Jake Long Signs With Miami Dolphins
April 22, 2008 by David Kindervater
Filed under Miami Dolphins
Photo courtesy Miami Dolphins
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
As predicted yesterday, the Miami Dolphins not only announced former Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long as the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, they also signed him to a five-year, $57.75 million contract, complete with a hefty $30 million guarantee. Jake was understandably excited:
“It’s such a great honor to be the No. 1 pick. I don’t think it has sunk in yet. It’s something every kid dreams about. I’m just real excited that it happened. Now I’m coming to a great place.”
The deal gets done a full four days before the Draft as the Dolphins lock-up a great tackle who will help build a solid foundation for the Miami offense. I love this pick. It’s not as glamorous as bringing in a franchise quarterback or superstar playmaker. But it’s smart decision-making. The foundation of any offense starts up front in blocking for the running backs and protecting the quarterback. Jake will do just that as he becomes the highest-paid lineman in the NFL. I guess you could say expectations will be pretty high.
