The first mini camp session has arrived one week after the 2008 NFL Draft, just like every year in the past. The fans are excited waiting to see their first glimpse of the 2008 rookie class. I took Friday, May 2nd off from work so that I could be one of the first out at the training facility. I went out and purchased about one hundred dollars in lithium batteries for my digital camera. I purchased some new Miami Dolphins gear out at the pro shop a few weeks before the 2008 Draft in anticipation of the first mini camp opening. I took my truck out to get detailed and shined the night before mini camp. I’ve got my Dolphins flags on the truck and the magnetic Miami Dolphins emblems on each side of the truck. My spirit is high and I can’t wait to get out to training camp, I’m giving my sons high five before leaving the house and the kids going to school.

My sons say they can’t wait to go out to training camp with me on Saturday morning. I know from years past the first session usually starts around 8:30 – 9:00 in the morning. I go back to my office to get my website visor because I know the sun is facing west, right into the grandstands out at training camp. While in my office, I decide to check out the South Florida Sun Sentinel sports page to see if they have listed the mini camp practice dates and times for this weekend. Much to my surprise, I read that yes in deed there is a mini camp starting on Friday morning but the training sessions are not open to the public. I’m really ticked off now and I let out a yell in anger, my wife responds with, “what happened…?” I explained those “blank, blanks” are not allowing the fans to see the team out at training camp because training camp is closed to the public.

I’m totally disgusted now and after the embarrassing draft weekend out at the stadium, I’m just perplexed about the changes with the administration out at the camp and the stadium. I invited several friends with children to come out to the stadium because the Miami Dolphins do everything first class when it comes to their little fans. I was describing the concourse events with the cheerleader and alumni signing tables with music and the referee and cheerleader on stilts. I really looked like an idiot and felt like one when the little girls were asking me for ice cream and none of the concession stands really had anything for children except popcorn, which I couldn’t get them to go for. The Miami Dolphins lost out on some potential season ticket sales. I can deal with all the negatives like not getting to see the mini camps and practice as long as the team turns 1-15 into 15-1 otherwise what are you doing to your fans. Did I mention there is another season ticket holder price increase…

Staff Columnist, The Dolfanatic

Pre Season Schedule  

  Miami Dolphins fans officially received Jake Long when Roger Goodell announced “with the first pick of the 2008 NFL draft the Miami Dolphins select Michigan State Offensive Tackle, Jake Long”. When Jake Long appeared on stage posing for pictures with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell holding up the ceremonial Miami Dolphins number one jersey our fans rejoiced even though we knew a contract was signed earlier in the week. Jake Long was met with cheers and you also heard the jeers from the New York Jet fans at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, probably because they know the Dolphins have the administration to make the best of this year’s draft. The Miami Dolphins finally have an administrative dream team with the early contract signing of Jake Long and the addition of Clemson defense end Phillip Merling, a first round prospect choosen in the second round.

The Miami Dolphins hit a home run with their second pick of the second round in the draft grabbing Michigan quarterback Chad Henne. The Addition of Chad Henne reunites Jake Long with his quarterback from Michigan. The Dolphins were surprised to see Henne still on the board when pick No. 57 rolled around. Henne was taken one spot after Louisville's Brian Brohm, who was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. Henne was the fourth quarterback taken in the first day of the 2008 draft, following Boston College's Matt Ryan, who Atlanta selected with the third pick of the draft, and Delaware's Joe Flacco, whom Baltimore used the No. 18 to nab, and Brohm. Henne, a four year starter who threw for 1,938 yards and 17 touchdowns in his injury shortened senior season, will compete with veteran Josh McCown, a free agent addition, and John Beck, last year's second round pick, for the starting spot in training camp.

Henne, who is 6 foot 2, 230 pounds, possesses one of the strongest arms in this draft, and has run a pro style offense since taking over as a freshman starter. Ireland praised Henne's leadership, and said Henne has an “aura about him that you like about a quarterback,” and pointed out that Henne led Michigan to nine fourth quarter come from behind victories during his college career. Henne, who most analysts felt was the second best quarterback in this year's draft, said he's excited to continue playing with Long. Long spent his entire career blocking for Henne, who has started 47 games at Michigan. There was a lot of talk the Dolphins were taking inquiries with regard to the services of Jason Taylor which some say is not worth more than a second round pick because of his age and fourteen million dollar salary over the next two years. At the end of day one in the 2008 NFL Draft Jason Taylor is still a Miami Dolphin.

Staff Columnist, The Dolfanatic

  The Miami Dolphins today signed former University of Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long to a multi-year contract, making Long the top pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Jake Long becomes just the second offensive lineman to be taken with the top pick in the NFL Draft since 1970, joining Ohio State Tackle Orlando Pace, who was selected by the Rams in the top spot in 1997. News reports are communicating, Jake signed a five-year contract with $30 million dollars guaranteed and the total package is said to be $57.75 million dollars. The Miami Dolphins have not officially disclosed the financial terms of the deal, the Miami Dolphins website does advise they have reached an agreement with former Michigan State Offensive Tackle Jake Long. The new Dolphins regime led by Bill Parcells began negotiations last week with Long's agent, Tom Condon.

The offensive line is considered the biggest need for the Dolphins, who went 1-15 last year, and new Miami coach Tony Sparano coached the offensive line with the Dallas Cowboys and will probably be watching very closely to the progress the offensive line makes through training camp. Jake Long started 40 games at Michigan and was Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2006 and 2007. He finished second to LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey in balloting last season for the Lombardi and Outland trophies. Long still plans to fly to New York on Wednesday and attend the draft. The Dolphins have eight other picks and four of the first 64, and they remain in the market for more offensive linemen, a quarterback, a receiver, a tight end, cornerbacks, defensive linemen and linebackers.

One thing is for sure, the Miami Dolphins are set at left tackle with the contract signing of Jake Long. Dolphins coach Tony Sparano made it clear that Long was drafted to be the starting left tackle, meaning that Vernon Carey will return to his more comfortable spot at right tackle. Although Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells wasn't present at the press conference, Ireland and Condon said he was very much involved in the entire process. Sparano said the fact that Long, 22, gave up just three sacks and committed only two penalties in four years at Michigan was a factor in their decision. The Dolphins still have a glaring hole on the starting offensive line which is left guard. Last week Sparano said the plan is to fill that spot through the draft, allowing the line to infuse some youth.

Staff Columnist, The Dolfanatic