Bill Parcells regrets taking Jake Long over Matt Ryan

[polamalubeast]

And the best pro-style passer to enter the league in the three years that Parcells was running the Dolphins’ war room, Matt Ryan, is one player Parcells wishes he would have drafted. Asked if the Dolphins should he have picked Ryan instead of offensive tackle Jake Long in 2008, Parcells said, “maybe, we should have.”

Although Long has turned into a fine tackle, there’s no “maybe” about it: If the Dolphins had taken Ryan first overall, they’d be a franchise in much better shape right now.

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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ong-over-ryan/

[XxKnightxX]

Yeah, a QB is the one that puts shape into your franchise, but Ryan has been just another Flacco. Good in the season, sorrounded by a massive physical O line with a hell of a running game and a very efficient passing game. But two times he has fallen short to the Cards and got Slaughtered by the Packers, although the defense was still in the locker room during the game. But Long was a great choice, the guy is a mammoth and a bulldozer who has anchored the left side of the line. The biggest mistake the dolphins did was giving the keys to the Benz to Chad Henne, they could of easily had Brees when they had the chance. I think this team just has a QB curse after Marino retired.

[polamalubeast]

Yeah, a QB is the one that puts shape into your franchise, but Ryan has been just another Flacco. Good in the season, sorrounded by a massive physical O line with a hell of a running game and a very efficient passing game. But two times he has fallen short to the Cards and got Slaughtered by the Packers, although the defense was still in the locker room during the game. But Long was a great choice, the guy is a mammoth and a bulldozer who has anchored the left side of the line. The biggest mistake the dolphins did was giving the keys to the Benz to Chad Henne, they could of easily had Brees when they had the chance. I think this team just has a QB curse after Marino retired.

The Falcons' defense was the reason why the Falcons have lost against the Packers.....He is 33-13 in his career ... the Falcons were very bad in 2007 and it was thought that the Falcons would be bad for several years after the Michael Vick situation.....Matt Ryan is a winner .... He still has things to improve, but it is very good!....It is in the 10 best QB in the league.

[The Duke]

I disagree

Ryan has been ok so far, but nothing special. Long is a cornerstone that will be there for years and will protect their QB once they do find one

With limited weapons in Miami Matt ryan wouldn't have done much better

[zulater]

You take the franchise/ elite quarterback every time over any other position. Matt Ryan will make the Falcons contenders most every season, a left tackle, no matter how good just doesn't have the same impact. Parcells blew it.

[zulater]

I disagree

Ryan has been ok so far, but nothing special. Long is a cornerstone that will be there for years and will protect their QB once they do find one

With limited weapons in Miami Matt ryan wouldn't have done much better

The Steelers have two mediocre tackles ( at best), seems they can win pretty consistenty without a "cornerstone" tackle.

John Clayton explains it better here....
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2...ohn&id=6343941


Bill Parcells' recent statement that he may have missed the mark by not taking quarterback Matt Ryan in 2008 (when Parcells was the Dolphins' vice president of football operations) confirms the "safe pick" theory isn't really all that safe.

The safe pick that year was left tackle Jake Long, and he has lived up to all his pre-NFL billing. He has been to three Pro Bowls. He has never missed a start. He's a great leader on the field and in the locker room. In a normal situation, Parcells should be proud.

But to survive in the NFL decision-making business these days, playing it safe only works if the team has a great quarterback. With 59 percent of last season's plays leaguewide designed for the pass, a great quarterback can cover for any hole on a team. A tackle, a defensive end, a wide receiver or any other position can't do that.

On the surface, things couldn't have worked out any better for Parcells and the Dolphins. He drafted his Pro Bowl left tackle and was lucky enough to find a strong-armed quarterback (Chad Henne) available with the 57th pick in the second round. Defensive end Phillip Merling was there for Parcells with the first pick in the second round, so Parcells left the draft feeling he had filled three key positions.

But taking the safe pick at the top of the 2008 draft still has the Dolphins looking for that elite quarterback. The Falcons have made two trips to the playoffs in the past three years with Ryan at the helm, and Ryan has the aura of a quarterback who will get a chance at a couple of Super Bowl rings. ......

[HometownGal]

He must have liked Long's feet better.

[zulater]

He must have liked Long's feet better.

I think you got your coaches mixed up, this is Parcells, not Rex.

[HometownGal]

I think you got your coaches mixed up, this is Parcells, not Rex.

My mistake.

[fansince'76]

I think you got your coaches mixed up, this is Parcells, not Rex.

My mistake.

They're both loudmouths.

[HometownGal]

They're both loudmouths.

If you see one arrogant ass, you've seen 'em all. They all look alike.