2012 NFL Draft Day 3

[Dirtbag59]

The Dolphins taking Jake Long over Matt Ryan. The gift that keeps giving.

Long's days numbered in Miami?
12:04
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Jake Long | Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins had a weak spot in their offensive line at right tackle that they hope to fill in the short term with Stanford's Jonathan Martin, whom they drafted with the 10th pick of the second round Friday. The Sun-Sentinel's Mike Berandino thinks it's possible that their long-term plan might actually see Martin replacing former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long at left tackle.

"The more I do the calculations, the more it seems Jake Long is about to get caught in the vortex of this sweeping Dolphins overhaul," Berandino said.

"It might not happen this offseason, but the massive left tackle -- whose massive contract runs out after next season -- is on shaky ground just the same."

Berandino points to a number of factors to make his case. First, Long has battled a sore knee for a couple of years, underwent shoulder surgery in 2010 and ended last season on IR with a torn biceps. There's also a shift under new coach Joe Philbin to a leaner, quicker roster, which doesn't play perfectly to Long's manhandling ways.

However, GM Jeff Ireland doesn't appear concerned about Long transitioning to a new scheme.

"Jake Long can transfer to any scheme," Ireland insisted, "in any offense and any team in the National Footballl League, in my opinion. I think the guy is a tremendous athlete. He's quick. He's strong. He can do it."

He's also gone to the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons, which means it would be a bit surprising if the Dolphins actually let Long leave after his rookie contract runs out after the 2012 campaign.