Print
Apr 17, 2008 6:52 pm US/Eastern
Dolphins Getting Defensive With Top Pick?
General Manager Ireland Gives A Hint On Who Fins Take
DAVIE (CBS4) ―
Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland may have led the cat out of the bag regarding on who the team will draft with the overall top pick in the NFL Draft.
Ireland met with the press on Thursday to discuss the upcoming draft. It has been reported that the Dolphins are negotiating with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long but when asked what separates Jake from the rest of the 2008 tackle class he was mum on the subject.
"I am not going to specifically talk about Jake (Long), but I think it is a strong class altogether. I am not going to lie to you, tackle is a position of need here. There is no doubt, just look at the roster and you find that out," said Ireland.
But, when asked if the economics affects his decision-making as far as the top pick, Ireland made it sound like the Dolphins are looking to upgrade the defense.
"I'm going after the player who best fits us. That's the best way I can say it. I don't want bad guys on my team. Of course I want guys who have great upside; it's the first pick in the draft. You hope that this guy is a pillar of your defense for a long time. Of course we think he's going to have upside."
Virginia defensive tackle Chris Long and Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston have been rumored to be two players the Dolphins are targeting.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
