I like this pick as it was simply the best player to fit their current needs. Drafting Darren McFadden would have been just as foolish as drafting Matt Ryan. The Dolphins have John Beck and Ronnie Brown in the wings, and both have the potential to be solid, every down guys around whom you can build your franchise. Granted, McFadden is obviously a better RB than Brown and Ryan could be an improvement over Beck, neither pick would make a lick of difference for the Phins given their current O-line. Drafting either would garner the same results as last season. It doesn't matter who you have under center or who you give the rock when your Offensive line is simply offensive. The Long pick has the potential to instantly improve your entire offense. If Long proves to be the solid LT that he could be, he can protect the quarterback's blindside single-handedly, and seal off the corner for the runningbacks. By so doing, Long frees up Vernon Carey to leave the LT position to play his natural position, RT, where he too can play without needing help. That leaves the three interior linemen to share all assignments in the middle without worrying about help at the edges, and the Phins have already bolstered their interior line by picking up FA Justin Smiley from SF. The Long pick simply strengthens the Phins offensive line not only at LT, but at every single point of attack, which will lead to better production from the entire offense. That is what the Long pick brings that made this pick a no-brainer. Yeah, Ryan, Chris Long, Gholston and McFadden could be improvements and pro-bowlers, but would it have mattered if the Miami OL maintained its substandard status-quo?? The Dolphins did not need a "solid lineman". They needed a star left-tackle.
Now, for Long himself, I hope the guy pans out. This is a very shallow draft, and Long does have a number of holes in his game. His is undoubtedly the top Tackle in the draft, but he is not a Joe Thomas or Jammal Brown, who were both locks to the pro-Bowl before they even played. By signing Long early, the Phins can get him in the playbook sooner and speed his progression. I like the coaching staff the Phins have assembled, and I think Long with prove his mettle, but he might have a rough 1st half in 2008.
