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No. 1 Long Fulfills Dream; Dolphins Add Henne In 2nd

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By STEVEN WINE

The Associated Press

Published: April 27, 2008

DAVIE - Jake Long visited New York City for the first time this week and landed a nifty souvenir - a Miami Dolphins jersey bearing uniform No. 1.

The former Michigan tackle held the jersey on the stage at Radio City Music Hall after officially becoming the first player taken in the NFL draft Saturday.

The Dolphins had committed to choosing Long when they signed him to a five-year contract Tuesday for $57.75 million, including $30 million guaranteed.

"I was a little more relaxed just knowing where I was going and just being here to make it official," Long said in a conference call. "That solidified it all. It was just breathtaking to walk out there and shake the commissioner's hand and hold up that jersey. It was a dream come true."

In the second round, the Dolphins selected Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling and Long's college teammate, Michigan quarterback Chad Henne.

Merling was selected with the first pick of the second round, No. 32 overall. The choice could signal the departure of six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor, who has been the subject of trade speculation.

The 6-foot-4, 276-pound Merling had seven sacks as a junior last season despite nursing a sports hernia. Merling underwent surgery, resumed full workouts only in the past week and tried out for two dozen NFL observers Thursday at Clemson.

"I'm a dominant defensive end," Merling said. "I can play the run extremely well and get to the quarterback. I think I do a lot of things. I play natural. I just do it."

Henne, taken with the 57th overall choice, was a four-year starter at Michigan. The Dolphins' other quarterbacks include John Beck, a second-round pick last year; and recently acquired Josh McCown.

"I don't know if I'll have the opportunity to step in right now," Henne said. "But I'll prepare like I'm going to compete for the starting job."

The Dolphins had six remaining picks. They traded third-string running back Lorenzo Booker to Philadelphia for a fourth-round choice, No. 115 overall.

On Friday, the Dolphins traded their fourth-round pick to acquire linebacker Akin Ayodele and tight end Anthony Fasano from Dallas.

Joining Long in New York were his parents, two brothers and girlfriend. They cheered when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Long's name, but there were boos from fans of the New York Jets, the Dolphins' division rivals.

"I got booed pretty bad," Long said with a chuckle.

He's only the third offensive lineman in the past 40 years to be taken with the first pick, and he'll be the best-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.

"It's crazy to think that," Long said. "But having that over my head makes me go out there and work hard to show people that I've earned it."

The draft picks will take part in the Dolphins' three-day rookie minicamp beginning Friday.

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