2008 NFL Draft: Dolphins on the Clock

The Miami Dolphins were one overtime win away from becoming the first team in NFL history to go winless.  That being said, they couldn’t have picked a better time to do it.

This year’s NFL draft is loaded with talented players, and Miami is desperate to bring these kind of athletes into their ranks. Do they go for Matt Ryan, the talented QB from Boston College?  How about Jake Long, the incredibly skilled tackle from Michigan?

These players are clearly valuable and should do well in any franchise, but Miami needs something more.

The answer lies with Chris Long, the brilliant DE from Virginia.  Not only is he an outstanding player, he has great character and can instantly step in to become a dedicated team leader. Miami needs a player like this if they want to rebound from last year’s humiliating season.

Long, who is a physical machine, has an awareness that cannot be taught.  I guess you could say it runs in the family. But what I really like about Long is his determination.  At this year’s draft he put up remarkable numbers that any other player would be pleased to have earned. Not Long.  He was frustrated because he knows he can do better.

But let’s talk about what would happen if Miami passed on Long this year.

Matt Ryan would be the next logical choice.  But what about the quarterback the Dolphins selected in last year's draft, John Beck?  He didn’t do too well last year.  But can you blame him?  He was a rookie trying to lead the NFL’s worst team.

Also, Miami passed on Brady Quinn in last year’s draft to get Beck.  So wouldn’t it be a waste not to let Beck start an entire regular season?

Miami is left to face a tough choice this offseason.  Ryan is an intriguing pick, but he comes at a great cost.  Not only is Chris Long the safest choice—he is a player that a franchise can be built around.