Signability Counts

The NFL Draft starts officially Saturday, but the Miami Dolphins got things started today by agreeing to terms with Michigan Offensive Tackle Jake Long. Not a very sexy signing, is it? But in today's NFL, the ability to sign a first round draft pick is viewed as one of the critical evaluation factors when teams scout players. Obviously, with all the needs a 1-15 team, the Dolphins can use the help at Offensive Tackle. But really, when you get the first overall pick in the draft, shouldn't it be used on an impact player? Are the Dolphins so sold on John Beck that they can pass up Boston College's Matt Ryan this year? With Jason Taylor's future in Miami in doubt, can they really bypass Ohio State pass rush specialist Vernon Gholston? What happened here with the Dolphins is that new head coach Tony Sparano, a former offensive line coach, is comfortable with a sure fire starter at left tackle. The Dolphins brain trust is comfortable with a guy who is signed, sealed and delivered, avoiding a costly and embarrasing holdout. But you'd like to be more than comfortable when you get the first overall pick in the draft. The Dolphins have settled for comfortable.