Combine chatter> Posted by hfialkov at 8:25:38 PM

Guys, the chatter in the bustling hallways at the Convention Center are full of whispers from NFL execs and agents - Chris Long ... Chris Long ... going to the  Dolphins at No. 1.

If Miami can't trade out of the pick, which seems to be the case, then they're leaning toward Howie's not-so-little boy, Virginia DE Chris Long - not Jake.

The Rams would then snatch Michigan mountain Jake Long and the Falcons, who won the coin toss with the Raiders for the third pick Friday, would grab BC QB Matt Ryan to help fill the void left by the jailing of Michael Vick.

The draft is deep in offensive tackles, and Steelers tackle Alan Faneca will be on the market next week, so the Dolphins will have other options to beef up their offensive line, even if they don’t re-sign free agent guard Rex Hadnot which looks like a done deal.

HF

Comments

[Timeb0mb]

I'm a big Chris Long fan, but I would like to see the Fins take the best OL in the draft, Jake Long and stick him at LT. Carey should be moved to LG, not RT, where he would be a perennial Pro Bowler (his natural position anyways). It would be like Hutchinson and Jones in Seattle; an unstoppable force. The next step would be to sign Flozell Adams from the Cowgirls and move him to RT. The RG would be open, but doesn't need to be an Alan Faneca caliber (probably couldn't afford him anyways). I'd be interested to know what the experts think the drop-off is talent wise between the top DE (Long) and the next group of DE's. From what I hear, this OL class is terrific, and even if Jake Long is gone, Clady from Boise State is supposed to be a stud as well. We drafted a big ol' Hoss Center with a 2nd round pick last year, so there is good talent to be had there. Next year, Albert Haynesworth will be a FA because he indicated that if the Titans franchised him, he would not re-sign with them. He's a young proven commodity (the best 3-4 NT in the game) and would be worth every penny.

[bill]

take Jake Long. his position coach at Michigan talks about him being the best OL to come out of the school. Better than Hutchinson or Runyon. LT is a skilled position you pay a high price for in the league and is sought after.

[Paul]

I'll second the above two poster's comments: I hope they draft Jake Long. A high-caliber LT (even a RT) is worth more than a 3-4 DE. However, in my opinion, the equation does shift a bit if they envision Chris as a 3-4 OLB, but then I don't know if he's the best in this draft at that position (see Vernon Gholston).

[SAVE_US.Y2J]

With the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select... DE Chris Long, University of Virginia.

Hearing that call would be music to my ears! Chris Long is an absolute beast!

[Mario]

Paul,

it was one game and one sack. what happen the past years when jake only allow one other sack in this career? the guys is a stud and one bad play is not reason to dump him. OL is the most important unit on a team.

[sjbytes]

Jake Long is the best player in the draft. If the Dolphins don't trade the pick Jake should be the pick. Anything other than Jake Long would be a mistake.

[T.WAY]

C.Long? Is he really worth the #1 pick? I doubt it. Top 5-10, sure, but #1, yeah right. He could end up another eric Kumerow or John Bosa. If they do pick him, they are going to stand him up and rush him. I do not think he is a 3-4 end.

[Andrew]

Harvey...of all the free agents out there...who is the biggest name out there that we are most likely to sign?

[Sean]

Word has come out recently that the Giants are trying to trade for DeAngelo Hall. They might include their first round pick.

If the Falcons can get the Giants first rounder, I think they put together a package to trade up from #3 to #1 to make sure they get Ryan, who they LOVE. Since the Giants pick is the last in Round 1, we might be able to snag both 1st rounders and then some.

[ThomDyer]

Guys, remember: When we select Chris Long, we're not just drafting him, we're selecting his family too! (Now the Ginns can have some company...)

[dhicks]

I would like to see us trade the first to Atlanta for Hall and their #3 along with their 5th since we do not have one....then we still probably get Chris Long, add Hall and have all of our picks + a 5th....that would be ideal...then you get Chris long, Hall and the best OT/DE/WR with the first pick in the second which is really a first round pick!

[Grey]

We need to posture like we're taking Ryan. If the Falcons want him, make it cheap for them. Their 3rd pick and their 3rd round pick and their 2nd round next year. We can take one of the Longs at #3 or trade down again with someone who wants to get one of the top 6.

[perspective]

Can you immagine , 30-35 million dollars just to sign a contract ? Amazing . You don't even have to be good . Just agree to show up . This system needs to be fixed . Make it a performance bonus . Remember ryan leaf .
I would look at Jake Long alot . Throw the dice and hope you win . Either way , it'll only cost wayne half as much as it would have before he sold half the team .

[Tim]

There are 4 choices for the Fins. Trade the pick, which may be difficult, take Jake Long, Glen Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis. Realy with that top spot there are no other choices. Ryan maybe good but not without a line, and there are other avenues to explore for this position. McFadden has issues. If the draft is that deep with O-line talent build a wall for the next decade. . .please!

[Harvey Fialkov]

Andrew, Alan Faneca is a potential target for Fins, especially after losing Rex Hadnot.
HF

[joel.]

I love Jake Long but realistically i see Chris Long as the 1 pick (which isn't a bad thing)...

...i'm just praying that no one gets Sam Baker or Chris Williams in 1st so the 'Fins get either one in the 2nd

[MCGoo]

It's Poker Time folks!
Don't let em know who you want.
Keep em guessing,keep the rumor mill going. We need to wheel and deal and get a good draft crop. GO FINS! Mcfadden? Jake Long? Dorsey? What's your best deal!

[Ian]

agree- when I first met him at a Blockbuster I was "interning" at in 1990 at age of 13, he was cool. Look, its all business- I'd still at 32 now work for the guy. He's replaced Jim Moran as the "Who's who" in broward over the last 15-20 years (has it been that long?!?) I wish the best for the franchise and the rest, but seriously, at 70, can you blame him? He's had a well documented history of success here without the notions of "Firesale" and the rest. But that all really couldn't be avoided.

[azz]

I say go with Jake.

[cocoajoe]

It would be nice to get both Longs. But I have to agree with the majority, if we can't trade out, get Jake.

[Anthony DiCesare]

Everything starts with defense. Always. Miami needs to rebuild the defense first, then rebuild offense, so Chris Long would be nice addition, though Ghoulston or others would fit if they trade down. But defense is ALWAYS first priority. It can make a lesser team into a decent team....like Miami was after Marino retired.

[mjfin]

Letting two of our OL go - Hadnot seems the latest - means we are very short on OL and indicates Parcells may pick Jake Long first. That would be a good choice, but so would Chris Long.