The Miami Dolphins could trade out of six if 49ers go this route

The San Francisco 49ers are linked to a shocking quarterback selection at three that could prompt the Miami Dolphins to trade back another few picks.

Reports from Peter King of NBC sports state that 49ers general manager John Lynch and Head coach Kyle Shannahan will head to Tuscaloosa to watch Mac Jones throw. Jones, ranked as the fifth-best quarterback in this year’s draft has been trending up since the end of the 2020 season.

"Dueling Pro Days on Tuesday might provide a clue. For QB-seekers, what to do when the Pro Days of Mac Jones at Alabama and Justin Fields at Ohio State both happen on Tuesday? I hear the Niners will split the baby, with Lynch and Shanahan expected to attend the Jones workout, while assistant GM Adam Peters likely will lead a small delegation in Columbus to scout Fields. Not sure I would infer huge meaning to that, but it could be significant. How I view it: Jones could be the leader, but it’s not over. – Peter King"

With the expectations of Trevor Lawrence going first overall to Jacksonville and Zach Wilson going second overall to the Jets, it could signify the remaining top-quarterbacks will fly off the board early. Outside of Jones, the other top quarterbacks include Ohio State’s Justin Fields and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.

The reason that Lynch and Shanahan going to Jones’ pro-day is important is that Ohio State holds their Pro-day the same day. Fields, who many believe is the third-best quarterback, could fall in the draft.

The reason this is important for the Dolphins is because it could prompt another trade back. With the Falcons unlikely to go quarterback, it seems the team still believes in Matt Ryan, and the Bengals wanted to see a Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr chase reunion.

After Miami traded the third overall pick to San Francisco for the 12th overall, 2022 third and 2022 and 2023 first rounders, the team then turned around and traded the 12th overall pick, their own 2022 first-rounder, and pick 123 for the sixth overall pick and the 156th pick.

Miami could target Chase if he falls, or snag Devonta Smith, Penei Sewell, or Jaylen Waddle. But the team could have also moved up expecting one of the top quarterbacks to fall and the demand to rise. If Miami were to be in that position, it would be possible more than likely that a team like Carolina would want to move up.

Carolina is looking for a new quarterback, and Detriot who picks at seven has kept close tabs on Lance. If the Panthers believe that they would need to jump they would likely need to give up a third-round pick, according to the draft trade value chart.

However, if there is a bidding war between teams in need of a quarterback, they would likely need to overpay.

For Miami, the team will either land an immediate impact player at six or likely land the same player at eight and walk away with an additional pick or two. The trade with San Fran seems like the gift that keeps on giving, and if the Niners do take Jones it could lead to another domino falling in favor of the Miami Dolphins.