If I were the Dolphins...

[PonyExpress]

I might do this: trade down with Dallas for .50 cents on the dollar and take the 2 #1 picks and a throwaway player. Then I would send a 1 and a 3 to Cleveland for Derek Anderson. Then I would send my other #1 to Cinci for Chad Johnson. Then I would draft Cherilus/J. Carlson and Balmer/R. Bryant/Okam in rd 2, and fill out the rest of my roster with cheapies in Year 1. That would give you Ronnie Brown, Anderson, Chad Johnson, Ted Ginn jr, Vernon Carey, Cherilus/Carlson and Satele as a solid offensive nucleus.

In Year 2 I would flesh out the D.

 

[stevedogc]

I have never understood why more teams in the top 5 dont trade out of it and stockpile players and draft picks. They are picking there for a reason, unless your BB and one smart bastard. But what happens if you pick up a players and he is a bust like Alex Smith, Tim Couch, Ryan Leaf, etc. You paid all that money on a guy who may be a complete waste of a pick. If you trade down you can build up depth, and not get handicapped by the salary so you may be able to go out and get some free agents.

Just my opinion.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

By the time the draft comes, Matt Ryan will be the clear cut choice as the #1 pick (and no I'm no BC homer). But in a league where it is painfully obvious that you can not win without a solid QB, Ryan will rise to the top of the draft class. Mark it down, I said it here.


That being said, the Dolphins might go ahead and select Ryan (they clearly are not sold on Beck, as they benched him late in the year). Or more likely trade the pick to any of these teams that clearly need a QB:

Atlanta
Baltimore
Carolina
Chicago


Either way, Ryan will be the #1 pick.

 

[PonyExpress]

By the time the draft comes, Matt Ryan will be the clear cut choice as the #1 pick (and no I'm no BC homer). But in a league where it is painfully obvious that you can not win without a solid QB, Ryan will rise to the top of the draft class. Mark it down, I said it here.


That being said, the Dolphins might go ahead and select Ryan (they clearly are not sold on Beck, as they benched him late in the year). Or more likely trade the pick to any of these teams that clearly need a QB:

Atlanta
Baltimore
Carolina
Chicago


Either way, Ryan will be the #1 pick.

I agree. Ryan would be a good pick for Miami at #1.

 

[everlong]

A friend who's a huge Cowboys fan sent me this, he's losing his mind over them doing it. I told him it'll be known as the reverse Hershel if it goes down.

'BOYS TO MAKE A DEAL WITH THE FINS?

ESPN's Chris Mortensen suggested during a special edition of Sunday NFL Countdown that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is eyeing the possibility of swinging a trade with the Dolphins for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft.

Such a deal would allow the 'Boys to bag running back Darren McFadden, who played college football at Jones' alma mater of Arkansas.

Per Mort, any such deal would have to include the rights to Cowboys running back Marion Barber, who is slated to be a restricted free agent. To make it happen, the Cowboys would have to work out a sign-and-trade deal before Barber gets a chance to ink an offer sheet that would force the Cowboys to match the terms or let him go in exchange for compensation. Thus, the safest bet for the 'Boys would be to tender Barber at the highest possible level, which would force any team that signs him to give up a first-round pick and a third-round pick. Those extra picks then could be used to sweeten the pot for the top spot in the draft.

And it's clear that the Cowboys are going to have to find a way to enhance the two first-rounders that they can offer up for the No. 1 pick. Under the revised draft order, the Cowboys pick at No. 22 (from Cleveland) and at No. 28. Under the trade chart, the No. 22 overall pick is worth 780 points and the No. 28 selection is worth 660 points. The No. 1 selection has a value of 3,000 points; thus, the Cowboys would be a whopping 1,560 points short.

Though the trade chart arguably needs to be adjusted to reflect the fact that the enormous financial investment that is now required when using the top pick makes the prospects of a move up even more fraught with risk, the Fins could justify the 1,560-point gap by placing that value on Barber, who coupled with Ronnie Brown could give Miami a deadly one-two punch in the backfield.

Some readers think that the framework for a deal is already in place, and was part of the unspoken understanding that allowed the Dolphins to have their way with the Dallas front office and coaching staff. If that's true it wouldn't surprise us. Jones surely covets McFadden, and our guess is that he is willing to do whatever is necessary to get him.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

Don't disallow for the fact that Jones PLAYED football at Arkansas, so having an Arkansas player selected #1 overall would be a giant coup for the program, (even though they have Petrino now). So would Jones do this, to improve his team, (in his eyes) and give a big boost to his alma mata? He might.

But then again if your the Tuna why would you do this?

Miami has Ronnie Brown, and don't really have a need for Barber. I guess they could go with the two headed RB, but when you are 1-15, RB is the absolute last thing that they need to upgrade. Their secondary is horrible, the OL is not good, and thier Defense is very old.

So you trade the #1 pick for picks 22 and 28 and the rights to sign Barber to a new contract? That really doesn't seem to be that good of a trade for Miami.

 

[PatsFan2]

I might do this: trade down with Dallas for .50 cents on the dollar and take the 2 #1 picks and a throwaway player. Then I would send a 1 and a 3 to Cleveland for Derek Anderson. Then I would send my other #1 to Cinci for Chad Johnson. Then I would draft Cherilus/J. Carlson and Balmer/R. Bryant/Okam in rd 2, and fill out the rest of my roster with cheapies in Year 1. That would give you Ronnie Brown, Anderson, Chad Johnson, Ted Ginn jr, Vernon Carey, Cherilus/Carlson and Satele as a solid offensive nucleus.

In Year 2 I would flesh out the D.

Parcells would be dumb if he Trades that pick to Dallas...the way you build a Team is from the QB position. And when you are in position to take the cream of the crop from that position...you make the move. With the First pick in 2008 NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins select Matt Ryan QB Boston College.

 

[DaBruinz]

Don't disallow for the fact that Jones PLAYED football at Arkansas, so having an Arkansas player selected #1 overall would be a giant coup for the program, (even though they have Petrino now). So would Jones do this, to improve his team, (in his eyes) and give a big boost to his alma mata? He might.

But then again if your the Tuna why would you do this?

Miami has Ronnie Brown, and don't really have a need for Barber. I guess they could go with the two headed RB, but when you are 1-15, RB is the absolute last thing that they need to upgrade. Their secondary is horrible, the OL is not good, and thier Defense is very old.

So you trade the #1 pick for picks 22 and 28 and the rights to sign Barber to a new contract? That really doesn't seem to be that good of a trade for Miami.

Ronnie Brown is coming off an ACL injury. And, ACLs still take 12-18 months to FULLY recover from. And that's been proven recently by some Pats who've had ACL issues.

So, getting Barber and then either signing him long term or trading Ronnie Brown to someone like Chicago or Atlanta for a future 1st rounder wouldn't be out of the question either.

 

[jeffbiologist]

These arent your same old Dolphins. Parcells builds from the line out. To get a #1`QB to get killed behind no line would be a waste, besides its more obvious than ever you dont need a #1 qb to win in his system(where was T.Romo drafted??). They sure would like to trade down, but I think when the coin flip happens and JJ figures out that KC has a shot at DMF then his trade might be there instead of #1. Holding #1 I think their choice is Ellis who is showing he can play NT in the 3-4. As a pats fan, we should be hoping that Ryan slips past both them and ATL so we will be in perfect position to trade back ourselves. Most mock drafts have DL(Ellis,Dorsey,Long)going 1-2-3. Should one of those slip I wouldnt be surprised to see us try and move up ourselves if the Dallas/KC trade doesnt happen.

 

[sebman2112]

Ronnie Brown is coming off an ACL injury. And, ACLs still take 12-18 months to FULLY recover from. And that's been proven recently by some Pats who've had ACL issues.

So, getting Barber and then either signing him long term or trading Ronnie Brown to someone like Chicago or Atlanta for a future 1st rounder wouldn't be out of the question either.

Also, Parcells has proven himself more than capable of finding good players in the second half of round one. With the Dolphins having so many holes their gaining two first rounders (at low salary) and Barber seems like a better idea than spending a boat load of cash on one high first rounder, especially when Parcells has been very good at maximizing his picks.

 

[ayjackson]

Miami holds the 32nd pick in the draft. They could send it to Cleveland for Brady Quinn (who was the 22nd pick a year ago) and keep their number one. I think Brady's better than anyone but Ryan in this draft. I think Henne in the second would be a good choice too.

If I were the Dolphins, I'd use the 32nd pick on Quinn or Henne and use my number one to trade down and build up my lines.

 

[sebman2112]

These arent your same old Dolphins. Parcells builds from the line out. To get a #1`QB to get killed behind no line would be a waste, besides its more obvious than ever you dont need a #1 qb to win in his system(where was T.Romo drafted??). They sure would like to trade down, but I think when the coin flip happens and JJ figures out that KC has a shot at DMF then his trade might be there instead of #1. Holding #1 I think their choice is Ellis who is showing he can play NT in the 3-4. As a pats fan, we should be hoping that Ryan slips past both them and ATL so we will be in perfect position to trade back ourselves. Most mock drafts have DL(Ellis,Dorsey,Long)going 1-2-3. Should one of those slip I wouldnt be surprised to see us try and move up ourselves if the Dallas/KC trade doesnt happen.

I highly doubt the Patriots will be trading up. If anything BB and Pioli would like to Trade down...

 

[DaBruinz]

These arent your same old Dolphins. Parcells builds from the line out. To get a #1`QB to get killed behind no line would be a waste, besides its more obvious than ever you dont need a #1 qb to win in his system(where was T.Romo drafted??). They sure would like to trade down, but I think when the coin flip happens and JJ figures out that KC has a shot at DMF then his trade might be there instead of #1. Holding #1 I think their choice is Ellis who is showing he can play NT in the 3-4. As a pats fan, we should be hoping that Ryan slips past both them and ATL so we will be in perfect position to trade back ourselves. Most mock drafts have DL(Ellis,Dorsey,Long)going 1-2-3. Should one of those slip I wouldnt be surprised to see us try and move up ourselves if the Dallas/KC trade doesnt happen.

I agree that Parcells, like Belichick, likes to build from the line out. However, your synopsis of Romo isn't accurate. Romo is a top QB. Just like Brady was. He just needed time to develop. Like Brady did. Draft position matters not.

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Parcells deal his pick to the Cowboys for Barber and the Boys 2 picks. Then turn around and deal the Phins 2nd round or Dallas' 1st round pick to Cleveland for Derek Anderson, even though Anderson has supposedly been told he'll be the Browns starting QB next season. Then the Phins still have a pick to take a good O-lineman for a LT so they can move Carey back to RT.

Then, Parcells has a QB and a good stable of RBs.

Now, as much as I'd like Ryan to fall, I don't think its likely that he falls out of the top 5. It COULD happen. However, does that really put the Pats in a good position to trade back? Lets look at the next 10 teams behind the Patriots. They are the Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Bills, Broncos, Panthers, Bears, Lions, Cardinals and Vikings. Which of those teams NEEDS a QB? Ravens, Bears, Lions and maybe the Panthers, though I feel that Matt Moore is the real deal, ala Romo. The Pats could use the Bears as leverage to get the Ravens to over-pay to move up one spot, but not likely. So, for the Bears to move up from 14, I don't think #75 is enough. But I doubt they'd trade #14 and #46 just to move up to #7. Though it could happen if they are scared that the Ravens might take Ryan. So, lets say that the Pats swap #7 and #63 for #14, #46, #75 (or whatever the numbers work out to be).

There aren't that many trade partners for a qb. Now, for other players, sure, but I wouldn't want the Pats to trade any farther back than #16. That way they get the best value (6 years/lower 1st round money) if they can still get an impact player, like a CB (Cason, Jenkins, Cromartie).

 

[jeffbiologist]

I agree that Parcells, like Belichick, likes to build from the line out. However, your synopsis of Romo isn't accurate. Romo is a top QB. Just like Brady was. He just needed time to develop. Like Brady did. Draft position matters not.

I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Parcells deal his pick to the Cowboys for Barber and the Boys 2 picks. Then turn around and deal the Phins 2nd round or Dallas' 1st round pick to Cleveland for Derek Anderson, even though Anderson has supposedly been told he'll be the Browns starting QB next season. Then the Phins still have a pick to take a good O-lineman for a LT so they can move Carey back to RT.

Then, Parcells has a QB and a good stable of RBs.

Now, as much as I'd like Ryan to fall, I don't think its likely that he falls out of the top 5. It COULD happen. However, does that really put the Pats in a good position to trade back? Lets look at the next 10 teams behind the Patriots. They are the Ravens, Bengals, Saints, Bills, Broncos, Panthers, Bears, Lions, Cardinals and Vikings. Which of those teams NEEDS a QB? Ravens, Bears, Lions and maybe the Panthers, though I feel that Matt Moore is the real deal, ala Romo. The Pats could use the Bears as leverage to get the Ravens to over-pay to move up one spot, but not likely. So, for the Bears to move up from 14, I don't think #75 is enough. But I doubt they'd trade #14 and #46 just to move up to #7. Though it could happen if they are scared that the Ravens might take Ryan. So, lets say that the Pats swap #7 and #63 for #14, #46, #75 (or whatever the numbers work out to be).

There aren't that many trade partners for a qb. Now, for other players, sure, but I wouldn't want the Pats to trade any farther back than #16. That way they get the best value (6 years/lower 1st round money) if they can still get an impact player, like a CB (Cason, Jenkins, Cromartie).

I agree with ALMOST everything here. Of those teams listed only the Bears,Lions and Vikings could help us. We could lose a little value(by the value chart) to grease the wheels, which will be easy if Ryan has good workouts.
Now your trade with Dallas and getting Anderson?? That is totally out of charecter for Parcells. I think he knows he needs a complete overhaul. This isnt a 1-2 year fix(especially if Brady is in division). I think he gets as many good NEW bodies in that he can and gets rid of dead wood in year 1. I can see him taking Flacco though, they have 2 2s(SD). A QB will emerge eventually, but try this one out....Detroit trades up with us to get Ryan, Phins trade back with Dallas. Phins then make an offer for Kitna, he is definately a Parcells type I think. Bring in a vet QB, rework the lines, tweak the LBs, find your All pros in year 2-3, and get good against the run ASAP. This is why I really think J.Taylor gets traded, its going to be such a long project he and Zack wont be around to reap any rewards. I REALLY like Zack replacing Bruschi in the middle!

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I have never understood why more teams in the top 5 dont trade out of it and stockpile players and draft picks. They are picking there for a reason, unless your BB and one smart bastard. But what happens if you pick up a players and he is a bust like Alex Smith, Tim Couch, Ryan Leaf, etc. You paid all that money on a guy who may be a complete waste of a pick. If you trade down you can build up depth, and not get handicapped by the salary so you may be able to go out and get some free agents.

Just my opinion.

Quite simply, who wants to pay the exorbitant signing bonus that comes with the #1 pick?

Supposedly, a few years ago, the GM of the team who had the #1 pick called the team with the #4 pick and inquired if he'd like to trade up to #1. The GM with the later pick said, "Maybe. What else will you give me?"

 

[ctpatsfan77]

This is why I really think J.Taylor gets traded, its going to be such a long project he and Zack wont be around to reap any rewards. I REALLY like Zack replacing Bruschi in the middle!

With all due respect, Zach Thomas is about one concussion away from needing a helmet 24/7.

 

[patchick]

These arent your same old Dolphins. Parcells builds from the line out. To get a #1`QB to get killed behind no line would be a waste

I don't really disagree, but it's worth noting that Parcells has had the #1 overall pick before...and used it on a QB. A QB who wasn't a true college superstar but had a big, tall NFL build and a big, strong NFL arm.

 

[pantherman]

If I were them, I'd stay pat.

 

[pantherman]

I just think they could help themselves where they're at.

 

[dhamz]

Quite simply, who wants to pay the exorbitant signing bonus that comes with the #1 pick?

Supposedly, a few years ago, the GM of the team who had the #1 pick called the team with the #4 pick and inquired if he'd like to trade up to #1. The GM with the later pick said, "Maybe. What else will you give me?"

Exactly.

There simply is not a whole lot of demands most years for those top few picks based on the economic committment required to an unproven player.