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.

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.