SOURCES: Dolphins reach contract agreement with Jake Long

This is not only smart for the 'Phins, but it helps out the league in a big way.

Parcells really probably wanted to get Chris Long or Gholston. But he also wanted a very "signable" draft pick. There is much more worth placed on a pass rushing DE or franchise QB and either of those 2 positions taken #1 sets a high barometer for signings. Think of the type money that Mario Willimas got and the money that JaMarcus Russell got.

With Jake Long he gets a guy that is very signable and sets the barometer for this years draft class.

And even though Parcells has not had much success with Michigan QB's (See Drew Henson), I could see Chad Henne being taken by Miami in the second round.

Longs contract seems to be significantly more than russles and williamses, Longs contract is over 5 years, so the guaranteed money he gets and the overall money he gets per year is more

Very smart choice by the Dolphins. They don't have to worry about extended holdouts with him now, and offensive line is one of their biggest needs and now they have a franchise tackle. He's the safe choice too. Good for them to get that locked up and for getting the smart choice.

Since the first pick is signed, does that mean that technically, and officially, the 2nd team selecting can now discuss contracts with players?
I know no one but the 1st can talk to players about contracts...but does that right pass to the second now?

No Chris Mortenson reported on Sportcenter that its against league rules for #2 pick holder (Rams) to discuss a contract, that is a first pick only priveleage. But he did say the Rams are officially on the clock

I think all holders of the number 1 pick should get there contract done before the draft just so the player does not hold out during mini-camp ala: JRussell. Also it could help other teams to sign they're picks as they can be slotted after that selection.

I think he's a smart pick for them.

They really couldn't go wrong with either Long, but it's still a great move for them. You're only as good as your front line, this is a move that will help them for years to come.

While we don't know how they feel about Beck, I think it's fair to say we can't draw any conclusions about him based on his half year starting for the worst team in football (with all respect to Tripp :)). It's bad enough how quickly we give up on number one overall qb picks, are we going to make the evalution period for second round guys half a season now?

Are the Dolphins going to go Michigan, Michigan in the first two rounds? Will Henne be headed to the Phins as well

I just thought about last week when Jim Ireland said in his press conference that he hoped whoever they drafted would be a great defensive player for years to come, and everyone thought he slipped up and revealed some info. Nice smokescreen on his part, he had a lot of people fooled.