Let's start right now...

[EatonFan]

There's a lot of people on here with some great thoughts on different teams draft selections.

Let's take each selection one by one and choose the top 4 players for each team and vote. Once we reach 2 to 3 full pages of discussions I will post a poll for that team and cut off the voting after 72 hours. Then we'll go on to the next team.

First up is Miami.

I believe it comes down to one of these. I also do not think there will be a trade as the cost is too high and there is no consensus #1 overall pick.

Glenn Dorsey -- Why? He's a beast. Injury issues are the only thing that will ward off him being No. 1. Miami needs to replace their DT's badly and Dorsey is as close to a consensus overall #1 as anyone.

Vernon Gholston -- Why? Parcells. He loves the kid. Gholston is a workout maniac and he has great upside (IMO). Parcells loves great DE's. Gholston fits that mold.

Jake Long -- Why? For all the reasons I stated on Gholston. Just a matter of who you grade higher.

Chris Long -- This is a bit more of a long shot. Parcells is more noted for drafting Defense, but Chris Long is a candidate only because OT is not deep this year and OT is a tough position to fill late in the draft. He's the top of the OT heap.

Sedrick Ellis -- Another longer shot. Ellis may move ahead of Dorsey only because of injury issues with Dorsey... as stated.

Darren McFadden -- Once again a longer shot. McFadden is a breakaway RB and could really make a great RB tandem (with R. Brown) and help a developing QB (which they will likely take in the 2nd or 3rd rounds).

So, I believe it comes down to Dorsey, J. Long, or Gholston.

[Jom112]

You got the Long's mixed up. Chris is the DE and Jake is the OT.

That aside I think Miami goes with Chris Long IF he shows he has some good speed at the combine. If not then probably Dorsey...

[zanetdaniels]

I think it will be hard for Miami to pass up either Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey/Sedrick Ellis. I think these guys are absolute can't miss prospects. I would be weary of picking anyone else with the first pick.

Miami is in a serious rebuilding phase. They have a good RB who played extremely well until he was injured mid season so I think they will not draft McFadden....the just have bigger holes to fill elsewhere. I think Jake Long would be a great pick for them....Offensive Linemen are not the sexiest pick at number 1 but they make a HUGE impact....look at how Joe Thomas turned things around in Cleveland. Jake will have the same effect, especially if they want a young QB to feel comfortable in the pocket.

Chris long would also be a good selection. I think he is solid and he will be a good player in the NFL....he will at least be productive and a safe pick.

[EatonFan]

You got the Long's mixed up. Chris is the DE and Jake is the OT.

That aside I think Miami goes with Chris Long IF he shows he has some good speed at the combine. If not then probably Dorsey...

My bad. C. Long is the DE. Jake the OT.

[cinc4ever1]

I say the Dolphins take Glenn Dorsey.

[EatonFan]

I say the Dolphins take Glenn Dorsey.

Why? This is the discussion thread. Support your pick for Miami !!

[Stewy]

I think Miami goes with Jake Long - why? Because a good OT that can start right off and has experience in the trenches supporting a runner, can make a more immediate and lasting impact.

Just ask the Browns and Joe Thomas.

Even though Parcells is a defense guy, he has to build from scratch and without the elite franchise QB at the top, OT seems like the way to go to me.

Protect the QB and pressure the QB they are equally important and both worthy of the #1 pick.

[EatonFan]

I think Miami goes with Jake Long - why? Because a good OT that can start right off and has experience in the trenches supporting a runner, can make a more immediate and lasting impact.

Just ask the Browns and Joe Thomas.

Even though Parcells is a defense guy, he has to build from scratch and without the elite franchise QB at the top, OT seems like the way to go to me.

Protect the QB and pressure the QB they are equally important and both worthy of the #1 pick.

I think Jake Long is the safest #1 pick. Dorsey is the most worthy (only injury slides him as I stated). Chris Long is 3rd on the list in my mind, but maybe...

[rorschach1979]

Miami has a lot to think about. So many holes to fill and most probably shifting their scheme to the 3-4 (which Bill Parcells likes).

I don't think many of us are capable of analyzing the talent they have on defense to the degree that we would know if they have pieces that could shift well into the 3-4. We probably all know that's something you can't do overnight - we've been hemming and hawing about it here in Cincy for several years.

If they do make that shift, my opinion is Parcells has to make his #1 pick a defensive player, to truly make the best attempt at making that shift work right away. I think that comes down to the line for him - who he's got and who he needs. Which means it comes down to the tackle in Dorsey/Ellis or the DE in Chris Long.

From most perceptions, Dorsey or Ellis will be great tackles, but they are better suited to being in a 4-3 defense. I would say both could maybe (I'm not 100% on this) grow into being a nose tackle in a 3-4, but that would take time, and Parcells doesn't have time. Long, on the other hand, can come in and play now, and produce (most likely) now. He fits the 3-4 DE mold to a T. Couple this ability of Long's with the dearth of DE's (and in particular 3-4 DE's; aside from size, talent drops off rather dramatically as well) in this draft, and I think Chris Long has to be the pick for them on D.

As for any offense position - tackle or QB being the most needed - I think based on Hobson's article on the depth at OT this year in the draft that Parcells will wait for an OT if he drafts one, which means Long will be passed on. He will almost assuredly wait on a QB if he's not set on Beck for now; he can get a veteran on the FA market and draft a 2nd or 3rd round QB to grrom if he feels he needs to, since the QB class is weaker than normal this year and will draft lower than normal. Besides, he owns basically the 32nd pick in the first round, what with the NE forfeiture of their pick, so he could if he wanted to draft either these positions essentially in the bottom of the first round and still be relatively assured of decent quality being available to choose from.

[Pro Joey 1427]

Miami has a lot to think about. So many holes to fill and most probably shifting their scheme to the 3-4 (which Bill Parcells likes).

I don't think many of us are capable of analyzing the talent they have on defense to the degree that we would know if they have pieces that could shift well into the 3-4. We probably all know that's something you can't do overnight - we've been hemming and hawing about it here in Cincy for several years.

If they do make that shift, my opinion is Parcells has to make his #1 pick a defensive player, to truly make the best attempt at making that shift work right away. I think that comes down to the line for him - who he's got and who he needs. Which means it comes down to the tackle in Dorsey/Ellis or the DE in Chris Long.

From most perceptions, Dorsey or Ellis will be great tackles, but they are better suited to being in a 4-3 defense. I would say both could maybe (I'm not 100% on this) grow into being a nose tackle in a 3-4, but that would take time, and Parcells doesn't have time. Long, on the other hand, can come in and play now, and produce (most likely) now. He fits the 3-4 DE mold to a T. Couple this ability of Long's with the dearth of DE's (and in particular 3-4 DE's; aside from size, talent drops off rather dramatically as well) in this draft, and I think Chris Long has to be the pick for them on D.

As for any offense position - tackle or QB being the most needed - I think based on Hobson's article on the depth at OT this year in the draft that Parcells will wait for an OT if he drafts one, which means Long will be passed on. He will almost assuredly wait on a QB if he's not set on Beck for now; he can get a veteran on the FA market and draft a 2nd or 3rd round QB to grrom if he feels he needs to, since the QB class is weaker than normal this year and will draft lower than normal. Besides, he owns basically the 32nd pick in the first round, what with the NE forfeiture of their pick, so he could if he wanted to draft either these positions essentially in the bottom of the first round and still be relatively assured of decent quality being available to choose from.

Ellis is actually scouted by many as being able to play NT in a 3-4. Dorsey not so much. A DT should have more impact on their D than a DE would, so for that reason, I say Sedrick Ellis. But I must say that I completely agree with your philosphy here-- if they're making the 43-34 switch, they need an impact player on the front 7 first round.

[EatonFan]

Miami Dolphins - DEF, OL, QB, WR
The Dolphins defense is 30th in rushing yards allowed per game. The group is also 27th in points allowed per game and 29th in total sacks. Every level will need personnel changes. For starters, the secondary will need to be addressed, as Yeremiah Bell will definitely need additional talent alongside him when he returns for the ’08 season; the current group lacks top tier skill. Given Zach Thomas’ age and injury problems, the Dolphins will add a linebacker to help ease his potential and eventual loss. On the line, end Jason Taylor may be the only player with a secure job. He’s not quite as effective this season because of the lack of surrounding support. On the other side of the ball, the line unit needs improving. The guard position may be of most concern, with Rex Hadnot and Chris Liwienski acting as stopgaps. Another tackle should be added to the mix as well, to give the Dolphins a legitimate chance up front. Miami is optimistic about the potential of rookie quarterback John Beck, but with Cleo Lemon not likely to be re-signed and Trent Green’s recent injuries, a veteran to guide Beck could be in the cards. There are several questions to be answered here, and the Dolphins may have some of the answers at season’s end. At wide receiver, the team felt comfortable enough to deal away Chris Chambers, leaving rookie Ted Ginn Jr. to start alongside Marty Booker. If the staff isn’t high on Derek Hagan, another receiver needs to be signed.

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2008/nfl/afc_needs.html

This assessment suggests Dorsey or Ellis, but Gholston and Long are not out of the mix IMO. Great DEs are difficult to find in later rounds, but Dorsey and Ellis are the top of this DT class. I'm leaning Dorsey for Miami as I think it's the wisest pick. Beck may be the starter next year and they can pick an OT 32nd. As was said, it's a deep class at OT this year.

[EatonFan]

Interesting news/rumors pasted from DraftDaddy.com relating to DL Bengals are certainly looking at and hoping will slide to #9:

Our sources also told us the Miami Dolphins, at this point, are ruling out using a the first overall pick on a quarterback. Simply put, they are not yet convinced any quarterbacks are worthy of being picked first overall. Nonetheless, we've been told Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland really like Joe Flacco and Chad Henne, who could be selected later in the draft....all this talk has led our source to believe that Miami is looking at Chris Long vs Vernon Gholston, if they keep the number one pick. Gholston, who reminds many N.F.L. scouts of Shawn Merriman, could actually inch ahead of Long, if he has a great workout in Indy.

The New York Jets, Tampa Bay and Indianapolis really love defensive tackle Sedric Ellis of U.S.C. Our source thinks the Jets have the best shot of getting him at 6, but he may slip past them and a few other teams due to his injury history (right knee is getting a lot attention in Indy)....Glenn Dorsey is the ideal one gapper, but lacks the size that most scouts look for. Before you hear it anywhere, don't be surprised if the two stud defensive tackles slip out of the top 5. Both defensive tackles have issues and neither are slam dunks, but may be overdrafted because of a lack of depth at the position. Both of these guys must go to the right scheme.

Another tidbit from right here on the boards.... DraftDaddy.com I believe

[DennyG2]

I think who ever Miami takes here will help that dreadful team, they almost can't go wrong with any pick. I will go with Dorsey though, dominating inside force who can get inside pressure on the passer.:thumbsup:

[renaud85]

Glenn Dorsey

[franchise]

I actually would put my money on Gholston although I wouldn't put much

If the question is who do I think they should draft I'd say Jake Long. OL is the place to start building a new franchise especially with a young QB.

[EatonFan]

I actually would put my money on Gholston although I wouldn't put much

If the question is who do I think they should draft I'd say Jake Long. OL is the place to start building a new franchise especially with a young QB.

Like I said he's the safest pick, but are there any other possibilities at No. 1 overall? I doubt there will be a trade. Is there someone that you can make a case for Miami to take other than those mentioned?

[far away bengal]

Is chris long that good??.....I dont know all the players in the league like a lot of you guys, but I dont remember any good white DE, specially taken in the top 10 picks of the draft. Ohh wait, there's one...hhmmmm Justin Smith!!!!!.......haha..just kidding

now seriously, they should draft Jake Long...he'll be the next J. Thomas.....the last OL taken first overall was Orlando Pace, and they ended up winning a super bowl....and this draft is full of good D linemen, so why waste the 1st pick on defense

Matt Ryan would be a waste as 1st overall...and they can pick Flacco in the 3rd or 4th rd