April 11, 2008

“It’s going to come down to an episode of Let’s Make a Deal.” That’s how one team insider described the Dolphins’ mindset for selecting the No. 1 overall draft pick. The team has reportedly already started preliminary negotiations with Michigan OT Jake Long and Ohio State DE-OLB Vernon Gholston, and is expected to stage a similar talk with Virginia DE-OLB Chris Long, as well. According to the insider, owner Wayne Huizenga is adamant that the Fins sign their pick prior to the draft. RB Ronnie Brown’s rookie holdout in 2005 irked Huizenga, and he wants to avoid a similar mess this season. NFL bylaws stipulate that only the team holding the No. 1 overall selection can sign a contract with a prospect prior to the draft. However, this isn’t to say all three of the aforementioned players are on a level playing field. Word is that Jake Long is the primary object of the team’s affection, and he holds more leverage than the other two. The Dolphins are needy at a host of positions, but nowhere is the situation more dire than on the offensive line.