Jake Long, Miami Dolphin
by Matt Miller
The Miami Dolphins have signed Jake Long to a 5-year deal, which means the St. Louis Rams are now on the clock.
Jake Long is a phenomenal fit for the bruising offense preferred by Tony Sparano and Bill Parcells. Long will fit in as the left tackle in this offense, or should at least be penciled in there for the time being. Getting Long in camp early is very important, as this is a new regime and a new offense for the entire team.
This will also set a precedent for the Rams. Do they wait to make their pick, or start negotiating now with their top 3 players?
Long is now the starting left tackle for the Miami Dolphins, but what does this mean for the next five picks?
St. Louis: The Rams were never too impressed with Long, or Vernon Gholston for that matter. The Rams like Chris Long, a high-motor defensive end who is in the mold of 2007 first pick Adam Carriker. This doesn’t change things for St. Louis. Our pick: Chris Long
Atlanta: The Falcons would have drafted Jake Long if he were available, but no one expected that to happen. Atlanta is trying hard to move their pick, and could have a suitor if a 3-4 team comes calling for Gholston. Our pick: Glenn Dorsey
Oakland: The Raiders appear to want Darren McFadden, so no change here. Al Davis would have been smart to grab Jake Long, but there is no chance he would have made it down this far. Our pick: Darren McFadden
Kansas City: The Chiefs would have loved to see Jake Long in red and yellow, but instead will likely settle on Ryan Clady or Branden Albert. The one scenario that may play out here is that the Chiefs would love to trade back and acquire more picks. Someone could move up for Gholston. Our pick: Ryan Clady
New York Jets: Finally, Vernon Gholston is off the board. He will fit in well with the Jets 3-4 scheme, but isn’t he the same player as Calvin Pace? Pace just received big money from New York. Gholston would figure to start over Bryan Thomas. Our pick: Vernon Gholston