| Eric Galko. 21st April, 2008 - 3:44 pm
 There is much controversy about whom the Dolphins will select with the 1st overall selection. Many people have speculated on whom Bill Parcels will select, but here we will break down the top 5 contenders for the pick, and the reasons they will and won’t get picked. But before that, let’s see some back round information.
Bill Parcels past 1st round picks
New York Giants:
1983-Terry Kinard-DB-Clemson-10th pick
1984-Carl Banks-LB-Michigan State-3rd
1985-George Adams-RB-Kentucky-19th pick
1986-Eric Dorsey-DE-Notre Dame-19th pick
1987-Mark Ingram-WR-Michigan State-28th pick
1988-Eric Moore-OT-Indiana-10th pick
1989-Brian Williams-C-Minnesota-18th pick
New England Patriots:
1993-Drew Bledsoe-QB-Washington State-1st pick
1994-Willie McGinest-DE-USC-4th pick
1995-Ty Law-CB-Michigan-23rd pick
New York Jets:
1997-James Farrior-LB-Virginia-8th pick
1998-NO FIRST ROUND SELECTION
Dallas Cowboys:
2003-Terence Newman-CB-Kansas State-5th pick
2004-NO FIRST ROUND SELECTION
2005-DeMarcus Ware-DE-Troy-11th pick
2008 Miami Dolphin Free Agent Pick-Ups
Josh McCown-Quarterback
Ernest Wilford-Wide Receiver
Tab Perry-Wide Receiver
David Kircus-Wide Receiver
Justin Smiley-Offensive Guard
Randy Starks-Defensive Tackle
Reggie Torbor-Linebacker
Mike Lehan-Cornerback-RE-SIGNED
Chris Crocker-Safety-RE-SIGNED
Top Five Possibilities for the Dolphins
Matt Ryan
According to some NFL draft handicappers, Matt Ryan is a very real possibility. He is the best QB in this draft class, according to some, and he proved that at his recent pro day, when he seemed to wow scouts across the board. It also helps that the Dolphins may be in need of QB, as Trent Green had a QB rating of 72.6, Cleo Lemon was a 71, and John Beck had a 62 rating, with all three QB's throwing the same amount or more interceptions than touchdowns. Combined, they threw for a measly 12 TD's. But most feel, including me, that Matt Ryan is not the top QB in this class and is probably not worthy of the number one overall selection. With Chad Henne, Brian Brohm, and Joe Flacco all possibly being available late 1st round or early in round 2, the Dolphins could easily get a solid QB like them in the 2nd round or trade up if they have to. Ryan makes sense need-wise, but he doesn’t deserve the money he would get, and there are too many other QB's in this class that are decent.
Glenn Dorsey
A few months ago, this was the popular pick, as Dorsey was ranked on most boards as the best defensive player. But, after recent news of some “injuries” he has fallen from a potential number one overall pick, to fighting for a Top 5 selection. Dorsey, in my opinion, is still a Top 3 talent in this class and would not be a reach at number 1 at all. The Dolphins’ defense allowed 2,456 rushing yards this season and 4.5 yards per rush attempt. To boot, their starting DT's are Vonnie Holiday and Keith Traylor, who are 32 and 38 respectively. In the 3-4 defense that they are likely to employ, a solid NT like Dorsey is critical. His injuries could hurt his chances a lot, but if the Dolphins go with the best defensive player according to college football standards, then Dorsey would be the correct pick.
Vernon Gholston
The attention he is getting from most teams is too much, if you ask me. Gholston’s stock was average for a while, but when he beat Jake Long in the OSU vs. Michigan game, he seemed to emerge as a top-flight talent. His college career wasn’t anything spectacular and really didn’t show that he could be a consistent pass rushing threat. He has great measurables, athleticism, and speed but will that translate into great play in the NFL? That question has yet to be answered, but it is rumored that Parcels is talking with him about a contract, so obviously they are somewhat interested in this athletic freak.
Chris Long
If there is a guy who is a Parcels' guy, it's Chris Long. He is a tough, hardworking D-Lineman who can take on double teams and still make the QB fear him. It also helps that he is the son of Raider great Howie Long. The Dolphins had a horrible 30 sacks a year ago, with 11 alone coming from former defensive MVP Jason Taylor. Without him, they would have ranked at the bottom of the league. The main problem with that is Taylor is 33 years old, and is rumored to be a possible traded player on draft day. Chris Long can play in a 4-3 at DE or DT and in a 3-4 at DE or OLB, and that versatility helps when building a new franchise, but the only problem with him is that he may not be able to rush the passer as well as he did in college because he doesn’t have great speed. But, other than that he is a great fit for the Dolphins.
Jake Long
Jake Long has been my pick in my Mock Draft at The NFL House since February as he is the best O-Lineman in this draft and has the potential to be a dominant LT in this league, which is extremely hard to find. This O-Line unit for the Dolphins allowed 42 sacks last season, averaged a horrible 98.1 yards per game on the ground, and allowed their team to be 6th to last in the NFL in points per game, with 16.7. To make matters worse, the let go of starting RT LJ Shelton, starting LG Rex Hadnot, and starting RG Chris Liwienski. Also, they had Vernon Carey playing LT last year even though he is more of a RT or preferably a LG. But, with the addition of Justin Smiley and Vernon Carey going back to guard (hopefully), the Dolphins can have two solid guards with last years' draft pick Samson Satele at center. If they could draft Long, they would have a solid, if not good, players at 4 of the 5 O-Line positions and possibly have Cleveland Browns' like success when they took Joe Thomas a year ago. Long makes the most sense in my opinion, as they already have some good offensive weapons (Ronnie Brown and Ted Ginn) and just need some O-Line help and a QB (which they can find in round 2).
Even though the Dolphins have begun to talk to all of these player regarding possible contract negotiations, it really may mean nothing, as they could be looking for a trade and by talking to these players, they are scaring teams into thinking they might not get their guy. Jake Long makes the most sense of any of these players because he is the best player in this draft in my opinion, and he can help this young offense start to show some potential. The best move, however, would be to trade down as much as possible and get many draft picks and, hopefully, get some help across the board at many positions. Well Miami, you have many talented players and different options at your fingertips but only one 1st overall selection. Make your move. |
