..they don't deal with that In college....

I think both of you should chill out a little bit... Is which player Miami selects at #1 really worth getting fightin' mad over?

That said...I can't wait to get ya both on the air together. Wheeeeee!! ;D

This all coming from the person that said Vernon Gholston played at the senior bowl when he is a JUNIOR!!!!

In one ear and out the other sorry.

If you want to listen to people who have played football then I guess Sean Salisbury, Steve Young, Jamie Dukes, etc. would be draft experts but I have never been impressed with most of what they had to say regarding football analysis on television.

I guess we will see how credible I am on draft day.

If you think I am such an idiot then you need to step up and speak out more on TDMMC with your opinion so we can debate the draft and you put your point in.

When I was debating about Jake Long i never heard anyone really step up and debate me on any point I made.

I do my homework, I watch film (have about 50 VHS tapes of college games from past 2 years in my closet), and I know this draft.

I got grilled last year when I said Brady Quinn would fall to #17 to the Jaguars. My mock speaks for itself my top 5 has been locked since very early February ... we'll see what happens on draft day.

Hey Lil B maybe the Dolphins should draft a corner #1 ... I bet they don't have that much money locked up in that position.

Plus you always are avoiding my point about how you can get very solid linemen in this draft in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

lol so you have to be a fan to know about a football team?

I got the first 7 picks of the draft last year locked in and I had 11 of the top 15 right ... but hey I am not a fan of those teams so what do I know.

Oh yeah and all those Texans fans hated the Mario Williams pick ... look how stupid they look now.

All the Oakland fans last year said that Al Davis doesn't invest much in QB and they wouldn't take Russell they would take Calvin Johnson.

Good calls both ways. I guess though you are right to know anything about needs or the game of football you have to be a fan of all 32 teams.

Technically, we were even then... On my ESPN Draft Challenge, I hit 11 of the first 15 as well. Only 18 in the first round, but I had the first half of round one fairly pegged.

I really do understand the C-Long support point you make about there being solid O-linemen in round two, but would you at least consider that there are solid DE's in round two as well? The pass rushers in this draft don't end with Chris Long...there are a lot of good DE's in this class.

...in my opinion, of course. ;)

I've never Claimed to be an Expert....I'm a joe blow nobody..that happens to be a Dolphins fan....

I think college football sucks...and Haven't watched more than 10 minutes My whole life....

You keep spiting out all this Bullshit.....Act like were Idiots...because were fans....



Again they get Paid....For their Opinions...They actually Talk to Gm's,People in the League Players....They've actually Graduated College...they've actually,Played in the League...They have something Called Credablity...

You run a Mock Draft on some Message board...I don't care about Your Accuracy....I give a damn if that Player is going to be worth a damn 3 years down the Road....

I'm avoiding Your point?..Shit..I've spit out about15-20 questions...this week that you've skirted..and Keep spewing garbage.....

This has to be the Dumbest Statement made on this part of the message board in Many Years...

I showed the 4 of the past 8 years top 10 picks...then showed showed only 2 players (out of 40) in those drafts...could posibly be considered elite players....

and you had nothing...

When I talk about whether a prospect can be elite or not I am evaluting their upside of their talent.


But if your wrong Who cares! NOBODY Cares...You're not getting fired,you just go on to your next year.......You have nothing invested if the Kid is a bust....FANS DO! We're Not Wrong......

Why don't I speak up? because I was taught,Not to Belittle the Guests......

I just think it is pretty sad how bad all of these "NFL experts" on TV are.

Can't wait for TDMMC ... getcha popcorn ready.

You won't belittle me. It won't hurt my feelings, nor do I think I can be "belittled."

If you (referring to all the so called "experts) have confidence in what you are talking about then you should have no problem bringing it in a football debate.

Stroke, feel free to bring on Mel Kiper, Todd McFraud, Scott Wright, Mike Mayock or any other "expert." I don't back down from anyone.

And yes of that list I feel Mayock is a true expert. His track record speaks for itself and that is what I base who is a true expert: reliability, accuracy, consistency, and creativity in logic.

I'm not afraid to talk draft with anyone...in fact bring them all on the show at once.

^^ you're exactly the person Bob Costas was talking about Bloggers....


You have no Clue...Who I'm refering too..I'm refering to Any Writer(Sports Magazine,newspaper),Or Broadcaster....Again who's paying you for your opinons?

Walter pays me.

Alright, this was entertaining for a while but now has crossed the line to annoying.

About the article... the first thing that hit my mind when I saw the comments made by Sparano was that his O-line in Big D wasn't really all that great considering the talent they had.  Anyone else notice or concerned about this?  Last year our O-line made more progress than any year in recent memory and it looks like it is going to be thrown into the mixer again this year.

As to Jake Long... I understand some of the concern with speed rushers, but I really think that he will be ok with some work on the pro level. 

As to O-line talent in the draft... I agree there is plenty of O-line talent in the draft, but I really believe Jake Long is a major upgrade at left tackle over anyone else available (draft or otherwise). 

We look good on the defensive front at the moment.  We need O-line help so why not take care of it with the draft and get a likely dominating left tackle?  At the least, you can feel good that Jake Long won't be a bust barring any major injury.

For the record - I really like Chris Long and would love to see him on our team.  However, if Jason Taylor or Joey Porter are going to remain a Miami Dolphin then it doesn't make sense to draft C-Long at #1.  I have yet to see a good reason to draft C-Long with the current roster of our defensive front so if you have one, please share.

Jason Taylor shouldn't enter the thoughts of the Dolphins draft strategy because they have no future.

33 and 31 years old. This defense needs an injection of youth and talent if you guys ever want to win a super bowl...and that will not ever happen with Jason Taylor and Joey Porter on the football team. I know you guys don't want to hear that but it is true.

The dolphins aren't going to playoffs the next two years and by that time Jason Taylor is on the verge of retirement or he loses all of his speed aka Simeon Rice.

Likely dominating left tackle? Everyone said that about Robert Gallery and Tony Mandarich. I don't think Jake Long has that kind of floor, but I can see how he will struggle with speedand you don't draft an offensive tackle #1 overall that could struggle with speed even if it is a little bit. I thought we learned this from Gallery and Mandarich but I guess not.

Someone simply needs to step up to this debate and logically explain why you can't fill needs at LG and RT and really improve the OL with your picks in the 2nd-4th round. Look outside the box and look at this entire draft class, not just the top 5 players.

Matt ... please stop with the double and triple posting.  If you need to add to your previous post feel free to hit the modify button in the top right corner of your post.

Thanks!

I will be honest, I am not fully able to recall who exactly got beat and why but our QBs took a beating on there blind side this year.  Particularly Beck, who was like a bleeding cow in a pool of parana.  From what I remember, most of the big hits were from the outside on the left side.  We are going to get blitzed alot this year, you can count on it.  I also think we are going to be a run first team.

My opinion is that we need more help on the O-line than anywhere else right now.  Personally, I think Carey is good but not good enough at LT.  I don't mind your view and it may be what our coaching staff chooses to do.  However, I really fear that you are just hating on Jake Long, I really don't see this as a Robert Gallery situation at all.  I just think we end up with a mediocre O-line with the philosophy you outlined and an overload on the defensive front. 

I 100% agree with everything you said but what is stopping Miami from potentially finding a left tackle in the top 10 next year that is looking aboslutely loaded at that position (I think next year's tackle class will make this one look very bad ... that's how strong it could be).

I mean how good can this OL be if you can get some set starters in at every position from LG (draft pick) , C (Satele), RG (Smiley), and RT (draft pick or you move Carey over) in the draft. I mean you aren't set at left tackle but you have improved your running game a lot with the big upgrades at guard and I think any draft pick you make this year (especially if you get one of the big 6 OL at #32) can be already a huge improvement on the OL.

I mean maybe you are going to have to suffer without a good left tackle for this season but like I mentioned last  month Miami is not going to fill every need this year. You have to accept that as a team that is in the rebuilding process. If the scouting department continues to do a good job I feel like the respect for the Dolphins franchise as a contender can be restored.

Yeah that's the Way the NFL works  ::) ,We'll think about who we'll draft in 2009...Prior to the 2008 draft....That makes alot of sense...PLEASE

You don't think about who you will draft no but you don't think short term in the draft which is my argument as to why you will pass on Jake Long and every other franhcise LT (who will all likely be off the board at #32). You don't think about the 2008 season because Miami isn't winning 7 games... that has no chance of happening.

Sparano gets coach of the year if you win 6 games in my opinion.

Thinking short term isn't very smart because the short term doesn't really matter. I know you don't want to hear that as a fan but it is simply true.

You're going to Dazzle us with more Bullshit Opinions...Low on facts? That Lack credibility?

If you think my opinions are bullshit how come you never called me out or debated me on TDMMC.

LOL I'm low on facts? Okay Mr. Vernon Gholston at the senior bowl that is as simply as bad as it gets.

Um...has anyone here not accepted that the Dolphins are beginning a rebuilding?

If you want respect, Matt, you have to give respect.  You aren't doing that.  You are acting like your word is scripture and anyone that does not agree with you is an idiot.

People will respect your opinions if you respect theirs in kind.

<edited for typo>

Back to your regularly scheduled thread.

(http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08104/applause915.gif)

First off, running a 40 is not dropping back into pass protection. Your emphasis here is on footwork, so keep it that way. A 40 time does not mean anything for that. And yes, I know Long has some footwork problems, but I don't see him as that bad. No kid comes out of college perfect. Worse comes to worse, he eventually gets moved to right tackle. He'd be solid at that position at the least. Best case scenario is that he'll be a solid left tackle for years. That ain't bad when you need to eventually bring in a young QB, and save him from eating turf all day.

As far as defense winning championships, you are pushing that slogan to give a reason for drafting a defensive end. That doesn't support your argument at all.

I still go for the left tackle. Solidify the offensive line.

lol how am I not giving respect .... i'm sorry if I don't think your favorite football team will be good next year.

Lil B called me out. That's fine. Like I said, bring it on TDMMC Lil B. Let's talk some draft.

If you think I am such an idiot then you should have no problem making me look bad.

A 40 time is an indication of athletic ability and explosiveness.

You don't draft an offensive tackle that weighs 315 pounds and has questional athletic ability going into the combine and he doesn't answer those questions.

We knew he was big before the combine. If you ever saw him in pads then you saw the good muscle defintion. I was extremely impressed with 37 reps though with such long arms, but like I said it takes more to be a prototype.

Yeah I'm pushing that slogan because that slogan has been proven time and time again.

Bill Parcells loves defense. Lawrence Taylor. DeMarcus Ware. He love size too and Chris Long has plenty of that at 6'3 271 (not extremely tall but he is well built). He loves intangibles and leadership. He loves good bloodlines (Bobby Carpenter pick in 2006).

Not to mention what ever happened on the forums to all the rumors that the Dolphins like Chris more than Jake??? Adam Schefter (most credible football journalist on television) was talking about how Chris Long was a near lock at #1 also (after I had been saying that for a month).

there's your Big Problem Matt....You want to talk Draft..I want to talk NFL,Yeah you can ramble on and on about players But even admitted you When I talk about whether a prospect can be elite or not I am evaluting their upside of their talent.

I don't care where they Go.....I want Know what they can do in the NFL......You can't predict that.....You strut around here talking like Someone in the NFL is paying for your opinion...But they aren't.....We're all idoits if we disagree with you....If you don't Believe it..it's not gonna happen....

Keep struting around like a Big rooster there Matt... ;)

didn't Cf already warn you about Double posting?

A 40 time is a track race. It's not a measure of how players produce on a football field. It's nice to see who's the fastest (or who is out of shape), but for the most part it doesn't matter, especially for linemen. What about the guy rarely giving up a sack? Does that count somewhere? Don't place too much in combine stats. I've seen guys with much worse footwork wind up starting at left tackle. Hell, I've seen it a lot for the Bucs. I don't like drafting a defensive end first overall for a 3-4 scheme. How many premeire 3-4 ends can you name? Maybe it's because I don't like a 3-4 scheme, but I don't see using a first overall pick for that.

Chris Long is a better fit as a hybrid linebacker than as a base 4-3 end. He played 3 positions at Viginia at times (OLB, ILB, and 5 technique).

He shows good athleticism on film and a great motor. 4.71 40 and a 34 inch vertical is not shabby at all.

I don't put much in comibne stats at all but if we are talking about elite talent than the measurables have to be there...that's a part of being elite.


If you can't predict then, than what is the point of evaluating prospects and their upside to determine value in the draft?

Haven't I told you what I think these players can do in the NFL? That is the whole point of evaluating players to determine what they can be in the NFL. Who are the sleepers? Who can bust? Who can be All-Pro? Who is going to be average?

How have I not answered those questions? When I talk about players thats all I do is talk about what I think they can be in the NFL.

The Value of a player is different to every team.....Matt Ryan has Lot more Value to the Baltimore Ravens,then the New England Patriots....Even though the 7th overall pick is "Supposedly" more valuable than the 8th pick....

There is no Magic Pill to predict the Busts, There are the 2 Major theories of Need Vs Best player available.......Every team has their Way of Looking at different Players based on there system...

I don't KNOW why some guy's are rated better than any other guy...I've never claimed to....I always wondered after the Draft,(you hear in all the exit interviews). "He was the Number one guy on our Board,We had him ranked a little higher over this guy"   I know medical reports,Interviews,character checks,and of course their physical abilities all have an effect.....

Why did a lot of people think Ryan Leaf was A better 1st over all pick than Peyton Manning...The Colts made the right choice...(that time)

Matt and Lil B- Both of you need to chill out and relax. You guys have turned a nice thread into a back and forth argument. Please do not turn threads into your own little back and forth discussions.

And Matt- Please see CF Dolfan's post about stopping with the double and triple posting. There is no need to post three times in a row to respond to three separate issues. Do it all in one post, and hit edit if you need to add more.

lol indeed.  You have a lot to learn, young man.  Re-read my post.  None of us think the Dolphins will be good next year.  I am hoping they can win 5-6 games.  I was talking about respecting other people's opinions and agruing without the name calling and belittling behavior.

Well, this thread has definitely taken a bit of an antagonistic turn, hasn't it?

(Insert Rodney King voice) Can't we all just get along?

I'm all for people having conviction in their opinions, but until someone can show me proper infallible psychic credentials, we're all just taking educational "guesses" at what will transpire in the future. Matt thinks Chris Long is going to be Thor in cleats? Fukkin-A cool... I think Jake Long is going to be a Pro Bowl left tackle? Bring it on... Bottom line is that "everyone" with an opinion needs to deal with the fact that everyone else has an opinion, and not be so friggin' quick to go to war when their opinion doesn't parallel your own.

And if anyone thinks for a moment that this is directed at any one person, think again. It's directed at most of ya...


On the list of qualifications I look for in left tackles, their .40 time rates somewhere between "does he have two distinctly separated eyebrows" and "how neat does he keep his underwear drawer." I want my tackles long, strong and pissed off at the world. Jake fits that description. I want my left tackle to be able to play angry without losing his head and drawing cheap penalties...Jake has NFL vet savviness coming in the door.

I haven't said a single negative thing in any post about Chris Long... As far as I can tell, you may be right, and Thor could swing the hammer hard once he hits the NFL. They both could be superduperstars just waiting for their curtain call. I just happen to think Jake will be better for Miami than Chris, and nothing but watching their careers unfold is going to change my mind at this point.

Well I mean based on that description you gave Stroke then can you please iterate why Tony Mandarich was one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history?

The Miami Dolphins could draft Jake Long. It's not out of the realm of possibility. I wouldn't be dissappointed with the pick, although I've been adament in wanting the Dolphins to draft DE Chris Long.  I just have a feeling he's really going to be smething special.  Anyways, if you look at Bill Parcells track record of drafting offensive lineman in the first round of the NFL Draft.  It will show that history does not favor Jake Long.   Just follow me on this one, and I think you'll enjoy it.

Bill Parcells has been in the NFL a long time. He's been with the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys. In all of the NFL Drafts he's been a part of, do you all know how many offensive lineman he's taken in the first round of a Draft? Just THREE offensive lineman. That's it, he's only selected an offensive lineman just three times in his coaching career in the first round. All of those selections happened when he was with the New York Giants as well.

- In the 1984 NFL Draft, the Giants selected OG William Roberts, Ohio State with 27th overall pick.   

- In the 1988 NFL Draft, the Giants selected OT Eric Moore, Indiana University with the 10th overall pick

- In the 1989 NFL Draft the Giants selected C Brian Williams, University of Minnesota with the 18th overall pick.

Bill Parcells hasn't drafted an offensive lineman in the first round of an NFL Draft since 1989.  He didn't take a single offensive lineman in the first round with the Patriots, Jets, or Cowboys.  Parcells mantra has always been to take the OL in the second round and below, put them in his system, coach em up, and make em great.  To his credit, it has been a pretty successful formula.  Look, I'm not saying Jake Long isn't a possibility for the Dolphins. They certainly could take him, but history is not on Jake's side.

Well what you are talking about Lil B is just that: draft theory. Assessing value vs. need and it is a never ending debate.

But the draft isn't perfect and it is absolutely impossible to never get picks wrong.

I think with every draft in the new era of scouting it is getting better and better because teams learn from their mistakes and the mistakes of other teams. They also learn why some players succeed and others don't.

Scouting is a very subjective thing. Everyone has their opinion on how will be good/bad/average/etc.

But hey what do i know probably another bullshit opinion that isn't in a magazine, newspaper, or on television.

We're going to a full-blown 3-4, our defense was terrible last year.  Take Chris Long with the first pick.

They're saying Chris Long is not a good fit in the 3-4

  Since when?  Chris Long played in a 3-4 defense his entire career at Virginia.