The
Dolphins had an impressive draft, First
they signed OT Jake Long as first
overall choice last Tuesday Long will be
the starter on the left side for many
years. Then DE Phillip Merling slipped
into the second round after a weak
workout and sports hernia surgery but he
should fit this 3-4 scheme on the left
side, more because he can play the run
than for his pass-rushing, they got
great value with that pick. QB Chad
Henne will be an immediate factor and
don't be surprised if he presses Beck
for playing time sooner than you think.
Overall Grade: A-
Round
Pick
Player
Position
School
1
1
Jake Long
T
Michigan
1. Miami Dolphins
Jake Long, OT,
Michigan
HEIGHT:
6-7 WEIGHT: 315
Long is
the OT in this
draft, but may not end up being the best in the long
run.
Long's strong combine
and pro days only
reiterated what everyone knows: that he is the
premier tackle in this draft
Notes:
14 starts at right
tackle and 11 at left tackle he is more suited to
the right side at the NFL level, but showed the
skills at the combine that have many believing he
can play the left side at the next level.
Video:
Jake Long discusses going number one,
what its like to be signed before the
draft, and Bill Parcells.
2
32
Phillip Merling
DE
Clemson
HEIGHT:
6-05 WEIGHT: 280
Merling
brings speed, size, and athleticism where he could
be the premier sackmaster to replace Jason Taylor.
Great Value here as he was rated as a first rounder
HEIGHT:
6-05 WEIGHT: 280