Miami Dolphins Mock Drafts Around the Net

by Matty I on Jan 30, 2008 12:05 AM EST in News Comment 27 comments

It's that time again...time to take a few minutes and go around the internet and see what's being said about our Miami Dolphins and their #1 pick. This was a popular feature last year, so hopefully you'll enjoy it this year as well. Let's get to it.

-NFL Draft Countdown: Chris Long

Odds are Bill Parcells will try to trade down but the question is will anyone want to move up? Not only would it be costly in terms of draft picks but then they will have to worry about negotiating a huge, #1 overall pick contract as well. If they stay put the Dolphins will likely be zeroing in on three players: Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey and Jake Long. Knowing Parcells the smart money is certainly on defense and in a photo finish Howie's boy gets the nod. Not only is Long a perfect fit for Miami's 3-4 scheme but he also brings the type of intensity and non-stop motor that "The Tuna" covets.

-Footballs Future: Glenn Dorsey

The Phins need playmakers. Dorsey is an anchor on the defensive line, something the Phins really need.

-SI.com's Don Banks: Glenn Dorsey

I'm not convinced that new Dolphins football czar Bill Parcells will allow himself to assign No. 1 overall value to an interior defensive lineman, so don't overlook Miami taking defensive end Chris Long of Virginia if, as expected, it gets no offers to trade out of the slot. There's also the issue of whether Dorsey's disruptive style of play would best be used in the 3-4 formation, should the Dolphins switch to it with Parcells on board. But with Miami in need of defensive help, Dorsey is No. 1 for now.

-NFL Draft Blitz: Glenn Dorsey

-War Room Report: Glenn Dorsey

The Dolphins ignored our repeated advice during the last draft season to address their aging defense and now are on the verge of going winless. The Dolphins could use this pick in a variety of ways - given their multitude of needs; they may be best served in trading down here with a team that wants Darren McFadden or Glenn Dorsey. However, if they stay at this pick, the top two options appear to be Dorsey and Michigan OT Jake Long. Dorsey is a higher graded prospect and probably the best DT prospect in at least 10 years. He would be a difference maker on the defensive line immediately.

-Scout.com: Chris Long

The Dolphins will most likely try to trade this pick in hopes of adding a few more selections to help their team. If they're unable to trade the pick, Bill Parcells will decide between three players: DE Chris Long, DT Glenn Dorsey and RB Darren McFadden. They're all intriguing, but Long fits Parcells' style best.

-DraftTek: Jake Long

-Draft Ace: Glenn Dorsey

Bill Parcells throws a serious wrench into the top of this draft. He's one of the more unpredictable front office guys when it comes to the draft. Jake Long would appear to be out of the picture because Parcells stays away from offensive lineman early in drafts. He loves big lineman however, narrowing it down to Dorsey and Chris Long.

Because of how long this post will be, you'll have to make the jump and click "read more" to see the rest. I apologize, but it was the only way.

-Draft Connection: Glenn Dorsey

Schematically Dorsey could be a perfect fit for the hybrid defense, depending on the next defensive coordinator. Dorsey is extremely strong and active with a non-stop motor and in Miami he would play inside in the 4-3 and shift outside to end in the 3-4, much like he does in college. Jake Long will garner strong consideration here as well but even though he would certainly upgrade Miami's offensive line that unit has played much better than expected so it may not be quite as big of a concern as some might think.

-Consensus Draft: Glenn Dorsey

So after a dismal 1-15 season, Bill Parcells and the Miami Dolphins are on the clock. With Tony Sporano and Paulie Walnuts-err... Jeff Ireland running the show, it will be interesting to see how the new Dolphins brass will handle this team. Needless to say, the players on the field are a large part of the reason why they finished with just one win this season. The good news, however, is that Parcells is well-known for being able to build from the bottom, which is exactly what he did when he took over in Dallas a few years ago. The Cowboys are now the one-seed in the NFC in large part because of Bill Parcells, who laid the foundation there when he was brought in. As far as the number one pick goes, I fully expect the Dolphins to look to move down. The unquestionable top two prospects in the draft are Darren McFadden and Glenn Dorsey, but neither would be a smart pick for the Dolphins. Why? Ronnie Brown was one of the best running-backs in the league before he got hurt, and it's unlikely that the Dolphins would want to use two top-2 picks on running-backs in the last few years, especially with how easy it is to find a good HB later in the draft or even in free agency. Why not Dorsey? Well, here it becomes a bit tricky. Glenn Dorsey is a Warren Sapp-like talent who would excel in a 4-3 scheme at the UT position. A three-technique, Dorsey is NOT an ideal fit as a 3-4 NT or DE. With that said, however, the Dolphins could choose to run strictly a 4-3 rather than switching back-and-forth, which is what they've been doing. Overall, there are a bunch of defensive philosophical decisions that must be made before the Dolphins really consider Glenn Dorsey. If I had to guess now, I'd say they'd go with Dorsey, but this is without projecting trades, and assuming that the Dolphins don't plan on using the 3-4 as much as they have been.

-Fantasy Football Jungle: Chris Long

So the Dolphins want to trade down? I really can't see them getting much value for the number one pick this year since most of the top five to ten players could be picked anywhere in that range. Teams aren't going to need the number one pick to get some of the best players. The Dolphins' offensive line hasn't actually been that bad, so I don't think they'll go with Jake Long here. Therefore, I think The Dolphins will end up picking Chris Long. While Glenn Dorsey is probably a better player, Long is definitely one of the top 3-5 players available this year and Dorsey isn't a good fit for the 3-4 the Dolphins will try to run next year. Long is a phenomenal defensive end who would fit perfectly in the 3-4 scheme. He's got a great motor, is solid against both the run and the pass, and has a great combination of size, power, and quickness. If Bill Parcells isn't content with John Beck at QB, Matt Ryan definitely deserves to be in this conversation as well.

-Walter Football: Chris Long

-Fantasy Football Xtreme: Glenn Dorsey

-Draft King: Chris Long

While the Dolphins need a defensive tackle, if they install a Parcells-style 3-4 defense, they'll need to be a traditional nose tackle to fill the middle. Glenn Dorsey is an impressive prospect, but he projects much better for a 4-3 defense. Meanwhile, Chris Long is an ideal 3-4 defense fit. Yes, Miami has Jason Taylor, but adding Long as a bookend with Taylor, along with a natural 3-4 NT either via free agency or in round two, might be the most likely move for the Dolphins. Long carried a mediocre at best Virginia team to the ACC Title game this year, and he would make an immediate impact in Miami as well.

-D & J Draft: Glenn Dorsey

-NFL Daily: Glenn Dorsey

I'm not sold that Miami will select Dorsey, there are teams that could draft up to get the massive defensive tackle.

-NFL Report: Brian Brohm

New Miami Bossman Bill Parcells has done a ton of house-cleaning, and in the process found some many areas of weakness on this football team. He could go just about anywhere with this pick and don't be surprised if Miami deals it to a team looking to land RB Darren McFadden with the #1 pick. If the Dolphins keep the pick (unlikely), a leader for the offense will be considered. Miami drafted BYU's John Beck a year ago, but he hasn't proven to be better than Cleo Lemon at this point.

-The Football Expert: Chris Long

If the Dolphins stay at this position there would be only three players I feel as value here: Darren McFadden, Glenn Dorsey, and Chris Long. With Ronnie Brown as your franchise back and needs elsewhere, McFadden is out, and that comes down to the defensive lineman. For the Dolphins, a team that will utilize a 3-4 defensive scheme, Chris Long is perfect. Glenn Dorsey is a beast in the inside, but his transition to a nose in a 3-4 is questionable. Long was dominate as an end in a 3-4, which is an extremely difficult position to succeed at. Chris Long, #1 pick, I think Howie Long has now become Chris' father.

-Draft Connection: Glenn Dorsey

-Consensus Draft: Glenn Dorsey

-Fantasy Football Jungle: Chris Long

-Walter Football: Chris Long

-Fantasy Football Xtreme: Glenn Dorsey

-Draft King: Chris Long

-D & J Draft: Glenn Dorsey

-NFL Daily: Glenn Dorsey

I'm not sold that Miami will select Dorsey, there are teams that could draft up to get the massive defensive tackle.

-NFL Report: Brian Brohm

-The Football Expert: Chris Long

-NFL Draft Notebook: Jake Long

-Draft Daddy: Chris Long

Jason Taylor gets older, and Chris Long is the safest player to give 30+ million dollars.

-Rivals.com: Matt Ryan

-NFL Draft Dog: Sedrick Ellis

After Ellis dominated at the Senior Bowl, he and Dorsey are almost a toss up, but Ellis is a better fit at nose tackle with the Dolphins who will use the 34 defense.

So that's 22 mock drafts. Let's do a quick breakdown of them.

Glenn Dorsey - 9
Chris Long - 8
Jake Long - 2
Matt Ryan - 1
Brian Brohm - 1
Sedrick Ellis - 1

First off, who the hell would ever think the Dolphins will take Brian Brohm? Seriously? That site should just quit.

Anyways, 82% feel that the Dolphins will address the defensive line. To be honest, I'm rather surprised that only 2 of these sites have the Dolphins taking Jake Long. In my opinion, I think I'm leaning towards Chris Long or Jake Long with the first pick, if the Dolphins can't trade down.

Regardless, be sure to leave your thoughts below...

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Comments

C. Long in a 3-4

Not only is Long a perfect fit for Miami's 3-4 scheme...

I'm confused. At what position? He's not big enough to play DE in a 3-4, is he? (Didn't his own coach say as much?) Are they talking about him playing a LB position?

by urbino on Jan 30, 2008 12:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Chris Long is...

...6'4" and 284 pounds. Jason Taylor weighs 255. Why wouldn't C.Long be big enough for DE?

by ufourya on Jan 30, 2008 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

it seems like Long is a very good fit for a 3-4 DE.

by Matty I on Jan 30, 2008 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

However, Taylor is...

freakishly strong. I remember one of those off-season competitions on ESPN, where they get a bunch of NFL guys to compare athletic skills at their position. The only D-lineman stronger than Taylor was Warren Sapp.

And, again, I'm just going on what Al Groh said, which was that he didn't think Long could play that position in the NFL without wearing down. He saw him as more of a Mike Vrabel type. Mike Vrabel is great at what he does, but he's not a DE.

by urbino on Jan 30, 2008 7:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Where, exactly does Groh say what you intimate?

I found this instead:

"Clearly, there's no better player in college football than Chris Long. He performs like a star but doesn't act like a star."
- Al Groh, Virginia head coach

"It's hard to imagine there being a better player at any position than Chris Long. A guy would have to be one of the Transformers to be better than Chris.''
- Al Groh, Virginia head coach

"When you've got one of the best players the school's ever had and he's only interested in helping the team win, it puts an exclamation point on what you're trying to do."
- Al Groh, Virginia head coach

"It normally takes more than one (blocker to stop Long). He's a great player. I saw his daddy for a lot of years. He's got a lot of the same traits. He has excellent technique, great strength, leverage, quickness."
-Chan Gailey, Georgia Tech head coach

"He has tremendous explosive power and plays with a great base. He's low in coming off the ball. Obviously, you can see a lot of the techniques he has, he's worked with his father. He looks like a miniature version of the way his dad [Howie] used to play. Basically, you know where he is on first and second down. They move him around in the third-down package and I guess we'll figure out who our worst pass protector is because that's where he'll line up."
- Tom O'Brien, NC State head coach

"He has a motor like nobody I've seen before."
-- Duane Brown, Virginia Tech offensive tackle

"That daggone Long guy, Howard's son. I wish he had twins and sent one our way. Boy is his good. He puts on a clinic every time he plays. Every snap is a clinic. He plays the game like it's suppose to be played."
- Chuck Amato, as head coach at NC State in 2006

"He's the best defensive lineman that I've seen on tape. He's a playmaker. He does it all. He plays the run well. He knocks balls down, and he plays all over the place. He'll be outside as an end, and then he'll move inside as a tackle. ... He's quick, and he's strong. And he plays so hard. He's got it all, and in my opinion he'll be a first-round (NFL Draft) pick."
- Dave Wannstedt, Pittburgh head coach

"They have some really physical guys that make it difficult to run the football... Chris Long is as good a pass rusher as probably is playing in college football today."
- Butch Davis, North Carolina head coach

"If they're ever going to invite a defensive player to New York in December for the Heisman Trophy presentation, you'd have to think it was Chris Long."
- Al Groh, Virginia head coach

"Chris Long is a bear. Period."
- Matt Winkeljohn, Atlanta Journal Constitution

"Long is college football's premier defensive talent and everything NFL scouts look for while searching for the next perennial Pro Bowl defensive end. His combination of size, power, quickness and tenacity should land him a spot on every All-America team in existence and make him a top-five pick in the 2008 draft."
- Todd McShay, ESPN.com draft analyst

"Long had one of the best games I've seen a defensive player play n at least a decade or two. Whether blocked with one man or two, he was either batting down passes, collecting sacks or slamming backs to the turf for losses. On the final snap of the third quarter, he blasted into the Terrapin backfield and sacked Chris Turner in the end zone for a safety. Those are worth two points. Feel free to recheck the final score (18-17).
- John Markon, Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist

"I've been raving about this young man all year, and all the attention and accolades he receives are well-deserved. Long is the heart and soul of the Cavaliers; his tenacity and desire spills over to the rest of the squad."
- Mel Kiper, ESPN analyst

"And, Chris Long? Forget about it. He can't possibly be that good can he? Virginia coach Al Groh said the other day that if they ever invite a defensive player to New York in December, then the invitation should read: To Mr. Long. Well, Chris Long is that good. But I'm not sure he's the real deal either. Personally, I think he's really the Terminator wearing No. 91."
- Jerry Radcliffe, Charlottesville Daily Progress columnist

"If Heisman voters possessed any imagination, they'd include Long in their select group of candidates.
Saturday night on ESPN2, Long made some new fans. While disrupting Maryland's attack, Howie's boy enjoyed more face time than Anderson Cooper."
- Bob Molinaro, Virginian Pilot columist

"Virginia defensive end Chris Long is exceptional. ... He can stop the run, drop in coverage, and be a sack artist for a team at the next level. The son of Hall of Fame DE Howie Long is a hard working, productive, all-around defender who is a sure top-ten selection next April."
- Chris Steuber, Scout.com NFL Draft analyst

...and a bunch more at:

http://www.virginiasports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=88799&SPID=10606&DB_OEM_ID=17800&AT CLID=1290023

by ufourya on Jan 30, 2008 11:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow. I hope you're getting a percentage...

of the kid's contract for compiling all that.

The comments I reference are reported and attributed to Groh by ESPN game commentators during the course of a highlight video Matty posted a while back.

by urbino on Jan 31, 2008 1:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I yawn at these sites

predicting what Parcells will do. I doubt Parcells knows what he wants to do yet, except that he wants out the 1st pick.

1 - Dorsey is probably the best DT coming out, but everyone knows he is not a 3-4 guy. Why invest all that money on someone who is not ideal.

2 - Chris Long is very good, but we can't waste the #1 pick on a DE in a 3-4 scheme, c'mon.

3 - Jake Long the best OT coming out is considered a top 3-5 pick, I've heard nothing bad about his game. Everyone knows how hard (and important) it is to get a OT, especially left tackle. All these people drastically underestimate this pick.

4 - Matt Ryan This is the QB I would pick if Parcells is not sold on Beck, but wouldn't take him at #1, only if we trade would I like this pick.

5 - Brohm Brian Brohm?! The people on this site are smoking crack plain and simple.

6 - Ellis To be honest haven't heard much about him, but what I have heard has been positive, but not at #1, again only if we trade down.

Bottom line, nothing has changed my mind. Jake Long is a position of need, not only for us, but for many teams. Getting a good OT is hard to find and we potentially have a good/great 1 falling into our laps. The first and only OT taken 1st in the draft was a guy by the name of Orlando Pace, you might have heard of him.

He can come in a make a immediate impact. We could always use a DE, but we NEED this OT. And using the #1 pick on on a DE in a 3-4 scheme is just too much I think.

Thats just my 2 and 1/4 cents worth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKu3wbzo0-g

by Neo on Jan 30, 2008 12:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

the matt ryan pick

Matt Ryan wouldn't be there if we traded down because of ATL picking at #3 or #4. So if we want to take Matt Ryan, we "must" do it at #1.

by mred on Jan 30, 2008 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I heard rumblings

that they would take Mcfadden at 3/4. He would be just too good to pass up. Thats mainly (not only) why Jones wants the 1st pick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKu3wbzo0-g

by Neo on Jan 30, 2008 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

high pick on DE in a 3-4

I'm not sold on Long. But its not unheard of to use a high pick on a 3-4 DE. I'm pretty sure Richard Seymore was a top 10 pick, maybe even a top 5 pick. Seymore is bigger than Long though and is probably the best 3-4 DE in the league, if not one of the best. If Parcells is sure he has another Richard Seymore I could live with the logic of picking Long that high.

by dplunk on Jan 30, 2008 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fitting whatever defense we run

If Dorsey isn't an ideal fit for NT in a 3-4 then I'm not sure how Long is an ideal fit for either DE or OLB in a 3-4 or a DE in a 4-3. I'm not sure he is quick enough for a 4-3 or OLB in a 3-4. And I'm not even sure he weighs more than 270lbs. How is that big enough for a DE in a 3-4?

Dorsey would probably need to gain more weight to be ideal for NT. But he isn't too far off, about as far off as Long is anyway. He is probably ideal for DT in a 4-3 given his explosiveness. The big thing he would have to prove in order to play NT is strength. Can he take on enough blockers to keep his LBs free?

by dplunk on Jan 30, 2008 2:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mt final answer is................................

Jake Long, IF we keep the pick.

by davehowardcustom on Jan 30, 2008 3:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I would rather trade the pick

To Dallas and continue to raid them. I would rather get their 2 firsts and a few seconds and thirds. But I would rather aim for one of the Long guys. I think we will have to see how their workouts go during the combine to see what their importance really is.

Also remember Dorsey was injured a lot last year with a back injury. That is not a good injury to have at the beginning of an NFL career.

by resman on Jan 30, 2008 7:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Trade is choice 1

but, if I were the GM I'd go with one of Long's. Jake is a great OT, a position of need and Chris is a difference maker on Def. Coupled with JT and Porter, Pauly P could have a nice pass rush. I really like Jake Long, but there are a number of OT's this year that I really like, and a few may even be available with the last pick in the first round (Fuque the Pats). I don't like Dorsey, even though I'm sure he'll be good, but a) he's too small for a NT and b)the last good DT we had with Back problems was Darell Gardener...backs are scary. All this points to trading the pick away for me. I'm even in the boat that we can take a slight discount to get out of the #1 pick, as long as we pick up more picks. With The talent evaluation we have on this team now, the more shots we have the better.

by Gliddog on Jan 30, 2008 9:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'll take either of the Longs or Dorsey

None of the QBs intrique me.
Tarding down is an option though.

by Patssuck456 on Jan 30, 2008 9:12 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I hope...

we trade the pick to the Cowboys. I would love the combo of Barber and Brown... I am sure we could trade Ricky to some team for a 5th or 6th rounder, and that would be fine with me. Plus that would give us 2 picks in the first round (3 if you include the 32nd pick), and this years draft is deep in positions we need. Plus we may get a 2nd rounder from them, though I would be fine with a trade for their 2 firsts, Barber, Marcus Spears, and a third.

If that doesn't happen we should definately draft Chris Long. 1: Quality O-linemen can be gotten in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. 2: Dorsey doesn't fit our scheme. 3: We don't need to draft a QB that high who we are not sure is the REAL deal. Chris Long is 6'4'' and 284 lbs. That is perfect for a hybrid posistion of DE and OLB. For all you doubters, DeMarcus Ware is 6'4'' 254lbs. Chris Long will be a dominant force for many years to come!!!

~~ FINGUY23 ~~

by JDPhinFan on Jan 30, 2008 10:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Take whoever agrees to a contract first

The Phins could use either Chris Long, Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey. I like Jake Long since OT are more difficult to get in FA. However, I'd pick whoever agree to a contract first.

by Green Phin on Jan 30, 2008 10:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

this is true about OTs

and they wind up costing an arm and a leg if you do find a good one

by DCDolphin on Jan 30, 2008 11:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What about Matt Ryan???

I noticed that Chris Mortenson and Draft Insiders Digest had us picking Matt Ryan. Matt Ryan also happens to be the "ONLY" player that Ireland has mentioned as being "impressed" with...as well as mentioning QB as one of two positions of priority this draft. NT was the other. Dont know why u failed to put Matty Ice on the list. Was that u being bias "against" Ryan and for Beck? or was it just 'ooincidence'? wink.

by mred on Jan 30, 2008 11:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Jake Long

The O-Line IS THE MOST important position. Yes, more important than the QB. If a QB has no time to throw, what success will he have? Definitely not 100% of his capability.

Getting J. Long improves the RB, HB, WR, and TE positions.

I say we draft Long, trade our 2nd for CJ and use the other 2nd on defense.

Next year, I say we focus most of our picks on defense. Maybe the QB position but at least we have another year to see what Beck can do.

The point is, we're not 1 year away from winning so by not helping defense now isn't necessarily bad. We can do it next year because franchise LT don't come around very often.

by Coolbean04 on Jan 30, 2008 11:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting how...

just a few months ago people were talking seriously about taking McFadden, although I was never for taking a RB.

I have a feeling that trading this pick is going to be next to impossible. Teams have to think you are at least likely to take the guy they covet (McFadden) and I doubt anyone thinks the dolphins will. For that matter neither will St. Louis with the #2 pick. So realistically the earliest McFadden goes is probably #3, to the Raiders - thus if you want DM, why trade up to #1 when #3 probably gets him?

Anyway, back to the pick, I think at #1, with a 1-15 team that's many, many players away from being competitive - you have to choose a player you feel strongly about, rather than a hit or miss kind of guy. That said, I think it is going to be between Chris or Jake Long as neither have injury questions.

by Natalya on Jan 30, 2008 11:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Take Jake!

I think OT is the only way to go if that kind of capital must be spent.
Also, I watched the Bowl games of all the Big Three played in, and Jake Long looked the most impressive to me. They all had good games, but Jake was dwarfing D-lineman and he was so dominant in pass protection. He opened up holes for the running game and gave Henne time to torch the Gators secondary.
I also wouldn't mind getting Henne at the bottom of the 2nd or the 3rd if he projects that
low. I'm not a Michigan fan, but I can appreciate their talent. Henne looks NFL ready.

by inisfree on Jan 30, 2008 1:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

isn't any

mock draft before the combine pretty much just verbal masterbation?

All that said, I expect the fins to play the ryan card full force in the hopes they can bait atlanta into swapping picks.

by W NY Fins Fan on Jan 31, 2008 1:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

My dream draft right now is..

1 - Jake Long - OT
2 - Aqib Talib - CB
2 - Chad Henne - QB
3 - Lavelle Hawkins - WR
4 - Jeremy Leman - ILB
5 - Marcus Harrison - NT
6 - Jermichael Finley - TE
7 - Caleb Campbell - FS

Everything would have to fall into place, but something like this, or better, is possible. On the flip side, the ghosts of Wanny and Saban could possess Parcells and have him take Kenny Phillips first overall..

by inisfree on Jan 31, 2008 1:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs