Dolphins to take T Long with first pick
DAVIE, FLORIDA (TICKER) —The Miami Dolphins announced Tuesday that they will select Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long with the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
The Dolphins made the announcement official during a news conference at the team’s headquarters.
The NFL Network reported that Long received a five-year deal worth $57.5 million, including $30 million in guaranteed money. The guarantee is comparable to what Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell received as last year’s No. 1 pick.
“This is about taking the best football player,” Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland said. “I think we’ve done that. The economics are part of it, but I don’t think it’s part of the discussion for today.”
Long will become only the third offensive tackle to be taken with the No. 1 pick, joining Ron Yary in 1968 and Orlando Pace in 1997.
“I’m very excited and honored to be able to be part of the Miami Dolphins,” Long said. “I want to thank my agent and the Miami Dolphins for getting the deal done. Now, I can concentrate on playing and getting prepared for the NFL.”
This weekend’s draft, which begins Saturday, will be the first for the Dolphins’ new regime, led by executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells, Ireland and head coach Tony Sparano. Miami has nine picks, including four of the first 64.
“It was a lot of work,” Sparano said. “It was important for us to know that Jake will be on the field on time for us when training camp begins in July.”
Virginia defensive end Chris Long, Louisiana State defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan also were considered as possible No. 1 picks.
But the Dolphins targeted Jake Long as their top pick and began negotiations with him two weeks ago.
“Jake was our No. 1 guy from the beginning,” Ireland said. “I don’t make a habit of telling you what was on our board, but Jake was on top of our board for a long time. He was the guy we were targeting from day one.”
The Dolphins are coming off a 1-15 season and need to significantly upgrade their offensive line.
“It’s no secret that left tackle is a pivotal part of your building process,” Ireland added.
The 6-7, 313-pound Long started his final 26 games for the Wolverines at left tackle and earned all-American honors in his junior and senior seasons.
In the spring of 2005, Long underwent shoulder surgery, causing him to miss the first seven games of his sophomore season. He started Michigan’s final four contests that year and established himself as one of the nation’s top left tackles in 2006.
“We feel like he has all the qualities we want in our linemen,” Sparano said. “He’s very tough, smart, disciplined.”
As a senior, Long finished second in balloting for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the nation’s top interior lineman.
“It’s such a great honor to be the No. 1 pick,” he said. “I’m real glad we got the deal done, so I don’t have to worry about it. I can get into camp and play football.”
