If you've been visiting this site for a while, then you certainly remember some of the heated debates we had around here about Matt Ryan and whether or not he should be Miami's pick at #1. As the draft approached, I know I made it clear that I was hoping for one of the two Longs - Jake or Chris. So I was, and still am, very happy with the choice that the Dolphins made, making Jake Long the #1 overall pick last April.
But Matt Ryan's recent success has made some fans begin to re-think the idea that Jake Long was the right pick. Perhaps it would have been better for the Fins to take Matt Ryan. These fans would tell you that as a starter from day one in Atlanta, Ryan has led his team to a 4-2 record and is on pace for 3,104 yards passing while throwing 5 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions - a very good ratio for a rookie QB.
But I'm not buying it - and neither, apparently, are the Dolphins. Instead, they passed on Ryan and selected a franchise LT. By the way, they also think they've found a franchise QB as well. Dolphins offensive coordinator Dan Henning had this to say to the media:
"We think Chad Henne can play just as well as [Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco] can. I'll tell you that right now. I think when he gets his opportunity he will play well. Every time we've given him an opportunity, he has played well. We also like Chad Pennington. So I think the quarterback situation here as it stands right now is better than it was Feb. 1st. I'll tell you that right now."
Who am I to argue with that? I'm convinced.
But seriously, there's no reason not to think Henne will be at least as good as Matt Ryan has been. In his only real regular season action, Henne went 7 for 12 for 67 yards, leading a drive for a touchdown. And on that drive, Henne made some very nice throws into a couple of tight spots.
In my opinion, I do not have any regrets on what the Dolphins did on draft day in terms of their first 3 picks.
But since this is a democracy, I'll ask you guys to tell me if the Dolphins made the right decision to pass on Matt Ryan in favor of Jake Long and then take Chad Henne in round 2.