May 3, 2008 7:35 am US/Eastern
Dolphins Open Mini-Camp
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Jake Long wears his Miami Dolphins hat as the first pick in the NFL draft in New York on April 26, 2008.
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
The Miami Dolphins took to the field for the first time with their new rookies during Friday's mini-camp. The camp is the first time new players including offensive tackle Jake Long, quarterback Chad Henne, and defensive end Phillip Merling donned their new gear.
Unfortunately for fans, they are not invited to the debut, only media members are allowed inside the facility. CBS4's Kim Bokamper is out at the Dolphins facility and will give his thoughts on the practice starting at 5:30 p.m.
Jake Long and Chad Henne are used practicing together. Both spent the last several seasons starting for the University of Michigan. Long has been protecting Henne's blindside for a couple of years, and both players hope to continue that with the Fins.
But, standing in Henne's way are both Josh McCown and 2007 second-round draft pick John Beck. Some media outlets say the selection of Henne means the new Dolphins regime, led by Bill Parcells, doesn't believe Beck can be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Beck struggled with turnovers, especially fumbles, in 2007.
For Long, he is already penciled in as the starting left tackle for the Dolphins. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of the first tackle drafted in 2007, Joe Thomas. All Thomas did was step in and start for the Cleveland Browns and be selected to the Pro Bowl.
The mini-camp runs from Friday through Sunday.
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