Branden Albert has been one of the most sought after non-free agents this NFL offseason. Multiple teams have attempted to work out a trade for the tackle but nothing has come to fruition yet. However, that is all changing as the Kansas City Chiefs have given the Dolphins permission to discuss a possible contract with Albert. The team would likely have to give up a draft pick to get him.
Albert did sign a franchise tender worth $9.82 million for the 2013 season. He is in search of a long-term deal, something the Chiefs are not willing to give him just yet. He did not report to the team's voluntary workouts in an effort to show the team that he is unhappy with his current status. Albert lives in Miami and is expected to visit the facility in the coming days with a possible trade happening prior to the draft.
If the Dolphins want to get Albert, they would likely have to give Kansas City one of their two second-round draft picks. This could change their draft plans slightly if the trade is finalized. If they land Albert, a cornerback is likely to be their first-round target.
The team lost their top cornerback in Sean Smith to free agency this offseason. After they acquire a top a tackle in Albert, that position will be the focus. The Dolphins are very high on former Alabama corner Dee Milliner. However, the Dolphins will make their first pick at No.12 and Milliner will likely be off the board by then. They could try and get Xavier Rhodes, the next best player in the position. He is expected to go in the first round, but will likely still be on the board at 12. Desmond Trufant is the team's other option at the position, but Rhodes would be the better selection.
If a trade does not get done for Albert, Miami will go back to focusing on drafting a tackle in the first round. Luke Joeckel will be gone in the first two picks. In a perfect world, Miami could try for Eric Fisher, but he is likely gone in the first five picks. That leaves Lane Johnson out of Oklahoma as the team's top option. They were impressed with him after he visited the facilities for a work out and would be the likely selection if the Dolphins are forced to look at a plan B for the draft.