Dolphins General Manager Jeff Ireland might as well have put the No. 1 pick in this year's NFL draft on eBay.
When asked by the NFL Network about the team's approach with the top selection, Ireland said: "We're open for business."
Minutes later, he backed up his willingness to deal the pick by pointing out the 1-15 team he inherited has many needs
"Rome wasn't built in a day, and this won't be built in a day either," Ireland said. "The No. 1 pick is no different from the 22nd pick. You've got to make the right selection. You just can't miss on it. We're going to do everything in our power to make the right choices, whether it be to take the pick or move down. We'll listen to all offers."
Unfortunately for the Dolphins this isn't a buyer's market, and two issues will complicate the Dolphins' ability to move the selection.
First, draft experts and scouts presently view only five players — LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long and Virginia defensive end Chris Long — worthy of the top pick. And even though the NFL combine or individual workouts haven't taken place yet, none of the five is viewed as a clear-cut franchise player.
The second problem complicating trading the top spot is the financial commitment the team that uses it will have to make.
JaMarcus Russell played hardball with the Raiders, not reporting to camp until the second week of September when a deal that got him nearly $31 million guaranteed from a six-year contract worth roughly $60 million was finalized. The agent of this year's top pick likely won't settle for anything less than a four percent increase.
"The financial part that goes with that pick is a huge obstacle for some teams. There are a lot of teams that don't want to take on that kind of debt because it messes your cap up," said Lions President Matt Millen, who paid receiver Calvin Johnson a $27 million signing bonus last year as the No. 2 pick.
JT

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