You know what they say about multiple choice tests right? Always go with your first answer because most of the time that gut feeling is right. Over the weekend I talked myself into the Dolphins selecting a defensive player...Virginia's Chris Long with the No. 1 pick. I also gave the reasoning why I think this is a strong possibility. While I still believe the Dolphins might go defense based on Jeff Ireland's "Freudian slip," I'm no longer drinking the Kool Aid. I'm back to my initially analysis that Michigan offensive lineman Jake Long has to be the pick if his agent and the Dolphins can get their money issues settled. Now that's a HUGE IF, which we'll likely have the answer to later this week, but I'm optimistic. If Jake Long and his representatives want to break the bank, and are insistent on working off the JaMarcus Russell contract from last year and not the Mario Williams deal from two years ago, then I'm sure the Dolphins will move on and target a defensive player. If that's the case, then Chris Long or Ohio State's Vernon Gholston will do just fine. I feel much better now. While Chris Long and Gholston could very well be the guy taken first overall in Saturday's draft I can no longer endorse it as the best move for this franchise because a talented offensive tackle like Jake Long will not only improve your offense, but he'll help improve your defense by keeping them off the field, and will contribute to the development of a much needed franchise quarterback if the offensive line's solid. With that said I'm scarping the mock draft I've done with Chris Long at the top because it's garbage; taking Long at No. 1 throws off the entire draft. Instead I'll replace it with my cheat sheet of targets for each of the early selections, and every round. The names and comments are based on what the Trifecta is looking for according to Sun-Sentinel research. If you haven't checked out these stories (CLICK HERE) and blog entries (CLICK HERE) please do. I'll also create a goal to achieve with each round pick. Here's what's the come.... No. 1 Targets By now we've gone over these guys so much you know the deal. 1. Michigan OT Jake Long 2. Virginia DE/LB Chris Long 3. Ohio State DE/LB Vernon Gholston 4. LSU DT Glenn Dorsey Trade Down (First Round) Targets 1. USC LB Keith Rivers 2. UF DE Derrick Harvey 3. Virginia OG Branden Alberts 4. Auburn DE/LB Quentin Groves 5. Boston College OT Gosder Cherilus Early Second Round Targets USC DE/LB Lawrence Jackson - If they pass on taking a hybrid outside linebacker in the first round he could be the fall back plan if he isn't selected late in the first round. Delaware QB Joe Flacco - There are those talent evaluators who fall in love with arm strength, and Bill Parcells is said to be one of them. Oklahoma ILB Curtis Lofton - He's a thumper who hits with force. Runs a little slow (4.77 40-time) for the trifecta's liking, but is very instinctive and plays fast. Texas WR Limas Sweed - Has the combination of size (6-4) and speed (4.46) the Trifecta likes, and possesses good hands and humble attitude. USC OT Sam Baker - A four-year starter at left tackle on a national championship team, but he's got short arms (bad for tackles) and isn't very aggressive. But he might be the last of the top tackles. Michigan QB Chad Henne - You usually can't go wrong with picking a Michigan quarterback. He's got the second best arm in this draft, and is a good leader. Late Second Round Targets Penn State LB Dan Connor - He's not a great athlete, but is a physical tackler and instinctive player who understand the game. If makes it to the Dolphins late second round pick he's a steal. Purdue TE Dustin Keller - The Dolphins were extremely intrigued by his eye-opening combine performance, but the film on this glorified receiver shows he can also block, which earned him a visit. Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws - Laws has one of those never ending motors that might make him an effective DE in the 3-4. He's too small to play nose tackle, but has the quickness they seek for front line players. Virginia Tech CB Brandon Flowers - One of the best tackling cornerbacks in this draft. If he were faster his toughness and instincts would make him a top 15 selection. Arizona's Antoine Cason - Started every game throughout his college career and showed he has great ball skills (15 interceptions), which is what the Trifecta values most in cornerbacks after speed. UM DE Calais Campbell - If he's around late in the second round he's a steal. He's more suited to be an end in a 4-3, but his height (6-foot-7), long arms, and frame might make a 3-4 doable. Oklahoma CB Reggie Smith - Has good ball skills and coverage awareness. If he were faster he'd be a first round lock, but some teams think he might have more success as a safety, which he also played in college. Third Round Targets Texas A&M TE Martellus Bennett - He's one of those basketball players who has blossomed as a tight end. He has a load of upside, but concerns about his maturity might drop his stock a round. Purdue LB Cliff Avril - His speed (4.56 in 40) and agility (6.91 in 3-cone drill) means he could be a success as an outside linebacker in the 3-4, but he'll need some serious polishing. Most say it generally takes three years for converted defensive ends to move back four feet and learn how to diagnose plays. Nebraska OT Carl Nicks - If the Dolphins haven't addressed the hole at offensive tackle by now this is about the time desperation kicks in. Nicks would be a solid right tackle, but he's had off the field issues, and was only a one-year starter. His work ethic is also being questioned. LSU WR Early Doucet - Despite his lack of speed Doucet is probably the best receiver in the draft when it comes to creating separation between in and opposing cornerbacks. The Dolphins are looking for a reliable target who can immediate come in and challenge Derek Hagan for the slot receiver spot. UNLV ILB Beau Bell - He's another one of those thumpers, who hits with power. He's strong (25 reps of 225) and has the size (6-foot-1, 245 pounds) the Trifecta likes. But his hips might be a little too stiff to be a sideline-to-sideline player. Tennessee TE Brad Cottam - Like most teams, the Dolphins fell in love with Cottam at the Senior Bowl, where he showed off his tremendous size (6-foot-7) and ability to make clutch catches. If it wasn't for an injury that derailed his senior season he's be in the first two rounds, and very well might still be. UCF RB Kevin Smith - Despite the level of competition he was facing, it's hard for any player to put up the kind of rushing number he had, especially when considering defenses are keying in on him. Taking a running back this early isn't a priority, but if they have him as the best value at this point in the draft the position might get addressed. On this one, it depends on how committed the Dolphins are to following their value board, addressing a need, or taking the best player available. Auburn's Patrick Lee - At the Senior Bowl this Miami native showed good technique and solid speed. This physical press corner is best suited for man coverage, which is what he played in college. Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal - He's the ACC leader in punt return yards, and college returners usually make the best receivers and cornerbacks because they have the quickness needed to change directions. His limited size might force the Dolphins to drop him further on their draft board. Fourth Round Targets Note Dame S Tom Zbikowski - He's the type of player that has Bill Parcells' name written all over him. Tough mentally and physically, athletic, and versatile. He's good in zone coverage and has contributed seven touchdowns on interception, fumble recoveries, and kick and punt returns. Toledo OG John Greco - Can bench press 420 pounds, and can squat 1,050 pounds, which is a perfect example of the core strength the Trifecta wants for its offensive linemen. Virginia Tech OT Duane Brown - The early run on offensive tackles might push him into the third round. This converted tight end needs some polishing, but might be a productive starter in time. But do the Dolphins have the time he needs? Texas A&M NT Red Bryant - He's big (6-4, 330 pounds), strong, and quick (4.98), which means he's perfect for a project to develop into Jason Ferguson's replacement. The problem is the other 3-4 teams in the NFL will also be targeting him. California S Thomas DeCoud - The Dolphins worked him out and brought him in for an interview, but do they really need another safety? His film shows good range, but he's only had one season of productivity at Cal, which should be concerning since they generally don't like one-year wonders. Hampton DE Kendall Langford - He has the frame (6-foot-5, 280 pounds) and strength (24 reps of 225) to be a productive defensive end in a 3-4 immediately, and could put on weight to become a nose tackle. But he's real raw and hasn't sparingly played against elite level competition. Auburn DT Pat Sims - This Dillard grad was in for visits, likely to investigate some concerns about him leaving the team in 2005. Has he quickness (5.06 in 40) an frame needed to play nose tackle, but he struggles to hold ground vs. double teams. Auburn OT King Dunlap - For a 6-foot-8, 310 pound tackle he's got good coordination and body control. But he has a lack of toughness that drives coaches crazy, and the trifecta aren't into inconsistent performers. But if they are desperate for tackles he's an option this late in the draft. Kentucky QB Andre Woodson - If the Dolphins haven't address the quarterback position by now Woodson would be a good option considering he has the size and arm strength the Trifecta value. His stocks fallen hard because of his quirky throwing motions, which slows his delivery. Florida WR Andre Caldwell - Could Caldwell be this year's Anquan Boldin? Despite his 4.31 speed, he's not the type of receiver that makes people miss him in open field, but he does bring down clutch grabs. Fifth Round Targets (assuming the Dolphins trade down to acquire a pick in this round). Montana DE/LB Kroy Bierman - A high motor defensive end on the I-AA level who will likely become a hybrid linebacker if he's taken by a 3-4 team. He's deceptively strong (29 reps of 225). Bowling Green C/G Kory Lichtensteiger - Nasty attitude. Started 48 straight games throughout his career (23 as a left guard) before kicking inside to center. Selecting another center could allow Drew Mormino to make a fulltime move to guard. Georgia Tech LB Phillip Wheeler - He's played in a zone based, four linebacker defensive scheme that should ease his transition to the 3-4. Is effective at hitting gaps on blitzes (18.5 sacks the past three seasons). Better at slipping blocker than taking them on, which is a concern, especially for a 3-4 inside linebacker. LSU RB/FB Jacob Hester - Not only is Hester productive and durable, but he played on every special teams unit at LSU. This classic overachiever, which generally earned a soft spot in Parcells heart, could provide great versatility. Oregon QB Dennis Dixon - At one point he was in the running to winning the Heisman Trophy. He's not a refined passer, and will need a redshirt season to get over the ACL tear he suffered late last season, but he could be a high reward investment as a late round draft pick. Michigan DE/LB Shawn Crable Alabama WR D.J. Hall Wisconsin CB Jake Ikegwuonu - He tore his ACL preparing for the draft and some believe he could have been a first day selection if he was healthy. This round is about the spot you start taking gambles on injured elite athletes to stash on the IR. The Dolphins can afford to make one of those longterm investment picks. Boise State's Orlando Scandrick Sixth Round Targets Richmond WR Armond Shields Richmond RB/FB Tim Hightower San Diego QB Kevin O'Connell Georgia DE/LB Marcus Howard Arkansas CB Michael Grant Louisville WR Mario Urrutia LSU S Craig Steltz Seventh Round Targets USF CB Trae Williams Good read link to rest of story http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2008/04/dolphins-draft.html
Purdue TE Dustin Keller - The Dolphins were extremely intrigued by his eye-opening combine performance, but the film on this glorified receiver shows he can also block, which earned him a visit. do you guys think he will be there at 57?
