With Bill Parcells running the Dolphins and the Dolphins owning the first pick in the 2008 NFL draft, we're going to hear a lot of speculation about which of the top prospects most fits the mold of a Parcells-type player. A lot can change between now and the draft on April 26, but right now, I think the player who looks the most like the kind of guy Parcells would want to build his team around is Virginia defensive end Chris Long.
The most obvious connection is that Long's coach at Virginia is Al Groh, who was an assistant to Parcells with the Giants, Patriots and Jets. Parcells will spend a lot of time talking to Groh about Long, and all indications are that Groh will give a glowing recommendation.
But there are other reasons to think Parcells would like Long. In every coaching stop, Parcells has stressed the importance of having size and run-stuffing ability from his defensive ends, and the 285-pound Long definitely qualifies there.
And Parcells has said he likes guys whose lives are totally immersed in the game of football. That was one of his justifications for selecting linebacker Bobby Carpenter, the son of Parcells' former Giants fullback Rob Carpenter, with the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2006. Long is the son of Howie Long, the Hall of Fame defensive lineman, so he definitely qualifies there.
A lot can change between now and late April, but right now, Long looks like the best bet for the player Parcells would want to take.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-28-2007 @ 10:02AM
Mahini said...
Maybe add the Virginia Football and ACC football tags?
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12-28-2007 @ 10:29AM
Vance said...
So we're drafting another player because he comes from a "good family" give me a break (i.e. Ginn Jr). Seen Eli live off his name, and I don't feel like busting on Howie's boy. Either trade down with some team who is foaming at the mouth for McFadden (preferably an NFC team) or, if he performs well in BCS Champ. Game and health checks out (knees especially), draft Dorsey who would be the best DT the Dolphins have had since Tim Bowens. A lack of an inside presence is the reason our LBs have been so beaten up this year and hopefully Zach comes back next year to utilize Dorsey.
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12-28-2007 @ 10:43AM
hugh mcsnatchercraft said...
that would be a great pick, but no. 1 overall for a 3-4 end? that's $35 mil guaranteed for a guy who isn't going to get a lot of stats and will be somewhat invisible to casual fans.
hes the right fit...but at no. 1? that'd be a pretty big reach.
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12-28-2007 @ 11:23AM
jason said...
They have to get a QB. Dereck Anderson via trade alot for him if the Browns franchise him or Brian Brohm or that kid from Boston College (forgot his name) Getting Ginn last year and not selecting Brady Quinn was the most idiotic move of the draft. Ginn is good buy how do you pass on a franchise QB for a kick returner.
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12-28-2007 @ 11:24AM
aaorn W said...
Trade down !!!! or get a HEALTHY Glenn Dorsey? Thats a big IF !!!
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12-28-2007 @ 4:42PM
Alex said...
To the guy who said a DE at #1 is a reach...
Mario Williams and his awesome 2007?
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1-27-2008 @ 11:40AM
c afdeee said...
>They have to get a QB. Dereck Anderson via trade ..
What does getting a QB via draft have to do with drafting or not Long????
And No..we...don't...need another young QB.
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1-28-2008 @ 6:54PM
charles said...
Chris Long is an absolutely unbelievable player. If the Dolphins don't draft this monster; they are stupid beyond belief. He is a force that comes along every 10 years or so.
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2-08-2008 @ 9:53AM
divinebeats315 said...
i think long is a great pick!!! hands down!!
but OT JAKE LONG (mich.)
when's the last time miami had a dominating offensive lineman????????
i say trade down, get jake at 4,5,6, or 7
trade ronnie brown, draft matt ryan, or trade for him, pick up mike hart as a steal! take care of defense w/ free agency!!! derek anderson if needed! DT
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