As rumors and reports proliferate that the Miami Dolphins are focusing on getting a deal done with Michigan left tackle Jake Long, Ohio State defensive end/linebacker Vernon Gholston isn’t buying it just it.

“There’s been a lot of speculation of deals being done, but at the end of the day the Dolphins will take the guy they want,” Gholston told the Palm Beach Post.

Actually, Gholston has an easy way to get to the bottom of what’s happening with Jake Long and the Dolphins.  Since both players are represented by CAA, all Gholston has to do is call his agent and politely ask what the flip is going on.

Even as more reports surface that Jake Long is the target (the latest comes from Adam Schefter of NFL Network), there are plenty of folks who think it’s a smokescreen aimed at softening up Gholston or, possibly, Virginia defensive end Chris Long.

As one seasoned media source told us on Monday, plenty of league personnel who know what’s happening believe that Gholston is the guy.  Moreover, the source is convinced based on the history of Fins V.P. of football operations Bill Parcells that this Jake Long stuff really is a ruse, and that the pick will be anyone but Jake Long.