The Miami Dolphins are targeting an offensive lineman with their first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and it appears as if they are willing to make a trade, via the Miami Herald, to get the man they want at the place in the draft they want. The Dolphins have 11 draft picks, giving them plenty of flexibility to find the offensive lineman they want.
NFL Draft 2013: Dolphins want offensive line help, willing to trade
Miami needs offensive line help and whether it’s trading up, staying pat or trading down, it looks like they are going to get it.
Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
Jonathan Martin is the Dolphins' only definite starter at offensive tackle right now, although the interior is questionable too. Dolphins' general manager Jeff Ireland said he believes in Nate Garner, who started for Miami in December, but even that leaves the team with holes along the offensive front.
Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson are the top three offensive linemen in the draft, but Joeckel and Fisher are expected to be selected long before the Dolphins’ pick comes up at No. 12. Miami could wait to see if Johnson falls to them, and he might, but he could also be gone by the time they pick. That could lead them to D.J. Fluker or force Miami to trade up and select one of the trio.
Ireland said in a press conference that they are looking at the possibility of trading up. They have the “ammunition” with 11 picks and aren’t afraid to part with some of them to get the lineman they want, if it makes sense.
If Miami cannot find a trade they like to move up and if Johnson isn’t available, they may consider trading down. There are other linemen later in the draft that might fit better and may lead them to continue stockpiling picks.
While the Dolphins would prefer a tackle, like Joeckel, Fisher or Johnson, they could end up turning to a guard if they cannot get a tackle. Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper are both highly regarded talents at guard, but the position isn’t as valued as tackle so the Dolphins have to decide whether they want any offensive lineman or specifically a guard.
Regardless of who the Dolphins select, it looks like it will be an offensive lineman. Whether it’s at No. 12, higher or lower remains to be seen.
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