2008 NFL Draft Consensus on Planet Draft-Jake Long #1

USA (SANEPR.com) (SANEPR) Aprit 14, 2008 -- PlanetDraft.com 2008 NFL Draft. A Shocker. The Dolphins have a Long season ahead. So says the consensus of the leading NFL Draft sites listed on PlanetDraft.com.

Most of the reputable NFL mock draft websites have the Dolphins taking either Jake or Chris Long in the 2008 NFL Draft. The two share the same last name, but are entirely different players, each with a skill set that the Dolphins need.

With the first overall pick in the draft, the Dolphins are under the proverbial gun, for the decision they make on April 26 will have long-lasting effects on the franchise—for better or for worse.
But which Long will sport the teal and orange next season?
NO need to play this out any longer; the Dolphins would be making a mistake if they take anyone other than Jake, the left tackle.
Powerful and athletic defensive ends aren’t exactly a dime a dozen these days, but nonetheless, a franchise left tackle is a rarity. Matched up against the league’s best pass rushers, the protector of the blind side is undoubtedly the best player on the offensive line and, as a result, the highest paid. Therefore, pouring all of your money into one place is justified if it’s a left tackle receiving the paycheck.
In addition, defensive linemen are often times products of the system that they play in and the players surrounding them. A dominant player who plays on an otherwise abysmal defensive line will not have much success, as the lack of talent around him makes it easy for the opposition to double- or even triple-team that player. Conversely, a mediocre player plugged into a successful system could appear much better than he actually is because the talent around him is drawing away defenders.
The offensive line does not work this way. A poor left tackle on a terrific offensive line will be batted around and humiliated play after play for the entire world to see. Linemen often times describe their position as being on an island, because regardless of the supporting cast, each player is on his own.
Therefore, the Dolphins could get away with mediocre defensive linemen because they have excellent blitzing linebackers and Jason Taylor to open gaps for them. But with one of the worst offensive lines in the league, they desperately need to start filling some holes and building for the future to help out their quarterback, whoever that may be in 2008.
And besides, look at the kid. Jake Long is a 6’7", 315-pound intimidating mass of human being. But he has a great deal of athleticism to go along with his size; he played varsity baseball in high school (first base) and holds the school record for most career home runs and RBIs. He also has the experience to go along with it, as he was a three-year letterman at Michigan and is decorated with awards, including two consensus First-Team All-American berths.
After last year’s draft in which the Dolphins selected a punt returner with the ninth overall pick, the front office needs a solid pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Take Jake Long: he’s a can’t lose pick.
And read all about the upcoming 2008 NFL Draft on Planet Draft. That’s PlanetDraft.com