The Miami Dolphins are running out of options at the quarterback position this offseason.  However, Brandon Weeden could be the new object of the Dolphins affections.  Early in the offseason, Dolphins fans were promised an upgrade at the QB position (comments Jeff Ireland probably regrets right now).  They missed out on Peyton Manning and didn’t want to overspend for Matt Flynn.  They’ve since sign David Garrard, who has been told he would compete with Matt Moore for the Dolphins starting quarterback job.

Jeff Ireland said on Tuesday that the Dolphins will not be signing another veteran QB.  The Dolphins currently have Matt Moore, David Garrard, and Pat Devlin on their roster.  Moore and Devlin are both veteran options, but not franchise quarterbacks.  Devlin does not possess an NFL arm or, quite frankly, the potential to become an NFL QB.  This would lead Dolphins fans, like myself, to believe that the Dolphins are going to draft a QB in the upcoming draft.  With 2 veterans set to compete for the starting job, it’s likely that the Dolphins would pick a QB that needs some time to develop.  That rookie QB could be Ryan Tannehill, Nick Foles, Brock Osweiler, or any other QB available in the draft.  Tannehill is the most likely because of Mike Sherman’s familiarity with him from Texas A&M.  Tannehill, most would agree, is not NFL ready and needs time to develop.  He’s a distinct possibility.

However, what if the Dolphins followed our suggested plan and traded down in the 1st round, picked up an additional 2nd round pick and select Brandon Weeden?  This would give the Dolphins 2 second round picks, 2 third round picks, and a young QB to grow in their new west coast offense.  I know, I know, how would Weeden see the field with 2 veterans?  I believe, if Weeden is drafted, Matt Moore would either be cut or traded.  This would allow Weeden to compete with David Garrard for the starting position.  Weeden would have to accelerate his learning curve, but he’s NFL ready.

Draft experts suggest that Weeden could last until the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft due to his age (he’ll be 29 in October).  But, lately we’ve heard that he could go at #22 to the Browns.  Weeden will be a 29 year old rookie because he took 5 years off of football to play minor league baseball (pitcher).  Age is obviously a concern, but his God-given skills are not.  If Weeden was 22, he would be a top 10 pick, according to many draft experts.  He has a GREAT arm and a quick release.  Watching limited film on him, he feels pressure in the pocket, while keeping his eyes down field.  He also throws well on the run.  He needs to work on his footwork in the pocket as he will sometime sail some throws.  For a full scouting report, you can check this out.  Overall, he’s a guy that is ready to step in, much like Andy Daulton did for the Bengals last year.

Weeden has been exposed to professional sports, so he comes across as a professional even though he’s only a rookie.  He has the intangibles you look for.  He beat RG3 and Tannehill during the regular season and defeated Andrew Luck in the Fiesta Bowl (highlights above).  Look, I’d love drafting this kid if he was 22.  Since he’ll be 29, his time in the NFL is shorter than most.  However, good QBs play in the NFL until their late 30′s.  So if the Dolphins have a chance to draft a franchise QB, who will be with the franchise for the next 10 years, I’m all for it.  This is especially true if the Dolphins can trade down to get him.  They could use those 2nd and 3rd round picks on offensive weapons (WR, TE, even a RT).

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