Dolphins To Use First Pick On Michigan Tackle

(AP) – There will be no suspense Saturday when it comes to the identity of the NFL’s top draft pick. Miami has the Number-1 choice because of last season’s 1-and-15 record and the Dolphins have announced they’ve signed Michigan tackle Jake Long to a multiyear contract.

The Dolphins were interested in dealing the top pick, but no trading partner surfaced, so they decided to sign Long and avoid a possible holdout. Last year’s top pick, JaMarcus Russell, missed all of training camp before signing a $61 million contract with the Oakland Raiders.

The new Miami regime led by Bill Parcells began negotiations last week with Long’s agent, Tom Condon. Offensive line is considered the biggest need for the Dolphins. New Miami coach Tony Sparano coached the offensive line with the Dallas Cowboys before taking the Dolphins’ job.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)