Trading the Number 1 Pick
By Brian Miller
Jeff Ireland made it clear yesterday that the number one overall pick is up for sale.
"“The No. 1 pick is no different from the 22nd pick. You’ve got to make the right selection. You just can’t miss on it. We’re going to do everything in our power to make the right choices, whether it be to take the pick or move down. We’ll listen to all offers.””We’re open for business.”"
So what exactly does that mean? Exactly what he said, they want to trade out of the number 1 pick. So let’s do what everyone else does, let’s break it down. The Miami Dolphins want to trade out of number 1, they want to gain more picks in this draft and they want to do so immediately, and in not so many words, he has hinted to who those trade partners may be.
Jeff Ireland said at the opening of Senior Bowl week that he was dissppointed not to have the opportunity to watch BC QB Matt Ryan who is not playing in the game. He followed that by saying that he likes Ryan and there is still plenty of time to talk with him. Why would he say that? Is he really looking at drafting a QB number 1 overall? No, of course not, but by showing interest in doing so, it may convince a team like the Falcons, who could pick in the 3 spot, to move up and draft him number 1 overall. Trade partner number 1.
Ireland was also asked about what defense the team will run, a 3-4 or a 4-3. His response was something to the effect of not knowing for sure yet, that the coaches have to sit down and decide which direction to go…to paraphrase. The problem with that is everyone knows that the Dolphins will run a 3-4. Pasqualoni, Rodgers, and Bowles all operated a 3-4 defense in Dallas, Bill Parcells has always run a 3-4, so why on earth would that change? Current roster ability? Hell no, they will simply go and get what they need to have a 3-4…don’t think for a minute that any of them will risk failing for a defense they don’t believe in. So really, why say that? Simple, the draft options.
It has been said that St. Louis really likes Glenn Dorsey. So by saying that the Phins may still run a 4-3, a defense that fits Dorsey a lot more, might give St. Louis the feeling that they should trade up one spot to get him.
The same can be said for Chris Long, the DE who would be a nice fit in a 3-4…you want him, you might have to trade up to number 1 to do so.
All of this is nothing more than conjecture of course and this draft is so undeniably void of a clear cut number 1 overall, that you have to spew a few minced words to get the interest to boil a little. There is still one more tell tale sign that the Dolphins have a plan…a hint if you will. “Whether your picking at number 1 or at number 22 you still have to hit on the player”. Nothing major at face value, except for one small detail…the Cowboys pick at 22.
Perhaps a mere coincedence of course, but 22? Why would that be a number that would stick in Irelands mind? Perhaps because he was in Dallas all year and knew they had it? Maybe, but it could also mean that behind closed doors, the Dolphins know that 22 may be the slot they will be picking in. Afterall, many rumors still abound about the Boyz’ moving up.
Is it realistic to think that the Cowboys will spend the money to move up that far? It would cost them both 1’s, a player or two, a 1 next year, and maybe, probably, more. So what are some of the options to get the Dolphins at 22 and the Cowboys to McFadden? Matt Ryan?
If the Dolphins could convince the Falcons to move up two spots to number 1 for Ryan, the cost would be rather minimal. The Falcons 1st rounder and 2nd rounder maybe. An extra pick next year…say a 2nd. The Falcons grab Ryan, the Dolphins slide down to 3 and then pull the trigger on a Dallas deal that suddenly isn’t AS expensive…but a lot cheaper for the Cowboys.
We could do this all day long when it comes down to it. What we do know is that Jeff Ireland will listen to any and all offers that he can get. When it is all said and done, he might just take anything that includes multiple picks.
This team needs players, it needs playmakers, and it seems Ireland knows this all too well. Forget about the value chart, it doesn’t appear to be the driving force behind what Ireland reckognizes he needs. If a player at 22 has the same value to this group, then it might not matter what anyone thinks. It will surely put every mock draft to shame.
The Miami Dolphins number 1 overall pick is up for sale…the question really is only the price that it carries…and how well the Dolphins can convince 31 other teams that they are 100 percent sold on drafting 4 different guys with that one pick.