Any “suspense” regarding the first overall draft selection can be put to rest after the Dolphins announced today that they’ve agreed to terms with Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long on a $58 million deal over the next five years. Kaiser Parcells, known for his unwillingness to put up with attitude as well as his desire to build within, opted for Long over other studs such as Virginia defensive end Chris Long, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, and Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan.

Before I get too wrapped up in a rant, I should clarify that I believe Jake Long will be a great offensive lineman. He’s too physically sound to struggle with the move to the NFL and considering he won’t be holding out of camp (which always pisses me off and I never understand) Long will be able to adjust to the Dolphins offense in both mini camp and training camp. If not Long, then who would I have taken in the draft? Darren McFadden.

Set aside McFadden’s personal problems; it’s become too much of a fad to immediately downgrade athletes because of their past and not give them an opportunity to redeem themselves. McFadden has 4.3 speed you can’t teach. He has instincts you can’t explain. He has the explosion and knack for a big play that reminds me of greats such as LaDainian Tomlinson and Barry Sanders. He would immediately make John Beck a better quarterback and the mere fact that he is on the field at any given time requires a defense to adjust to him. He’s a home run hitter, a slam dunk. He is the best athlete in the draft and there isn’t a question about it.

So what about Ronnie Brown? Well, Brown has had issues of his own the past few years. He has yet to play all 16 games in his career, playing just 7 last year and 13 the year before. Durability is an issue with Brown and McFadden would be a perfect fit to spell Brown in the backfield a la Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush.

There isn’t a better left tackle in the draft than Jake Long but, with Miami also holding the first pick in the second round and New England fore fitting their first rounder, the Dolphins essentially have two first round picks. Great offensive lineman don’t just come from the first round. Great running backs, however, do.

Best of luck to Miami in the rest of the draft. Lets just hope for Miami’s sake that Jake Long isn’t the next Robert Gallery and Darren McFadden isn’t the next LaDainian Tomlinson.