Decent Draft for Dolphins

The early rounds of the Draft went just as scripted for the Miami Dolphins. In Jake Long they get a big guy who can run block and anchor the offensive line. Unfortunately all that talk about looking for the best contract was just talk as Long signed a pricey deal for only five years instead of the usual six.

Merling was a steal in the second round and if his repaired hernia hold up he should be a solid contributor.

Miami was able to take Chad Henne right where they wanted to, with their second pick in the second round rather than their first pick in the round. Some people say Henne was a steal that low in the draft while Mel Kiper over at ESPN criticized the move, not having much praise for Henne.

The Dolphins picked up a few big and tough running backs who fit Parcells’ style of player - large guys who can run between the tackles.

The rest of the picks weren’t all that noteworthy but what struck me was the lack of a wide receiver and defensive back, two positions where help is needed. We’ll have to see if Ireland and Parcells can find some undrafted free agents they like to fill those spots or can work out a trade.

The Jason Taylor situation is deteriorating rapidly. Miami was unable to convince anyone to give them a first round pick for the veteran defensive end and rumors have been floating around about mounting tensions between Taylor and Parcells. Miami should get on the phone and take whatever they can get for the aging veteran. While I’ve been a fan of Taylor’s for a long time, he lost a lot of respect in my eyes by dodging out of training to be on dancing with the stars and dropping hints about wanting out. It’s sad to see a once great team player turn into a less-obnoxious Chad Johnson.

Rumors Abound

There have been rumors that Jake Long doesn’t want to play for Miami, that he doesn’t want to live in Miami, and that he wants more money than Miami is offering and believes he can get it from the St. Louis Rams if Miami doesn’t pay up.

There are more rumors that Jason Taylor wants to be traded out of Miami and will likely retire if a deal can’t be worked out.

Jeff Ireland is looking for a pillar of his teams defense in the draft, which makes it sound like Jake Long’s prospects with Miami are limited. Look for Chris Long or Vernon Gholston to be chosen number one, providing more impetus to let Jason Taylor go.

Miami continues to look favorably on Chad Henne, and hasn’t given Joe Flacco the barest glimpse. The Dolphins also haven’t had Brian Brohm in for a workout despite earlier reports that they would. I’m thinking that Parcells may try to grab Henne with the Dolphins’ second pick in the second round rather than the first. If Matt Ryan falls far enough and Brohm doesn’t go until the second round, there may be a good chance of getting Henne with Miami’s third pick. If QBs start going early, they may need to act at the top of the second round to grab Chad. Still, a lot of teams like Brohm and Flacco more than Henne, and Miami might be able to put off grabbing him for a while.

There have also been rumors that Miami is looking at signing Chris Simms if he gets released by the Bucs but I don’t see this happening. I think Parcells wants to bring in a young guy out of the draft.

The draft is less than a week away and I expect things to be quiet right up until the Dolphins go on the clock. I predict Ireland and Parcells will try to do some last minute wheeling and dealing, but will be ready to take Chris Long if other teams aren’t willing to deal. After the first pick, I expect to see three or four other teams trying to make deals to move up or down in a hurry. I think the first round will have streaks of one or two positions and if a team needs a certain position filled early, they’ll have to try to make a move up or else risk getting shut out.

The suspense is killing me.

Draft Day Inches Closer

There hasn’t been much in the way of interesting news regarding the Dolphins.

Jason Taylor is still with the team despite rumors that Jacksonville is interested in trading for him. Apparently the Jaguars are looking to give up a 3rd round pick but Miami is looking for at least a second round pick. JT still has a few all-star seasons left in him and I don’t think there is any particular reason Parcells and company need to get rid of him any time soon. I don’t see this deal ultimately working out.

No real news on the draft front. One source reported that the Dolphins draft board is already set, which makes you wonder why they are still inviting players for private workouts.

No one seems to be overly eager to trade up into the first pick, but it’s not impossible that a last second deal could be done.

I think the Dolphins have Chris Long, Jake Long and Matt Ryan penciled in as their top three guys in order. Miami will contact their agents before the draft and try to negotiate a contract. Whichever player manage to agree on the contract Miami likes best will be the player chosen. My suspicion is that Dolphins would like to sign Chris Long the most out of the three, but if things don’t work out, they’d gladly take Jake.

Quite a few mock drafts have Brian Brohm falling to the second round. There isn’t a clear cut second best quarterback in the draft at this point, but many think Brohm is the best of the rest. If Miami doesn’t take Ryan, they almost assuredly will take a QB in the second round. If Brohm is available by the time their second pick rolls around, Miami might pick him up. The team seems most focused on Chad Henne, who apparently has a lot of intangibles that have been impressing scouts lately.

Dolphins Scouting Brohm, Chris Long

The Miami Herald is reporting that several Dolphins coaches including Tony Sporano and Paul Pasqualoni as well as GM Jeff Ireland have met with Virginia defensive end Chris Long.

The Herald also reports that Jake Long will be visited soon. The Dolphins have already checked out BC QB Matt Ryan and Michigan QB Chad Henne. There have been inquiries about scheduling a visit with Louisville QB Brian Brohm.

Other than the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine, the Phins haven’t scouted Joe Flacco. Also Darren McFadden seems to remain off the Dolphins’ radar.

All this doesn’t really tell you too much. If Miami keeps the first overall pick, Chris Long, Jake Long and Matt Ryan are the three most likely to be taken by Miami. The scouting of other quarterbacks suggests that Miami will take a QB later on, possibly in the second round. Brohm might still be available then depending on how far Matt Ryan falls, and Henne and Flacco will likely be there.

Dolphins Looking at Henne?

The Miami Dolphins have been scouting out Michigan QB Chad Henne, attending Michigan’s pro day and supposedly have invited Chad to come to Miami for a private workout.

Joe Flacco hasn’t received much attention from the Dolphins since they scouted him at the senior bowl and saw him at the combine. Most signs indicate Miami is looking more seriously at Henne at the moment.

Boston College QB Matt Ryan was also scouted by the Dolphins on BC’s pro day, but not too much has been made of the appearance.

My money is still on Chris Long with the first overall pick if the Dolphins can’t trade it. The Dolphins will try to trade that pick and will give it away cheap, possibly a first and second round pick.

I’ve seen quite a few sportswriters talking about Bill Parcells’ drafting strategy and several have suggested that scouting Matt Ryan or other players may just be a ruse to convince other teams that the Dolphins are interested, to either keep pressure off the players they want, or to increase the trade prospects for the first pick. I wouldn’t put it past the big Tuna, and wouldn’t rule out Flacco going to Miami if they are purposely over-hyping Henne. For now though, signs point to Chris long going first and Henne being taken in the second round.

-Jeff