That's really all The Tuna is asking himself right now. If Ryan can come in and re-energize the entire franchise, then the Tuna can go home in a year or two with his legend intact. I doubt Big Bill is spending much time wondering if Ryan is a Super Bowl type of QB because I don't figure the Tuna is going to be around the entire 3-4 years a reasonable fan would expect it to take to get the Dolphins to the top of league. All Parcells needs is to believe Ryan can come in, start right away, win some games almost on his own, and show some willingness to lead.

If the Fins take Ryan number 1 then all kinds of things change down the line for the Pats, the first being it will likely be harder to move down. I like the idea of Chicago making a move for Ryan if he slips down to us but don't underestimate Mangini's willingness to get back at the Pats - he'd be sure to offer the QB to Bears before we could.

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King of my matchbox sized world

I'd be OK with that. All it means is that one of the top 6 guys falls to us and we won't have to reach on anyone.

It's unlikely they will select Ryan with McCown, Beck, and Lemon on the roster. Granted Ryan will be better than all the of them, but they need a lore more help on D.

The Bears would more likely want to trade with the Pats as the Pats don't need a QB and the Bears could pay Ryan #7 money instead of #6.

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Lemon signed with the Jags for 3yrs and $9m, which in itself is a head scratcher, but even with just McCown and Beck, I think the 'Phins will look elsewhere at #1. My money's on Jake Long.

I do not think it is even close in BP's mind. I think he takes a player with the last name Long.

I also think Atlanta and KC will pass on Ryan as well.

Every team out there knows that if the Jets try to bleed them in a trade down, they still can make a deal with the Pats.

I wouls still love to see the Pats trade down into the mid teens, pick up and additional second and wind up with:
Round #1 OLB Groves Auburn (desperately needed outside speed rusher)
Round #2A CB Cason Arizona (Great in zones and adds return abilities)
Round #2B NT Bryant Texas A&M (best 3-4 NT in the draft. Excellent at anchoring against double teams in the middle)
Round #3A ILB Goff (excellent instincts, size,speed and smarts.)
Round #3B TE Carlson (Ran a 4.7 at his pro day and is the most complete TE in the draft) Round #4 OG McGlynn (Neal might start the year on the PUP.)
Round #5 CB Jackson LSU (Good Ball skills and excellent in zone coverage)
Round #6 S Barber Minnesota (Above average ball skills. Over looked on a horrible team. And if Merriweather moves to CB, the Pats need a young safety that can play special teams)
Round #7 RB/FB Hester (Mr. Versatility and Dependability. Clutch and a play maker. A flat out warrior.)

Parcells actually has quite a bit riding on this draft in terms of his reputation.

Of course the Fins have no where to go but up - making it overall a no lose situation - but still, for this draft, #1 and he's buying the groceries. If he flubs it and drafts Ryan Leaf (or Rick Mirer for that matter), its all on him.

But while I question whether Parcells is a Super Bowl caliber coach anymore, I do think that in terms of rebuilding a franchise, there's no one better to restore credibility to an organization.

And he'll do it fast as well.

Good question. Do you take the guy who is such a question mark to lead your franchise? Do you draft Long and make your D quicker?

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Defense, defense, defense

Sorry, gotta disagree. If Ryan goes #1, then someone is likely to want to move up to take McFadden, Dorsey or Ellis. Whichever is there at 7 to be had.

I actually think Minnesota is a team that'll look to move up. Chris Long and Vernon Gholston look to go early, leaving Phillip Harvey as a key target for the Vikes. DE is really the only glaring hole on their roster, and with an extra third this year, I think they'll look to move up to get him. It's just a question of how long they wait. But I'd take their first two rounders. I think 17 is a good position in this draft for us.