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CONFIRMED: Dolphins agree to terms with Jake Long to be #1 overall pick

ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting that the Dolphins have reached a contract agreement with Michigan OT Jake Long to be the team's #1 overall pick in Saturday's draft:

he Miami Dolphins have reached a contract agreement with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long and will select him with the No. 1 overall pick in Saturday's draft, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

The announcement will come at a 1:45 p.m. ET news conference.

And if you head over to miamidolphins.com, you'll see on their homepage that they have a press conference scheduled for 1:45 pm for live broadcast on the site. The NFL Network will also carry the press conference, according to their bottom line ticker.

**UPDATE 1:10 pm** FOX Sports' Jay Glazer is reporting the deal is a 5 year deal:

Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long and the Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms on a five-year deal, FOXSports.com has learned, and Long is slated to fly into Miami later Tuesday to join his new team.

**UPDATE 1:14 pm** The Sun-Sentinel is reporting that there is a press conference and it's to "likely" announce the signing of Jake Long. [end update]

**UPDATE 1:19 om** Incase you are wondering the money involved in this 5 year deal, here it is: It's a 5 year, $57.5 million deal that includes $30 million in guaranteed money according to NFL Network's bottom line ticker. That's more per year than JaMarcus Russell got, but is less in guaranteed money. I suppose the concession that the Dolphins had to make in order to get Jake signed to a deal that was worth less in total value than Russell's was to give him one fewer year, allowing him to hit free agency one year earlier. It seems like a fair deal for both parties. [end update]

**UPDATE 1:26 pm** For those that are wondering, Joe Thomas signed a 5 year, $42 million deal with Cleveland last year, including $23 million in guaranteed money. So it's quite an increase over Thomas' deal, but keep in mind that he was the 3rd pick, not the first. [end update]

**UPDATE 1:28 pm** Is anybody else wondering if Jeff Ireland is going to address his "slip up" from last Thursday's press conference? If I was him, I'd make some kind of joke about it. But that's just me.

Also, it seems the Miami Herald, who is continually late to these kinds of parties, has finally also posted a story about Jake's signing. [end update]

**UPDATE 2:07 pm** Two most interesting tidbits from the press conference are as follows. Jeff Ireland said that the deal is signed and he's a Miami Dolphin. The other was that Tony Sparano said that he views Jake Long as a left tackle and that's what he's going to play for this team. So that means Vernon Carey will be moving back to right tackle, where he could really be a superstar. I have to say I'm quite excited about our two bookends now! [end update]

**UPDATE 2:16 pm** Asked about his slip up and if things changed or if he's that good of an actor, Jeff Ireland responded, "That's for me to know, for you to guess about." [end update

**UPDATE 2:20 pm** Ireland was also asked if the Dolphins spoke with any other agents about the #1 pick, and Ireland said they did not. Clearly, Jake Long was "their guy" all along. [end update]

More on this as I hear it.

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Yessssssssssssssss
Thanks for being on top of this Matty!!!!! The draft has begun!!!!!

by jvw on Apr 22, 2008 1:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You can thank the person who texted me with...
...the news.  I had no idea a deal was this close.

Very exciting!

by Matty I on Apr 22, 2008 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great,
this is like peeking at your Christmas present before Christmas.  The surprise for Staurday is gone.

Now I have to wait till almost midnight till the Dolphins pick again.  What the hell am I suppose to do till then.

Sheeeit!

by Alpha6 on Apr 22, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Won't be near midnight
We'll pick again around 7:30, and thats if we don't get another number 1 for JT.
http://canemutiny.blogspot.com A fans view of Miami Hurricanes Football and Basketball

by Little Nicky 21 on Apr 22, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great job .....
not just by Matty, but the Front Office as well!
Too young to remember 72...not old enough to forget about ever other year since!

by JGray on Apr 22, 2008 1:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

HELLLLLLLL YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wow I cant believe this they actually got the guy I wanted all along. Thank you Bill and thank you Matty for posting this. Now I just hope we dont draft a qb in the first day and that McFadden doenst fall to the Pats argggg.

by strider0469 on Apr 22, 2008 1:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

WEW-FUCKING-HOO!
The new beginning is here! Now John Beck, Ronnie, Ricky & LoBo had better by this guy a steak dinner & a blow job, LOL.

by davehowardcustom on Apr 22, 2008 1:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

haha
with a deal like that lets see what he will be buying them. I dont have the link but didnt Ronnie have to buy the vets TVs and several things from their wish lists. $57.5 and 30 can by a whole lot.

by strider0469 on Apr 22, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok....
SO does that compare with Joe Thomas, plus a little raise....?
Too young to remember 72...not old enough to forget about ever other year since!

by JGray on Apr 22, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Well Done
Good job Bill and Co.  No games, no gimmicks, just seeing a priority need and getting the best prospect to fill it. Awesome.

I', well pleased they went after Jake and not Chris.

You Savvy?

by Neo on Apr 22, 2008 1:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Here is my question
Do the Dolphins pick right away as soon as the clock starts? OR do they wait their 10 mins for some kind of last minute blockbuster trade??

by crzynick25 on Apr 22, 2008 1:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

They will wait a few minutes
Teams always do.  The Texasn did when they had signed Mario 2 years ago.  Unless a trade is definitely in the works they won't wait longer than 3-4 minutes, max.

by JMFlyer1454 on Apr 22, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

AWESOME!!!
Now, in the second we need a top Guard to complete our revamped offensive line!!  This line should be monstous for years to come... I am super excited now!  Our offense might be able to produce a NFL worthy product!!!
~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Apr 22, 2008 1:55 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Also,
This means that most of the reports were very, very accurate yesterday!  It is kinda surprising that Schefter was off though...
~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Apr 22, 2008 1:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Good news indeed
Looks as though this means JT will be back as well. Let's hope anyway.
The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants.

by NumberSeven on Apr 22, 2008 2:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Plan ahead
Finally they can move on and plan the rest of the draft, which i'm sure they had already. Can't say i disagree with the pick, I had them taking Long and it's really the best choice, you get a chance to draft a guy who can be a pro bowler and solidify that tackle position for years to come. Any takers on who we take with 2nd pick? :)

by pingusthegreat on Apr 22, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

My Guess....
A defensive pillar?
Too young to remember 72...not old enough to forget about ever other year since!

by JGray on Apr 22, 2008 2:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice to put the rest the rumors
that the Fins will move him to RT. Sparano said in the press conference that he'll be playing LT. Unlike many who think he can't play LT, I think he'll be just fine. We got the right coaches in place, and the right talent evaluators. They targeted this man, and this man only for a reason. And I can assure it wasn't to play RT or because they had doubts if he would be a great LT.
You Savvy?

by Neo on Apr 22, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That was my only concern...
and now I can sleep at night. I'm glad he'll be starting at LT day 1.
Matt

by Matt27 on Apr 22, 2008 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Matty was right
I wonder how far Matt Ryan will fall?

by New York Fins Fan on Apr 22, 2008 2:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

lol
I don't think he'll fall very far, though.

by Matty I on Apr 22, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree...
Ryan goes somewhere between 3.....and......8

by Natalya on Apr 22, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Dorsey goes to the Rams...
...then Ryan goes to the Falcons at #3. if Dorsey is there at #3 to ATl then Ryan goes either #5,6, or 8.

If Ryan goes to the Jets I'm going to be physically sick. :(

by dab415217 on Apr 22, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heh...
don't worry too much about Ryan with the Jets.

That franchise has a rather distinct history of turning would be stars into busts :)

by Natalya on Apr 22, 2008 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah
Better Ryan go to them than Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, or Mcfadden.

by mikey2380 on Apr 22, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

WOW
I love seeing him tower over Ireland and Sparano. He is a BEAST! Welcome to the Dolphins, Jake! Now go smash some people for us.

I bet his family is real nice, too. ;)

by New York Fins Fan on Apr 22, 2008 2:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

John Beck's prayers are answered.
John should be ecstatic with the pick.   He won't have worry about getting blind sided as ofter.

by dal on Apr 22, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Welcome to the Jungle

 Wow...I am REAL happy no suprises...seems to be BP's lingo..just the facts....Also I feel real comfortable with the fact that we are not "gambling" with our first pick...no injury prone cajun..(no disrespect)
 One thing we can be sure of...His parents are going to be in a culture shock coming from Michigan to Miami.....Welcome to the Jungle..you have 3 months to learn spanish! Better watch Dora..Dora..the explorer.
Beafea

by beafea on Apr 22, 2008 2:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

LOL
So true. Buena suerte para la Familia Long.

by JLFins08 on Apr 22, 2008 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Man, that's HILARIOUS!
When I was off work due to spinal surgery, I watched Dora every day with my Grand Daughter! (along with Wonder Pets, Sponge Bob & the Backyardigans).

Now that I'm back to work......... "I kinda miss those times."

by davehowardcustom on Apr 22, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

My only question is...
Can Mama Long cook as good as Mrs. Ginn? She makes some mean fried chicken!  

P.S. Thank you Cam Cam for giving Dolfans the greatest line ever. We're gonna use that for the rest of our lives. I already screamed it with Jake Long "JAKE LONG IS A MIAMI DOLPHIN!"

by JLFins08 on Apr 22, 2008 2:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Greatest line ever?
How do you think it looks? Here is my guess!

Carey RT, Fabini RG, Satele C, Smiley LG, Long LT

Too young to remember 72...not old enough to forget about ever other year since!

by JGray on Apr 22, 2008 2:36 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Fabini?
Fabini resigned with the Redskins on March 26th.

by JMFlyer1454 on Apr 22, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah
This is why I believe we will draft our starting LG with one of our 2nd rounders.
~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Apr 22, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ANd I think
Smiley is a RG and thats where they plan to play him.  Mormino has the LG spot right now but we know we will draft a guard, maybe as early as pick 57 (Chilo Rachal anyone?).

by JMFlyer1454 on Apr 22, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

This means
Sparano and Ireland are very much in the mix when it comes to picking players. I bet Bills choice was Gholston. Bill loves going defense in the 1st round. I guess he felt since Sparano has to cook the meal let him buy some of the food. Then hold him accountable for those moves. Nice job guys.

Did we sign Fabini already? I like what that line looks like now we need some young depth.

by jvw on Apr 22, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Job well done BP and TS!
Now I would love to add Dan Connor and Chilo Rachal. That would be awesome. Then I would look secondary in Round 3.

by NJPhinFan13 on Apr 22, 2008 2:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I would love that move
I think Conner would start at MLB, and Rachal is great.. I watched some of his highlights, and he was like a brick wall.  He never was moved from his spot.  That would be great, and within the realm of possibility.
~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Apr 22, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's the Line as projected now...



That's a very young group. If they can gel and come together, we could be looking at an excellent line for years.

by Natalya on Apr 22, 2008 2:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

WOW
Thats a big Offensive line. Give Mormino a Cheesburg and there all over 300lbs.

by jvw on Apr 22, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thats great
I love this o-line but i believe,Drew Mormino might not start next year cuz i believe with this draft i think that we can pull another guard that can play for us maybe with one of are 3rd or second picks that we got.I believe that if we keep it up on how we are doen i believe we have a chance to be a playoff team and speacily how weak are scedule is next year.How i see it rickey and ronnie are gonna love this new o-line and if john beck cant get it done know i believe were gonna have to trade the guy.

by lionel on Apr 22, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't be surprised...
if the dolphins pick up a guard in this draft. Guards generally go far lower than tackles, so there should be some decent guys available in the 3rd round and later.

by Natalya on Apr 22, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Guard Options
Be on the lookout for one of these players to be a Dolphin come late Saturday or on Sunday...

Player, School (pick to use)
Chilo Rachal, USC (57)
Roy Schuening, Oregon State (64)
Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh (100)
Donald Thomas, Connecticut (100)
Robert Felton, Arkansas (195)
Mackenzy Bernadeau, Bentley (204)
Chris McDuffy, Clemson (208)
Andrew Crummey, Maryland (245)
Shawn Murphy, Utah State (245)

by JMFlyer1454 on Apr 22, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chilo Rachal
has been discussed here before.

I'll say this, if they take him at 57, then consider you would be looking at a line of:

Long, Rachal, Satele, Smiley, and Carey.

You took about a huge upgrade over last year's unit!

by Natalya on Apr 22, 2008 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Christmas in April!!!
That would make me so happy, I think I would have to go comatose until preseason!  It would be like having a brand new Ferrari and not being able to take it out and drive it for 4 months!  Arrggh!

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 22, 2008 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I Knew...
...this was how it would go down.

Long for less.

Finally, the Dolphins are moving forward.

This off season is the best I've seen in a decade. I don't have to wait for September to say that either.

Everyone they've brought in they've brought in at fair and equable sums and will be consistent contributors.

I'm excited.  

www.thephinisher.com

by The Phinisher on Apr 22, 2008 3:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I must say, I am thrilled!
This is going to give the Fins a whole new look next year....  actually having a QB standing up!

;)

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 22, 2008 3:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Phew!
I wasn't sure what was gonna happen for the past few days.. but I'm extremely excited that Jake turned out to be the guy for us.  I agree with a few people above talking about taking Rachal at pick 57 also.  That would give us a good OL that will be great in the next couple years.  And they'll be young, the oldest guy is Carey at 27.  

As far as pick 32, I think it needs to be defense, whether its Groves, Cason, or Conner, I think either of them will be a great pick at the top of 2nd round.  I would go with Cason just because I feel like we need a CB more than a LB based on our FA signings.  I also think there's better value for LB's later in the draft than there is for CB's.

Whatever else happens in the draft, we gotta bookend and I love it!

http://canemutiny.blogspot.com A fans view of Miami Hurricanes Football and Basketball

by Little Nicky 21 on Apr 22, 2008 3:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i agree, i hope they take a CB with the next pick.
with the DL upgrades (Starks, Ferguson), and hoping that we keep JT, the single biggest bang for the buck we can make in upgrading the D this year is a true #1 CB.  Then take WR and G, and we actually have the makings of a decent team.  I still wonder what they intend to do about TE.  I didn't see the talent last year, but I haven't heard Ireland or Sparano mention it as a concern.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 22, 2008 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Target acquired!
Nicely executed I might say...and I love the thought of the Hulk on the left side of the line.

Three thoughts still float thru my mind...

  1.  Miami just set the ceiling for the rest of the draft class slots
  2.  Jake Long's signed contract for near last year's #1 makes his trade value on draft day rise (signed contract, in camp day 1, etc.
  3.  Four days before the draft is a long time for some multi-team deal the Dolphins might listen to and maybe couldn't refuse.
If trading out of #1 was always the top desire...the store may still be open?  I personally hope that is not the case...but they still float.

Congratulations Miami!!

by OntheGo on Apr 22, 2008 4:04 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

sort of in the same boat with ya
~~~Three thoughts still float thru my mind...

 Miami just set the ceiling for the rest of the draft class slots

 Jake Long's signed contract for near last year's #1 makes his trade value on draft day rise (signed contract, in camp day 1, etc.

 Four days before the draft is a long time for some multi-team deal the Dolphins might listen to and maybe couldn't refuse.~~~

Yup!! i'm pretty sure Atlanta and KC are not happy right now. both teams wanted JLo and not Clo and now they will either draft Ryan who I don't think they want, try to move out of the spot, or have to overdraft a LT...

2) has been in the back of my mind this whole time when you consider #1... Atlanta and KC have to be wondering what to do to get out of the spots they are now in... paying someone they really don't want a ton of money

All of that said, I have to believe that JLo is just the type of player BP et al like... the guy is a monster, he's a weight room nut, a locker room presence who ruled over his team in michigan, and peter king keeps reporting that he reminds BP of Jumbo Elliot (bp's favorite player). So when they say he was their top pick since the start and the fact they didn't play contract games with anyone else, I really do believe them....

It's just that common sense tells me never believe what a GM says the week before the draft.

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 22, 2008 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL - this will help my gaming
I've been playing Madden 08 on the Wii and Trent Green has been getting sacked like crazy! But that might have less to do with the players in the game than with the guy at the controls. ;)

by New York Fins Fan on Apr 22, 2008 4:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

haha
I wonder what Jake's ratings will be.

by Matty I on Apr 22, 2008 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

madden...
yea i play wii online all the time... beck at qb and ronnie at rb... pound with ronnie then playaction to the ginn family. jake will be rated like 96 run block 91 overall.

i cant wait to see this monster in the phins uniform. do we have #77 avalible cause i can definatly see myself buying his jersey. god i cant fuckin wait til sept.

There will be changes here, there's no doubt about that ~BP~

by jwillis9 on Apr 22, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's something to think about....
when was the last time that, as a consensus, DolFans were this excited about their first round pick?

Ginn?
Allen?
Brown?
Carey?

FLETCHER???  ;)

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 22, 2008 4:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Love it!
Very happy with this, needed a Tackle the most really. Our line looks pretty solid, need a guard now and all should be well for Beck particularly next season.

This half stops my dream i keep having (3 days in a row) we take Jake Long #1 and Dan Connor #32. Looking forward to Round 2!

by LondonDolfan on Apr 22, 2008 5:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

APPLAUSE!
Finally the FO and the coaching staff gets it righ  No need for drama, we just inked our left tackle.  I don't know what's next, but I hope the next 4 are...

Aqib Talib
Dustin Keller
Chilo Rachal (however you spell it)
phillip wheeler

by inisfree on Apr 22, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

needs on the o-line
So obviously if the coaches say we need an LT, then who am I to disagree?  But was our LT last year a huge cause of the sacks?  I'm in CA and don't have the opportunity to watch the games (unfortunately) but from the highlights of some of the games I've seen on youtube.com it seems the pressure comes mainly from the right side of the o-line, not the LT.  So...it seems to me we should be excited, but we shouldn't expect one guy on a 5-guy line to be the difference between lots of losses and lots of wins.  Thoughts?

by caesq on Apr 22, 2008 6:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

of course
moving Carey to RT should help on the right side

by caesq on Apr 22, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ya, I'm in CA 2
but i watch via Sunday Ticket every year.  I think LT was one of the stronger spots on the line due to Carey, so adding Jake gives us some solid bookends.  Satele was pretty solid at C, and we just picked up Smiley at Guard.  Last year rotating Guards, and RT were an issue.  This addresses most of the problems.  Now just hope for another good Oline pickup in the draft.  :)

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 22, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think...
Smiley should play LG, because we have so much inexperience on the left side now... If we stick Smiley on the left side and then put Mormino or a rookie at RG i thinkt he line woudl be alot more balanced.

by YatilGinnJr on Apr 22, 2008 6:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking the same thing, but someone
earlier mentioned that Sparano already said Smiley is locked in at RG?

I figured experienced guy next to rookie on each side of the line made sense.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 22, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Finally
Boys and girls we havent had  a solid LT since the days of Richmond Webb.
not only that but we have a solid center in Satele.
This could be opne of the best OLines in the league.

And the more I read and see of Long the more I like him

by Patssuck456 on Apr 22, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It is very exciting to think about what they can
do with a line this year.  As opposed to the last several years.

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 23, 2008 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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