Dolphin Draft: The Tannehill Conundrum
It has become crystal-clear that Ryan Tannehill is the protagonist of the Miami Dolphins’ 2012 Draft. I have argued that selecting him eighth overall does not make sense for the Phins. As I wrote before in a post titled The Great Tannehill Illusion, I’m hoping all the Tannehill chatter has been a successful strategy to either have someone reach for him or to allow a trade down, with the Texas A&M quarterback as bait.
I also tend to be a half-full guy, so if Dolphins’ GM Jeff Ireland selects Tannehill then maybe there is reason to rejoice. The Phins have Offensive Coordinator Mike Sherman’s insight on his former quarterback and the offensive mind of Head Coach Joe Philbin to filter the information. If this team, which I have high hopes for, agrees on this athletic young arm, I’m sold.
I see this as a win-win situation for Miami. We either get our franchise quarterback or use him, to squeeze more value out of this draft.
But to those QB-hungry PhinPhanatics, I ask, can you wait for Tannehill? This segment of our fan base is passionate but impatient. I understand we haven’t smelled the Super Bowl, since the 1992 AFC Championship game, but if it’s not there, it’s not there. You claim you wanted Drew Brees in the 2001 Draft and wanted Aaron Rodgers, second overall, in 2005. You forget to mention that you were in love with Brady Quinn, and, in the Ireland era, wanted Kevin Kolb, Kyle Orton, Blaine Gabbert, and most recently, Matt Flynn.
Trust me on Flynn. Seattle is a serious contender for Tannehill. If Flynn is your franchise quarterback, you’re good for a decade, right? You surely don’t need to draft a back-up in the first round. A smokescreen you say? That would be a great strategy for Pete Carroll and company to wreck their young quarterback’s confidence. Like I said, Seattle is still seeking a franchise quarterback and Flynn knows it.
Getting back to the point, can you wait a few years for Tannehill? He’s certain to sit this year and you’ll have to excuse him his first year as a starter. Maybe his first two years? Can you wait for a project? Because this is what Tannehill is.
You know who you are. I don’t think you can wait.
Be careful what you wish for.
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