As the Dolphins prepare to use the eighth overall pick in the draft (or to trade it), the franchise that hasn’t had a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired has been linked to quarterback Ryan Tannehill, given that Tannehill’s former college coach is now Miami’s offensive coordinator.
G.M. Jeff Ireland held his annual pre-draft press conference on Thursday, and he understandably said nothing specific about Tannehill, or anyone else. But Ireland did say that he’s got an idea as to what he’ll do.
According to Brian Briggane of the Palm Beach Post, Ireland said he has “a pretty good feeling at what I want at eight.”
Really, all he needs at No. 8 is eight possible players, in the event that seven of his eight are the first seven off the board. (He can probably scratch Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin.)
If Tannehill is on the board when the Dolphins pick, there will be the same anticipation that arose in 2007 when the Dolphins didn’t take Brady Quinn with the ninth overall selection, opting instead for Ted Ginn Jr.
Of course, Ireland talking about what he wants with the eighth pick could also be aimed at obscuring an interest in trading up -- or in building leverage for a trade down.
We’ll find out in six days what he does. Until then, Dolphins fans will cling to any whisper of evidence regarding how this will play out.