Article:And With the First Pick, The Miami Dolphins Take...

The Miami Dolphins have found their man. With the number one draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins will take offensive Tackle Jake Long from the University of Michigan.

Five days before the NFL draft begins, the Miami Dolphins answered all of the reporter’s questions by signing Jake Long to a contract. Long’s contract includes $30 million in guaranteed money. Not bad for a guy who has never taken an NFL snap. We will have to wait to see if Long remains on the left side or if he is moved to right Tackle. Nonetheless, Long has the tools to be a great offensive lineman, and an anchor for Miami to build around. Long is big and strong and has solid footwork. While at Michigan he showed a great ability to make the initial block and then gets downfield and finds a linebacker or a defensive back. The one knock on Long is he struggles with speed rush defensive ends. This was highlighted in last years game against Ohio State game, and is also the reason for the speculation that Long could be moved to right tackle where he won’t face as many speed ends. Nonetheless, Long is looking to get into camp as soon as possible and begin making the transition to become an NFL Pro-Bowler.