Jake Long Agrees To Contract

The Deal

The Dolphins have agreed to terms with Jake Long and he will be made the number one pick in this year's draft. Reportedly the deal is for $57.75 million over five years, with $30 million of that being guaranteed. It is good to now that a deal is done and we won't have a lengthy hold out, like last year's Jamarcus Russell. Jake Long wasn't my number one choice, but he was number two and I am content with this decision. He fills our biggest position of need, and projects to be a great player. I also think he doesn't have much bust potential. The worst that could happen is that he just isn't the best left tackle and will have to play on the right side. One, I don't think it will happen and two, even if it does, he will dominate that side.

Our Offensive Line

With our biggest hole in the roster now filled, it make our offensive line shape up pretty nicely. Four out of the five spots seem to be assured. It looks like this:

• LT: Jake Long
• LG: Justin Smiley
• C: Samson Satele
• RG: to be determined
  
• RT: Vernon Carey

There is always a thought that Satele could move to guard and then our vacancy would be at center. Some candidates to fill the vacancy are Drew Mormino, Trey Darilek, Ike Ndukwe, or anybody we may draft on day two.

What Do We Do Now?

Barring a crazy scenario involving trading Jake Long, it is time to focus on our next pick (#32 overall) which is also very important. Here are a couple ideas on who might be that second round pick.

• First Theory: It will be a guy who inexplicably falls out of the first round. Every year there is at least one player who, for no reason, isn't selected in the first round, even though he was though of to be a consensus first round pick. Hopefully management has done their homework on guys who are expected to be late first rounders, so if some become available, we can make the steal.
• Second Theory: Miami will make it an all-big blue first day of the draft and select Chad Henne. Word has it that the Dolphins love this guy and considering there is no proven quarterback on the roster, they could better their odds by grabbing another second rounder at the position.
  
• Third Theory: Your guess is as good as mine. It was hard enough to predict the first pick in the draft. Trying to prognosticate who will go thirty-second is immensely difficult. With our biggest position need filled, it can be any position and any number of prospects.