The Miami Dolphins are betting $57.55 million ($30 million guaranteed because that’s the only dollar amount that matters anymore) that Jake Long, a tackle from Michigan, won’t join an elite list of all-time first-round draft stiffs, that at least according to the Baltimore Sun, includes David Carr.
Long, days before Saturday’s NFL draft, signed a contract with the Dolphins, who has the first pick. The Sun picked their worst list by team, each getting credit for one stinker, and Long would have to reek big time to surpass wide receiver Yatil Green, Miami’s first-round pick (and 15th overall) in 1997. Green was hurt the first two years of his career and caught 18 passes for 234 yards his third year. After that he was gone.
Long's only competition at offensive tackle is Philadelphia’s Kevin Allen (1985) who started just four games for the Eagles and eventually wound up in prison for sexual assault.
Carr, a Stockdale High product, has lots of company at the QB position, most of whom couldn’t hold his jock, but given Houston’s short history in the NFL, Carr gets the nod. He is joined by Tommy Maddox, Pittsburgh 1992; Andre Ware, Detroit 1990; Art Schlichter, Indianapolis, 1982; Todd Marinovich, Oakland, 1991; Ryan Leaf, San Diego, 1998; and Heath Shuler, Washington, 1994.