Miami Dolphins and GM Bill Parcells have decided not to wheel and deal their #1 overall pick in the NFL by locking up Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long to a 5-year, 57.5 million dollar contract. The contract came with a 30 million dollar signing bonus making Long the highest paid lineman in the NFL. Sportsbetting.com has the Miami Dolphins as 40-1 NFL betting odds to win the 2009 AFC championship.

Long has been compared to former Bill Parcells favorite Jumbo Elliot who played for the NY Giants in the 90's. The 6'6" 320 Lb. Jake Long has been projected as a bookened tackle with franchise building skills for the run oriented Dolphins to build around. New Dolphins coach Tony Sparano had this to say of Long’s signing: "It's really important for us to know Jake is going to be on the field for us on time when training camp begins in July, That was critical."

There is a boatload of NFL running back talent in this year’s draft but Miami feels they are in good hands with RB Ronnie Brown who has shown flashes of brilliance when he hasn’t been injured. Miami’s offensive line has been a major weakness over the last few years but last year it showed improvement last year under highly regarded O-line coach    Hudson Houck in his second year with the team. Long should be a nice fit for Houck who is known for getting the most out of his players talent.

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