With OTAs underway in Miami, the Dolphins are looking for contributions from many of their veteran players under new head coach Joe Philbin. With that new offensive scheme however, comes questions about former first round draft pick, offensive tackle Jake Long. NFL.com writer Marc Sessler wonders if Long will be able to transition to an offensive style that is more based on agility and athleticism, rather than a power blocking game that he played under with former head coach Tony Sparano.
Long is a 6-foot-7, 317-pound mauler, perfect for what former Miami masterminds Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano had in mind. Long is not a perfect fit for the scheme of new coach Joe Philbin, who desires agile and, by definition, leaner linemen.
Another reason to think that Long could be on the hot seat this season is because of his contract. Because he was drafted before the new rookie contract rules were in place, Long is due to earn over $11 million this season, the final year of his rookie contract. If he does not have a good season adjusting to the new schemes in 2012, the Dolphins may not be willing to pay him to keep his services.
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