Best move
Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long was, by virtually all accounts, the safest pick in this draft. The Dolphins couldn't afford a boom-or-bust approach to the top overall choice. Ownership expects significant improvement right away and steady improvement over time.
The massive, tough and ferocious Long gives the Dolphins' offensive line its best chance to establish a new identity. The team hasn't had an elite left tackle since Richmond Webb was protecting Dan Marino. The Webb portion of that equation should change once Long gets comfortable as a starter. Long should make both tackle positions better by allowing former first-round choice Vernon Carey to move back to the right side, where Carey appears better suited.
Offensive linemen often make the safest picks in the first round. The Dolphins could have justified a defensive pick early given Bill Parcells' background, but this needs to be Tony Sparano's team. Sparano, a former offensive-line coach, couldn't ask for more from a first-round choice.
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