Bodog Beat

The Dolphins have made tackle Jake Long their No. 1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. (AP Images)

With the first pick in the NFL draft the Miami Dolphins have select…tackle Jake Long from Michigan University.

Long has signed a contract for five years worth $57.75 million with $30 million guaranteed.

Miami wanted to trade out of the pick in what has been categorized as a weak draft class, but found no suitors.

There was speculation that the Dolphins were pursuing Long only to force other top prospects to lower their asking price to be the No. 1 pick. But the Dolphins wanted Long from day one.

"We had him at the top of our board for a long time," Miami general manager Jeff Ireland said at a news conference.

Despite scouts saying he was better suited to play right tackle, the Dolphins plan to immediately use the 6-foot-7-inch prospect on the left side.

The Dolphins are hoping Long will help their anemic offense and improve on their 1-15 record last year.

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