The Miami Dolphins' quest for the next Dan Marino just got interesting. Originally though to be out of the running for former Baylor QB Robert Griffin III, the team now appears to have a chance to acquire the second pick in April's NFL Draft from the St. Louis Rams, which the team would likely use to select Griffin.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday morning that Rams appear likely to trade their first round pick, the "only question is where."
A number of teams besides the Dolphins would love a chance to select the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, including Washington and Cleveland. With 2010 first-overall pick Sam Bradford esconced in St. Louis, the Rams would rather build around him than start over with Griffin.
Later Tuesday morning, the Washington Post reported that the Redskins are willing to send two first-round picks to the Rams, this year's sixth pick and next year's first-round choice. They will likely have to send a few more picks St. Louis' way, but nonetheless they have set the market for the pick.
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On the day of the 2004 NFL Draft, the New York Giants sent two first rounders, a third rounder and a fourth rounder to the San Diego Chargers for Eli Manning, selected first overall. That set a precedent St. Louis will look to follow with its pick this year.
The Dolphins can send St. Louis the eighth pick in this year's draft, but Cleveland could have the upper hand. The Browns have the fourth and 22nd picks in the 2012 Draft, which could give the Rams the most immediate bang for their buck.
The Sun-Sentinel speculated Tuesday that the second pick would cost Miami its first- and second-round picks in 2012 along with first- and third-round picks in 2013.
The odds are against Miami getting the second pick, but it is way too early to count them out. We will soon find out whether the Dolphins' front office has the gumption to mortgage a good deal of its future in order to acquire a player who has been compared favorably to former 49ers quarterback and Hall of Famer Steve Young.
However, as with the case of Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the Dolphins will probably back off Griffin if Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn can be lured to Miami.
