The conversation around the Miami Dolphins and trading in this 2020 NFL Draft has generally been surrounded by trading up for a quarterback. But have we considered what it might cost to move the other way? IF the Miami Dolphins had another Laremy Tunsil situation on their hands where they got an offer so good that they had to trade out of the 5th pick and move down the NFL Draft board, what might that look like?
It wouldn’t be the first time a quarterback hungry team has traded away from quarterbacks for the good of the team, either. The Cleveland Browns traded away from Carson Wentz in 2016 and again traded away from Deshaun Watson in 2017 to stack up extra draft picks. The effectiveness of those decisions is still up for debate — but the point is rather that there is a precedent for a team passing on the chance to draft a quarterback for more picks in general to build up the team.
Who might be interested in a move up the board? Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has conceded he might consider making a splash.
If the Falcons’ objective is to land Chase Young, the Dolphins can’t help very much. Atlanta would need to get to the #2 pick in order to ensure his services. But if the Falcons have multiple blue chip players on their board worth a big move, Miami could get a phone call.
What would it cost? If the Falcons offered Miami the equivalent of their trade package for Julio Jones back in 2011, what would the Dolphins say? As a refresher, that deal consisted of Atlanta giving up:
- 2011 1st-round pick
- 2011 2nd-round pick
- 2011 4th-round pick
- 2012 1st-round pick
- 2012 4th-round pick
All for Julio Jones. In what circumstances does Miami say yes? If the medical feedback on Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa turns south and the Dolphins aren’t as enamored with Justin Herbert as recent reports seem to have indicated, then the team has a no-brainer decision to make. If the Dolphins don’t love their quarterback options at 5, take the trade if it comes. That would leave the Dolphins with an incredible opportunity. They’d have three 1st-round picks in each of the next two NFL Drafts, plus three 2nd-round picks in 2020 and two more 2nd-rounders again in 2021.
A total of 11 top-64 picks over the next two years — surely this team would be competitive in two seasons time. But again, that’s only if they don’t love their quarterback options this year.
There’s a lot that would need to go right for this to materialize. The Falcons (or any other team) would need to covet a player at 5 and the Dolphins will need to see the QB market turn sour in their eyes. It’s unlikely. But it’s sure as hell fun to think about.
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