Dolphins "negotiating" with Jake Long

[Matt McGuire]

I think they are doing it to negotiate with Chris ... it certainly has me nervous but I just simply can't envision as Jake Long as a #1 pick. Not over Chris Long, I just think it is a perfect fit. I am still calling it a lock.

http://www.miamiherald.com/614/story/489210.html

[NoNonsenseCoach]

Lil B is sticking his chest out a little extra today. i agree though, the pick still has to be Chris Long.

[Matt McGuire]

Lil B is sticking his chest out a little extra today. i agree though, the pick still has to be Chris Long.

He can stick out his gut all he wants to ... just because I call a pick a lock doesn't mean I ever said smoke screens won't happen.

Also it seems VERY early to begin contract negotiations. Mario Williams began negotations, what, 2 days before the 2008 Draft?

[Walter]

They're going to negotiate with Chris Long and Vernon Gholston too, and use that to leverage against the guy they want.

By going with Jake first, that might indicate that they like Chris better; they may want to lower the price on him.

[NoNonsenseCoach]

Would they consider Jake if his price was a lot better than Chris'?

Essencially, if Jake Long was willing to sacrifice money to be the first pick, would the Dolphins take him?

[Walter]

Only if they like them equally... I can't see a bit of a monetary difference being the main difference otherwise.

[NoNonsenseCoach]

I thought that was a big factor in the Texans signing Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. (Reported by Schefter)

[Matt McGuire]

Mario Williams and Reggie Bush werent liked equally by Houston.

You can't have two #1s on your draft board...and you don't draft a player for financial reasons...that's just stupid.

[Joey_Potter]

Didnt Parcells negotiate with 2 players once before?

[Craig Smith]

I think they are doing it to negotiate with Chris ... it certainly has me nervous but I just simply can't envision as Jake Long as a #1 pick. Not over Chris Long, I just think it is a perfect fit. I am still calling it a lock.

http://www.miamiherald.com/614/story/489210.html

I dont know why you can't see it. I don't think any player is a lock to go to Miami but with them openly admitting there is no interest in Ryan then its still possibly Chris Long, Jake Long or even Vernon Gholston.

I know you are not a fan of his 40 time but something has to be said for a 6'-7", almost 320 lbs man with that strength and wingspan. And the body of work he has put together.

In 40 career starts (26 at LT, 14 at RT) he has only 2 sacks, and been sited for 2 penalties and helped a small and slow Mike Hart rush for 5,040 yards and 41 TD's in 4 seasons.

Thats an average of 1 penalty and 1 sack every 20 games. With the first sack coming in his freshman season and the last sack coming against Gholston in the last regular season game of his career. It would be one thing if he gave up that sack to average joe, but it was to someone who is likely to be a top 3 pick as well.

Also reports are coming in now per ESPN that Miami is also now negotiating with Vernon Gholston.

[Saintsfan]

Yeah they are negotiating with Gholiston too now. I expect them to start talking to chirs long in the next few days.

[bbix1134]

I just can't see them taking Jake Long if they project him as a right tackle, as it seems most teams are now. I think the fact that they began negotiations with him first means they like him least, but then again when top scouts were asked who Miami is taking they all said Jake Long.

[PuppyPuncher]

I see Jake Long as Matt Light. Pretty good LT, but I don't know if I would use #1 overall.

[NoNonsenseCoach]

I would be pretty surprised to see anyone but Chris Long #1.

[Matt McGuire]

I know you are not a fan of his 40 time but something has to be said for a 6'-7", almost 320 lbs man with that strength and wingspan. And the body of work he has put together.

People said the same thing about Tony Mandarich.