After a week of speculation, Miami ended the suspense Tuesday by announcing that Long and the Dolphins had reached an agreement on a five-year deal worth $57 million and $30 million in guaranteed money.
"Jake was our guy from the beginning," general manager Jeff Ireland said in a press conference Tuesday. "Jake Long was on the top of our board for a long time. There wasn't a whole lot of debate. We thought it was a very good fit with the Miami Dolphins."
Long is coming to a team which ranked 23rd in the league in rushing yards in 2007. Still, the 6'7, 315-pound tackle is excited.
"It's such a great honor to be the No. 1 pick," Long said Tuesday. "I don't think it has sunk in yet. It's something every kid dreams about. I'm just real excited that it happened. Now I'm coming to a great place."
Long had an outstanding career at Michigan. He was named the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year in 2006 and 2007, and started 40 games. He was also only penalized twice, and once as a red-shirt Freshman.
The signing of Long removes the pressure from Miami and places it on the St. Louis Rams, who own the second overall pick in this year's draft.
It was widely speculated that the Rams were targeting Long. With his signing, the Rams may look to Virginia defensive end Chris Long. The Rams ranked 21st in sacks in 2007, and Long (or Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston) may be their answer Saturday.
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