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| 30th October, 2005 - 12:44 pm |  Miami Herald - The Dolphins don't appear dismal enough to land the No. 1 overall draft pick (and the right to choose Southern California senior quarterback Matt Leinart). But the encouraging emerging story for Miami is that most of the other teams in the mix for the top pick have invested in young quarterbacks and would be potential trade partners.
The Dolphins must hope Houston (0-6), San Francisco (1-5) or Minnesota (2-4) lands the No. 1 pick, with Green Bay (1-5), New Orleans (2-5) and Arizona (2-4) somewhat appealing options, too. Miami (2-5) must root against Cleveland (2-4) landing No. 1, because they would figure to want Leinart. So might the Jets (2-5), with Chad Pennington returning from shoulder surgery in 2006, and 2-4 Oakland (though Kerry Collins, 32, is playing well).
Forget landing a long-term quarterback in free agency. Among impending free agents, San Diego wouldn't lose Drew Brees without compensation (assuming the Chargers keep him ahead of Philip Rivers), Tampa Bay won't lose restricted free agent Chris Simms for nothing, and Cincinnati's Jon Kitna isn't the answer.
So if Miami acquires its QB-of-the-future next spring -- which must be a priority -- it likely will happen by drafting one, trading for Rivers (who the Dolphins are believed to like), or trading with a team that has the No. 1 pick. If the Texans land the top choice, they must decide between Leinart and talented but erratic David Carr, whom Houston must pay an $8 million bonus to extend his contract beyond 2005. The 49ers, committed to Alex Smith, likely would be willing to trade the No. 1 pick.
The Vikings ( Daunte Culpepper), Saints ( Aaron Brooks), Packers (who have first-round pick Aaron Rodgers in waiting when Brett Favre retires) and Cardinals ( Josh McCown) would face interesting decisions if they get the No. 1 pick. Regardless of what those teams would do, Miami would have a great chance to try to trade for a QB who's an upgrade. [READ] |
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