This piece is about Chris Long, who I believe is the most likely player to be selected by the Miami Dolphins with the first pick of the 2008 NFL Draft.
(image courtesy of virginiasports.com)Why He Might Be Chosen
Chris Long is an outstanding player on the defensive line. Another main reason why I think he is more likely to be selected than Glenn Dorsey is that he played in a 3-4 in college and won't require any transition to a slightly different position. He was a dominate pass rusher which is something you see more from ends in the 4-3. He was also great at penetrating into the backfield and stopping rushes for losses. He makes a lot of negative yardage big plays, something the Dolphins defense didn't do much this year. We know how bad Miami's run defense was last year, and Long is a player who will make an immediate impact. Also, like Dorsey, he can stay on the field in passing situations because he is a great pass rusher too.
There are two other things that Chris Long has going for him. First, he is Howie Long's son. Parcells and Ireland have stated several times that they want highly competitive and passionate players. Chris Long is and so was his dad. The name recognition was a big help getting him noticed. Also, his college coach, Al Groh, is a Bill Parcells guy. We've seen how the coaching staff has been assembled with people Parcells is familiar with and this top pick could be no exception.
Why He Might Not Be Chosen
As great as he is, Glenn Dorsey is still slightly better. Plus, in the 3-4 defense, nose tackle is slighty more important than the defensive ends. Chris Long strikes me as a player who if addded to an already good team could be the final piece of the puzzle to put them over the top. I just don't know if he is the kind of foundation for a young team starting an entire rebuilding process. That role is better suited for Dorsey.
Chris Long is an outstanding player on the defensive line. Another main reason why I think he is more likely to be selected than Glenn Dorsey is that he played in a 3-4 in college and won't require any transition to a slightly different position. He was a dominate pass rusher which is something you see more from ends in the 4-3. He was also great at penetrating into the backfield and stopping rushes for losses. He makes a lot of negative yardage big plays, something the Dolphins defense didn't do much this year. We know how bad Miami's run defense was last year, and Long is a player who will make an immediate impact. Also, like Dorsey, he can stay on the field in passing situations because he is a great pass rusher too.
There are two other things that Chris Long has going for him. First, he is Howie Long's son. Parcells and Ireland have stated several times that they want highly competitive and passionate players. Chris Long is and so was his dad. The name recognition was a big help getting him noticed. Also, his college coach, Al Groh, is a Bill Parcells guy. We've seen how the coaching staff has been assembled with people Parcells is familiar with and this top pick could be no exception.
Why He Might Not Be Chosen
As great as he is, Glenn Dorsey is still slightly better. Plus, in the 3-4 defense, nose tackle is slighty more important than the defensive ends. Chris Long strikes me as a player who if addded to an already good team could be the final piece of the puzzle to put them over the top. I just don't know if he is the kind of foundation for a young team starting an entire rebuilding process. That role is better suited for Dorsey.
The offense may be viewed as more of a need. Early in the season I thought for sure the Dolphins were going to be drafting a lot of defensive players. Our offense was showing progress but the defense fell off the deep end. As the year went on the defense showed some improvement but the offense kept getting worse.
Overall Thoughts
Overall Thoughts
I expect this to happen. Parcells will want to build the defense and Chris Long seems like a perfect option to fit right in to his plans. It wouldn't be my first choice but I'd be happy with it. He would instantly inject life into our front seven, who had very little of it for the majority of the season. He is a high motor guy and hopefully his energy would invigorate some of the other players.
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