JoeSixPat

Don't get me wrong - I value a solid left tackle as much as the next guy, and I'm impressed with how the Dolphins have made themselves respectable again, though really they were helped greatly by the Jets decision to drop what turns out to be a 7-5 QB for a 8-4 QB.

But I'm not really sure Chad Pennington can be considered the "QB of the Future" - and given what we've seen from Matt Ryan, taking the nearly as pathetic Falcons to 8-4, solidifying the QB position potentially for the next 10 years plus, I have to wonder if the Dolphins made a major strategic mistake.

I guess we should be happy that the questionable draft moves of the Fins continue, seeing as the Patriots benefit as a result, so I'm not complaining - just wondering what others think.

Palm Beach Pats Fan

They see Chad Henne as their QB of the future. He looked good in preseason, but who knows.

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PatsWickedPissah

They would have to have KNOWN a priori that Ryan was gonna be a Franchise QB. LT is almost as significant to success and a much less risky pick. Way more QB busts than elite OT busts, although there are certainly some notables there too.

Look at the QBs the Pats have found in the 6th and 7th round. Maybe Parcells & Co feels that they can draft a developmental QB in the 3rd round, like we just did last year with The Mick?

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Throughout history, poverty is the normal condition of man. Advances which permit this norm to be exceeded — here and there, now and then — are the work of an extremely small minority, frequently despised, often condemned, and almost always opposed by all right-thinking people. Whenever this tiny minority is kept from creating, or (as sometimes happens) is driven out of a society, the people then slip back into abject poverty.
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BlitzFritz

EXACTLY

in my view, BB/SP believe that it is very difficult to project QBs into the NFL. therefore VERY RISKY to draft high.

so did Miami make a strategic error - no. did Atlanta get lucky - probably.

i think

- FRITZ

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"If you counted out the Patriots, you just don't get it." Adam Schein, September 2008

“We are building a big, strong, fast, smart, tough and disciplined football team that. consistently competes for championships.” Guess who.

patsox23

Jake Long has turned out to be a STUD, cornerstone LT. Their draft was just fine.

maverick4

One major issue is, you can sign a decent QB like Pennington from free agency whereas it is impossible to get a decent left tackle without drafting one. Also, look at how many QB's you can find in the 4th rd and below, do you really want to blow your #1 pick and the huge money involved on a more risky position like QB where a bad pick could screw your franchise for years?

Also, they like and want to develop Chad Henne.

JSn

I think their record would be worse with Matt Ryan. Don't get me wrong, he's looking to be a very good QB, but I think the general lack of mental health in the Fishies locker room and upheaval required a Veteran to see past it. And it's hard to argue with the pick the did make at #1. Guy's a stud.

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Rob0729

You know I thought originally that they made a strategic error drafting Long just because I didn't think he would make it at LT. I was wrong so far. In fact, he looks like he could turn into the first franchise LT to come out of the draft in a long, long time.

Matt Ryan is having a really good rookie year, but he isn't an elite QB. He may never become an elite QB. Remember Rick Mirer had a pretty good rookie season and collapsed after that. Besides, would Ryan be having the year he was having if he had Ronnie Brown as his lead back instead of Michael Turner forcing teams to put 8 in the box all the time?

I think it is too early to say the Dolphins made a mistake not taking Matt Ryan. If Long becomes a franchise LT and Ryan becomes a good, but not great QB; I think you can say they made the right choice.

billdog3484

based on his play so far, YES. the kids amazing. you dont pass up a pro bowl QB

Patriot Missile

I'm not taking anything away from Matt Ryan. He has a had probably one of the best rookie QB seasons ever. The coach and gm down there imo deserve all the praise they have been given.

I will say this though, without Michael Turner and that running game, Ryan doesn't have the balance in that offense to succeed the way he has. Again, he deserves rookie of the year and it appears he is on his way to stardom. Huge props to our fellow BC alumni.

I think Miami made the right choice in Jake Long and I also believe Ryan has benefitted greatly by not being picked by Miami.