More draft talk

Speculation continues to mount that Miami is looking to trade out of the first overall spot. Apparently they are aware that they will not be able to get the normal compensation for the pick, but since there is no clear-cut "best player in the draft" they'd like to get out of the #1 spot to avoid paying #1 money. But that may be a hard sell, because if there really is no clear cut best player, why would anyone else want to trade up, giving up more picks of value, and then having to pay #1 money to that player as well? It seems that Miami is pinning it's hopes on Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, that some team out there will want him because he is such a gifted athlete. But there are concerns about McFadden's character. Who would want to pick a player that has questionable character, give up other picks to get him and then pay #1 overall money to him? The chance that he flames out or gets in legal trouble has to be considered. Unless Miami finds a team desperate enough to take such a gamble, they will probably be stuck at #1. If Miami hopes to make this sort of deal, they are going to have to be willing to not get much value in return for the #1 pick. Right now I don't see that happening.

My guess (as of now) is that Miami stays put and takes Virginia defensive end Chris Long with the first pick. I hope I am wrong. I'd love to see someone trade up, pick McFadden first overall and leave Long to the Rams. The other hope is that Bill Parcells becomes enamored with either offensive tackle Jake Long or, perhaps more likely, defensive end Vernon Gholston. If Gholston reminds Parcells of Lawrence Taylor enough, he may bite. But from a player and personality perspective, Chris Long is the sort of player Parcells loves. I'll keep my fingers crossed but as of now I still see Chris Long going to Miami first overall.