[bears9]

The Miami Dolphins theoretically are on the clock for the 2008 NFL Draft, and don't be surprised if they select Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan with the top overall choice.

Ryan was the nation's most improved player this season, and his performance moved him up draft boards. He ranks among the top three prospects in this class, and he is a player the Dolphins have begun exploring strongly.

Matt Ryan is the best bet to be the No. 1 overall selection. In late December, Miami started a new era under the direction of Bill Parcells, who was hired as head of football operations. Parcells hired Jeff Ireland – who had been Dallas' vice president of college and pro scouting – as his general manager, and they and new coach Tony Sparano have begun to prepare for the draft and free agency.

Miami has had a revolving door at quarterback since the retirement of Dan Marino. Numerous veterans, including Daunte Culpepper and A.J. Feeley, have come up short. Ryan has all the skills – mentally and physically – that the position demands.

Boston College finished 11-3 this season with a good group of players, but the Eagles certainly were not a top-10 club in terms of talent. Ryan was the difference.

Can he take his team downfield with the game on the line and get them in the end zone? See the regular-season game at Virginia Tech.

Ryan has the "it" factor. He takes every other player up a level.

His fast rise up the charts to a possible No. 1 overall selection led to him bypassing the Senior Bowl, the premier all-star contest for pro prospects. Instead, he will prepare for the NFL Combine and for Boston College's pro day.

The Dolphins will make a decision on veteran quarterback Trent Green during the offseason. It's possible he'll return as a stop-gap starter, or he could fill the veteran backup role.

John Beck, taken in the second round last season, showed little in limited playing time late in the season. Beck still could figure into Miami's long-term plans, but he certainly is not the short-term answer, especially with Parcells on the scene.

Rivals.com College Football - Will Dolphins take Ryan No. 1?

[Lefty Noob]

I think it'd be a HUGE mistake. They already have a young QB and they have SO many other needs.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

I think it'd be a HUGE mistake. They already have a young QB and they have SO many other needs.

Naw, this team will not go for a QB that high...though I think Beck is not the answer...he had trouble handling snaps and his completion rate was low.

[Weird harold]

I think a no. 1 draft pick is wasted on a quarterback. Unless your team is so good that you can afford the luxury of waiting a year, or two, for them to play. Me I would trade it for more picks, and use those picks for positions that could help the team right away.

[EmpireWF]

Matt Ryan sounds like he'll be the first QB off the board. Whether Miami takes him, who knows?

They probably could use the pick on the OL or to get younger/more talented on defense. Trading it for more picks wouldn't be a bad idea.

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Matt Ryan sounds like he'll be the first QB off the board. Whether Miami takes him, who knows?

They probably could use the pick on the OL or to get younger/more talented on defense. Trading it for more picks wouldn't be a bad idea.

That is what I kind of think they will do. They need a lot of help and could use all the picks they can get.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by azrael492

That is what I kind of think they will do. They need a lot of help and could use all the picks they can get.

That definitely would be the smart move, but only if they can get someone to offer a really strong deal.

[AEHW12-0]

If the dolphins need a QB i dont think Ryan would be a good fit for them. I have heard a lot of talk of the dolphins being intrested in a QB like Colt Brennan or John David Booty.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by AEHW12-0

If the dolphins need a QB i dont think Ryan would be a good fit for them. I have heard a lot of talk of the dolphins being intrested in a QB like Colt Brennan or John David Booty.

Well, the bonus with those guys is they wouldn't need to use the #1 overall pick on either one - they could draft Long there and pick up the QB later.