Dolphins negotiating for Jake Long as No. 1 pick

[~Crash~]

The Dolphins have formally begun contract negotiations with agent Tom Condon about the prospect of selecting former Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long as the first overall selection in this year's draft.

Condon, who also represents Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, was in South Florida early this week to negotiate specifically on behalf of Long at the request of the team, The Miami Herald has learned.

The Dolphins would like to have a contract in place with their first pick before the draft on April 26, which would allow them to avoid a potentially ugly holdout like the one that took place in Oakland last year upon the Raiders' selection of quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Miami is still intrigued by Virginia defensive end Chris Long, but no in-person talks between Chris Long's agent and Miami are believed to have taken place to date. However, the Dolphins are believed to be happy with quarterback John Beck, and they are not considering Ryan as an option with the first pick.

The latest meeting between Condon and the team doesn't necessarily mean the Dolphins have made their final decision to select Jake Long over Chris Long, but it is certainly a major step in that direction

http://www.miamiherald.com/614/story/489210.html

[400HZ]

Good. I'd hate to see him in KC. Hopefully St Louis reaches for Clady.

[ElwayMD]

If Jake Long stays healthy he's as close to a "sure thing" there is as far as draft picks go.

[brncs_fan]

Matt Ryan, welcome to Kansas City. :wave:

[Beantown Bronco]

Matt Ryan, welcome to Kansas City. :wave:

*cough* Atlanta *cough*

[rugbythug]

Good. I'd hate to see him in KC. Hopefully St Louis reaches for Clady.

How could they not? They need OL so badly

[Kaylore]

How could they not? They need OL so badly

They have been obsessed with defensive linemen. They might try going to that well again.

[broncosteven]

If my name was Jake Long I would change it to:

Huge Wang.

[Merlin]

If my name was Jake Long...
You mean that is not his nickname. In my case it would be :~ohyah!:

[Cito Pelon]

Jeez, the Dolphins are cursed. The #1 overall pick means you suck and get little bang for the buck all rolled into one.

[broncosteven]

Isn't Jake Long the name of the kid on Disney's American Dragon?

[Kaylore]

Jeez, the Dolphins are cursed. The #1 overall pick means you suck and get little bang for the buck all rolled into one.

He'll be awesome...as a right tackle. Ho-hum.

At least this means the amazing John Beck is going to rise from the ashes like a Mormon Phoenix!

http://graphics.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2007/11/15/1195181871_7064/539w.jpg

[SureShot]

He'll be awesome...as a right tackle. Ho-hum.

At least this means the amazing John Beck is going to rise from the ashes like a Mormon Phoenix!

http://graphics.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2007/11/15/1195181871_7064/539w.jpg

Come on now. When has BYU ever produced a quality NFL QB..err wait.

[Atlas]

If Jake Long stays healthy he's as close to a "sure thing" there is as far as draft picks go.

I don't know about that. Odgen was a sure thing, Boselli was a sure thing, Pace was a sure thing. I don't necessarily put Long into that group. I would bet that he might not even be the top OL on the Broncos depth chart. He doesn't have great feet or quickness that the Broncos demand in their O-line.

Here are the strengths and weaknesses listed for Long and Clady Which one sounds more like a better fit for Denver.

CLADY
Strengths:
Has excellent size and a big frame with long arms...A fantastic athlete...Very light on his feet...An outstanding pass blocker...Real quick and agile..Great mobility and range...Excellent balance...Is a natural knee bender...A hard worker with a terrific motor...Plays with a nasty demeanor...Adequate strength...Adjusts well and never seems to panic....Can fit in a zone or man blocking scheme...Still has some upside.
Weaknesses:
Plays too high at times and need to use better leverage...Gets the job done as a run blocker but is not necessarily dominant...Has to refine his technique and work on mastering the nuances of the position...He isn't overly powerful at the point of attack and can get pushed back...He must continue strengthening his lower body.

LONG
Strengths:
Excellent size with long arms...Has a large frame with growth potential...Is strong, powerful and tough...Plays with a nasty demeanor and is a great finisher...Can be a dominant run blocker...Mobile and will get to the second level...Smart with great awareness...Played in a couple of different blocking schemes..Stout at the point of attack...Versatile and has played left and right tackle..Hard worker...Leader and a team captain...Nice program pedigree..Lots of experience against top competition.
Weaknesses:
Not a great natural athlete...Does not have outstanding quickness...Feet are just average...Can still improve as a pass blocker...Might not be able to play left tackle at the next level...Can be too aggressive at times...Susceptible to secondary pass rush techniques..Missed half of the 2005 season following surgery for a leg injury.

[Paladin]

I hope the Dolphins take him as an LT. That group of fans are just as arrogant as the Chartreuse Footwear people..............