Dolphins value up-close look at draft’s top QBs
MOBILE, ALA. — The Miami Dolphins haven’t been shy about letting the world know they are actively shopping for a young quarterback.
Dolphins vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum voluntarily brought up Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Heisman Trophy winner, without being asked during an NFL Network interview that took place on Wednesday during the North team’s practice at the Senior Bowl.
“You have to balance winning for today and developing for tomorrow,” Tannenbaum repeatedly said, reinforcing his offseason theme.
Dolphins head coach Adam Gase and new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains attended the first day of Senior Bowl practices Tuesday. It was Gase’s first trip to the Senior Bowl in his tenure as Miami’s coach, and the only time he went to the field during Tuesday’s session was when Mayfield and Wyoming’s Josh Allen, the North team’s quarterbacks, were throwing.
Mayfield and Allen are two of the five quarterbacks mentioned as draft prospects that might be worthy of a first-round pick.
Ryan Tannehill, who is on track to make a full recovery from anterior cruciate ligament surgery, is expected to be Miami’s starter in 2018. Tannehill, who owns a 37-40 record in his five seasons as Miami’s starting quarterback, and Brandon Doughty, a 2016 seventh-round pick who has been developed on the practice squad the past two years, are the only quarterbacks the Dolphins have under contract.
Jay Cutler, Miami’s starter in 2017, Matt Moore, who has served as the Dolphins’ primary backup since 2011, and David Fales are all slated to become unrestricted free agents.
“The big thing is leadership. We need a guy that’s kind of got a dynamic personality, and knows how to handle people, both good and bad,” Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said when explaining the quarterback traits he seeks.
“On film, I like to see them when they are at their worst,” Grier said, explaining his process. “When they are struggling in a game, how do they pull themselves out of it? How do they rally the team?
“Being able to see these guys live helps us with the evaluation process.”
Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph, who pulled out of the Senior Bowl because of a foot injury, Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, UCLA’s Josh Rosen and USC’s Sam Darnold are the four other quarterbacks considered to be top-50 talents in the draft.
Tannenbaum, who has a reputation for being active on the trade front, mentioned that the Dolphins aren’t committed to pick No. 11, hinting that Miami could move up, or down the draft board.
Sending the message that Miami is actively shopping for a young quarterback could help the Dolphins on many fronts, whether the interest is legit or not.
For example, teams interested in moving down know the Dolphins are likely willing to move. And the more quarterbacks who are taken among the top-10 selections leaves better talent at other positions available at pick No. 11.