Buzz: Dolphins May Pass On Chris Long
The Miami Dolphins are in a tough spot, probably the toughest spot in the draft simply because they have the most room the make a mistake. Nobody drafts before them as you may already know, and there have been tons of rumors pertaining to where the will go with the number one overall pick. Today, it looks like the latest rumor has them passing on Chris Long, the Virginia defender that played line in college, but is already being coveted as a linebacker. Armando Salguero says that they may look past the linebacker spot with the first overall pick and leave it to the second round to fill that spot.
The Dolphins, in fact, are seriously considering two highly coveted linebackers as possible first day additions as Auburn’s Quentin Groves and Miami’s Tavares Gooden will be among the players the team hosts this week.
Miami’s interest in Groves shows that Chris Long at No. 1 is not a certainty as both are considered linebacker/defensive ends in the 3-4 set. Groves is not as highly rated as Long. But he was productive in college and is very fast for his size.
Now, this is just a rumor and we won’t have the final say until draft day. But, say this was to happen. Would the Jets get a chance at Long with the number six pick?
Well, the answer may be yes, but the fact is were already pretty tight knit at the linebacker position, and to be honest I think we’ll be looking more at the defensive line position with the number six pick. I love Vernon Gholston for a team like us, although many have him as a linebacker. So this would mean a guy like Sedrick Ellis could fall to us. Could he? Let’s examine what is likely to happen if Chris Long isn’t gone after number one.
Let’s assume the Dolphins take Jake Long with the first pick. The Rams are likely to take Chris Long next instead of Gholston. Then the Falcons could gamble on any of these players: Ellis, Matt Ryan, or Glenn Dorsey. I’m going to say they take Gholston. I am confident the Raiders will take Darren McFadden, and the Chiefs could take Dorsey or Ellis. So that’s potentially how close we could come to Ellis.
Now, I took Glenn Dorsey in my SB Nation Mock Draft before coming to TJB. As you may know I got a lot of criticism for that pick but the gap between him and the rest of the players available was so wide, I figured Mangini would find a way to fit him into the 3-4.
Anyway, who knows what the Dolphins will do? Whatever happens, the Jets will simply have to work around it to take the best guy available. Hopefully that guy is also the best option for the team.
Filed under: Buzz
AGAIN why would we take Ellis or another DT, we just signed jenkins and resigned Pouha, we would not waste a pick. If their available it will be this order
McFadden
Gholston/ McKlevin
What is the point of this post-that Ellis may fall to the Jets? Most had him falling to Cincy at 9 even before this Chris Long “Revelation.” Meaning he was already projected to “fall” to the Jets, and they were predicted to pass on him. So how is this “news” that he may “fall to the Jets”?
Btw–Kiper and McShay have had the Fins picking Jake Long for a week now, and each predicts the same slew of guys going before the Jets draft Gholston at 6 .
And the Jets picking a DT? We just traded for a DT, are stick with a DT we pay a ton and no longer like, and play a 3-4. So we’d add another DT? Please explain the logic.
And why would ATL take Gholston at 6? DE is not one of their needs. I can see how a Jets blogger could miss that point since they filled that need by trading for one of our own players.
What’s the point of the post? You’re a featured poster–please make some sense.
Who’s Mack Rosenberg?
i’m sorry to say this, but this post is not up to the normally high standard that appears on this blog. just my opinion, though.
Andrew/Rocky,
I don’t think it is likely to happen, but Ellis falling to us could have an effect:
1. He is slightly taller and with longer arms than Robertson (not to mention cheaper, younger and with better knees – but only just) so he would be a potential fit in the DE rotation.
2. He is much stronger than Robertson and scouts believe he could play as a 3-4 NT. I know we signed Jenkins, but it is not unheard of for a guy that size (especially one with no two gap experience) to play DE. Look at Haloti Ngata in Baltimore, for example.
3. If we have some depth on the line, he might be able to contribute to both positions.
More likely though it will have an effect on any teams that might trade up. I know Ellis’ stock was hovering around 8-10, but he had a great pro day, so someone like the Bengals might not want to risk missing out on him.
Haha, it wouldn’t be a “fall” if little Sedrick fell to the JETS.
Are you guys sure that Ellis is taller than D-Rob? I thought Ellis was a short fat guy who just happened to be a great football player. Something like 6′0″ and change, maybe 6′1″? NFL.com has him at 6′1″, 305 pounds. That doesn’t seem like a great fit for the 3-4 in my non-humble opinion. I guess D-Rob is listed at 6′1″ as well. Whatever, it wouldn’t be a “fall” to get Sedrick the Slob at #6. I don’t want them to do this!
I find it more painfull watching 4-3 players being crammed into a 3-4 than watching our O-Line block last year. Is it me or do we put more effort into “switching” guys into the 3-4 than we do finding people who are a great fit to begin with? The sixth pick in the draft shouldn’t be a project he should be a starter and eventually a probowler in the very near future. Save the projects for the day 2 picks. I wouldnt be surprised if no one wants the six spot and we take Clady as a need pick.
easy now.
it does cast some shadows on the overwhelming opinion that chris long will be the top pick in the draft.
I couldn’t ever imagine long slipping to six at this point, but he might not be a top priority for the rams, as they drafted adam carriker high last year. either way i just don’t think that he would make it past #3 in any circumstance.
Sedrick isn’t even a “project” for the 3-4. What are they going to do, lengthen his limbs a few inches for height and feed him even more cheeseburgers than he already eats? He might be a great 4-3 lineman… I’d put money on that.
He is no Ted Washington, Jenkins, etc.
They traded Vilma for a 4th…. hmmm… I want the six spot some one tell the FO that I’ll give them some old baseball cards and my Wii for it. Besides I think they have enough packs of gum!
I think if Vilma makes the pro bowl they get a 2nd, no?
What is not to get? Ellis is not “falling to us”…as in this is some revelation. Ellis has already fallen to us, he will not be picked 1-5 period. Stop treating it as if all of a sudden we have an opportunity to get this guy. The opportunity has always been there. (thats why this post was so un-newsworthy and crappy–this just in, the Earth is round)
As Bents argument–
1. Why would we need a rotation of 3 DTs for one spot (4 including Pouha) who was just re-signed)?
2. A sixth pick costs major bucks. So Ellis would actually be slotted to make more than Robertson (since the price has risen since D-Rob was drafted).
3. Why would one pick Ellis, a DT, to play DE, rather than Gholston, a DE, to play DE
4. The Jets won 4 games last year, dont have a single pro-bowl caliber skills position player, and we want to invest in having depth on the D-Line (after already addressing it this offseason)?
How does any of this make sense?
He’d (Ellis) probably be a FB on the goal line offence this year. And 2nd or 3rd string NT. I didnt say it would be a good project. For the record DS I completely agree with you.
I wouldn’t say Rhodes isnt probowl caliber… Common he lost out to John Lynch! Cotchery isnt too far off. Revis and Harris will be probowlers… or not :)
Vilma trade I do believe has a conditional pick wich I think will be a 2 next year plus Kendall’s 4th next year as well. So an extra 2 and 4 next year sounds good to me and It could give us ammo if we need to move up a get our Franchise QB or another Left Tackle.
I wouldn’t say Safety is a skills position….
…and no Cotchery isn’t close…unless they go 7 WR deep on the pro bowl team (that is to say 14 WR and 2 TE had more yards than him last year, and about 100 had more than his paltry 2 TD catches. Cotchery is a good 2/3 complimentary WR. The problem is so is Coles.)
Hey, I’m not advocating the pick, just trying to justify why it might make sense.
Andrew, to address your comments…
1. No, I was suggesting he could play DE too, so it would be more like 5 guys for 3 spots.
2. Robertson is due 11m this year, whereas the 6th pick in the draft will get 6/7 million
3. Gholston is far too small to play as a DE in a 3-4 scheme, which is why the Jets would view him as an OLB. A 3-4 DE role is more like a 4-3 DT than a 4-3 DE.
4. Good point, but my post was about Sedrick Ellis as he fits into our scheme, without getting into needs and value.
Andrew, while I agree with you about Cotch not being a Pro Bowl WR, I think both he and Coles are ELITE #2 WR’s.
Problem is, they aren’t #2’s that might be able to reach the next level, they’re #2’s who are (or in Coles’ case, has been) at the top of their respective games. They’re both good for 1,000 yards and 5-8 TD’s (in a good year) with a competent QB.
The Vilma trade entitles us to either:
1. A 2nd rounder, but we give them a 4th back (if he signs an extension and meets certain targets – not necessarily pro bowl status)
2. A 3rd rounder, but we give them a 4th back (if he signs, but doesn’t meet the targets)
or…
3. Nothing extra (if he doesn’t sign).
On second thought, drafting Sedrick the Weight Gainer at #6 would be an AWESOME addition to that highlight reel of JETS fans booing at the draft!
Andrew, they wouldn’t play him at DT they would play him at end look at the three guys that play DL for the Patriots and then come back and we will talk about Ellis could be a great DE in the 3-4 he is very strong, which is the main thing you look for in the 3-4 defensive lineman. With all that said, he has knee issues so I wouldn’t draft him anyway. Trade down and take Mendanhall, this guy is better than McFadden, mark my word now. Google Mendanhall and see how awsome of a RB he is.
The difference is in the height. Seymour and Warren and 6′6 and 6′5. Ellis is 6′1. But, as noted, he has long arms, so might be able to do a job there. Having said that, there are scouts that think NT would be his best position in a 3-4.
-I don’t want to hear about fitting square pegs into round holes after this off-season of casting-off once-heralded 4-3 talent. I’m not going to fit in a small cashmere sweater, regardless of the discount price.
-Therefore, we can’t and won’t take Ellis or Dorsey (or Ryan), even if they are BPA.
–If Dorsey, Ryan, or McF are on the board at 6, we’ll get some calls and perhaps trade-down.
-If either Long is on board at 6, everyone will assume we’ll stay-put and take whichever Long falls to us.
-That said, it would require a unique, unlikely sequence of events for either Long to fall to us.
Terrible article. Im not going to repeat was has already been said, but yeah, we knew sedrick ellis could probably be available at 6, regardless if Miami wasnt interested in Chris Long. And second, why do we even want sedrick ellis? hes Dewayne Robertson Part 2.
As for Ellis and his short arms verse long, I don’t believe long are necessarily superior. Certainly, within reason, there are advantages to both. It would not be unreasonable to expect that in half the possible positions likely of two arms opposing two arms (legs, etc. momentarily aside), the angles formed by the shorter two, upper and lower arms, would have an advantage and be able to exert more lbs. psi, and, in instances, more quickly.
I may, however, be ignorant of derogatory slang for the likely “short arms.”
“were already pretty tight knit at the linebacker position”
We are?
Seems to me we have a one-season wonder and a total unknown at OLB, and an aging, lead-footed veteran playing next to a young stud at ILB. With his size, strength, and masterful technique, Chris Long could be Mangini’s Adalius Thomas–he could play OLB, ILB, and even on the line in passing situations.
If Long drops, the Jets will fly to the podium to select him.
Andrew: Safety is a skill position. S,CB,WR,RB,QB are the skill positions. 82 rec 1130yrds in that offence last year! I dont think he has hit his potential. He could be better regardless and maybe and I stress maybe the offence will be better next year. Good blocker, Great hands, and he’s explosive.
2007: Chad johnson 93 rec 1440yds 8tds Probowler
Cotchery 82 rec 1130yrds 2tds
2006: Rhodes 98 Tak 5sacks 4ints (nyj.com)
John Lynch 83 tak 0Sacks 0ints (nfl.com) Probowl
The stats dont lie… They are probowl caliber and Johnson is a HOF!
Andrew, I do not agree with your posts. I have seen many different mock drafts this season. Truthfully, I think the mock draft created by Kiper, McShay or any other media person is nothing better than the one I can create. This draft can go any way. Ellis was a top 5 talent before the combine took place. Guys like Gholston, who are just workout warriors, stole the show by performing better with shorts on.
After watching the Jets struggle to get good push from the D-Line last season, Ellis would be a fine pick at 6. Its not his frame thats gonna make a difference but he is a very strong D-lineman who gets a good push against the O-line. Also, the guaranteed money is also an issue. Its tough to justify paying a guy who has never played an NFL down. I think they want the Bengals to think there taking Ellis so they can trade down to there pick at 8 or 9 i think and grab an extra pick and pay less money for someone else like a Cromatie or Harvey
In their draft strategy, There gonna wait to see what happens from 1-5 picks, then decide what player is the BPA, who fits the 3-4 scheme, can we trade down, etc. The Jets have no idea who is gonna be picked in the first 5 picks. It is all speculation this season.
Also, why would the Jets draft Mendanhall? This makes absolutely no sense at all. RB is not really a position to use a round 1 choice on since we already have T. Jones, Leon and Chatman. This defense definately needs some more pieces to put together and there are some very good players to fill those needs. Mendanhall would be a worse pick than Ellis, since Ellis can actually help our line.
Look at Seymour, he is a big guy but he is not really heavy. But he has such power and strength that he fits well in a 3-4. Ellis is pretty strong too.
Ellis is D-Rob. Almost a clone. If you told me that we will stay put on our first two picks I wouldn’t believe it. They were so prepared last year and i’m sure they will be this year. Have we ever gotten a great player in the top ten?
Blair Thomas, D-Rob, Brick, Farrior had a solid career but a top 10?
Andrew what are you talking about?
First of all, yes safety is a skills position, and yes Rhodes SHOULD have been in the pro bowl the last two seasons. His numbers over the last 2 seasons are far better than those of Ed Reed, Bob Sanders, John Lynch, and Troy Polamalu.
“and no Cotchery isn’t close…unless they go 7 WR deep on the pro bowl team (that is to say 14 WR and 2 TE had more yards than him last year, and about 100 had more than his paltry 2 TD catches. Cotchery is a good 2/3 complimentary WR. The problem is so is Coles.)”
-do you watch Jets games? If you think Cotchery is simply a “good 2/3 complimentary WR” than you dont watch him play. For him to put up over 1100 yards last season especially without consistent QB play and our o-line woes, was impressive to say the least. I’m not saying he will ever make a pro bowl, im just saying he is much better than a good 2/3 complimentary WR. and he is definetely better than coles.
I’d like to reiterate that I think Cotch is an ELITE #2 WR. Imagine pairing him with a tall big-play WR? That’d be dynamic. Think the Giants last year, except with Cotch in Toomer’s place. Toomer himself was an elite #2 for much of his career, but not a guy you want as your home-run hitter.
Cotch in my mind is a few significant steps better than Toomer, which is why I think he’s an ELITE #2. HIs skills shouldn’t be minimized, but I think its legitimate to point out that you don’t necessarily want to have these consistent, lunch-pail-type WR’s as your #1. They’re absolutely vital to an offense’s success, so saying you don’t want them as your #1 isn’t an insult IMHO.
Mack–Welcome aboard. I thought that the post was fine–it a “Buzz” feature and generated lots of replies.
Ya I guess I dont mind Cotchery being called an Elite #2 or a Launch-pail-type because he is so consistent. He give the Pats fits! Thats got to count for something!
I think the mock falls apart at Atlanta. I think they take either Ryan or Dorsey, which is why all mocks end up with us having the choice of either Gholston or McFadden, which ever isn’t taken. But almost nobody has both taken.