The Miami Dolphins are in an interesting position heading into the NFL draft, as they are locked in contract talks with Branden Albert and if they can work out a deal before the draft, they likely will move down from the number 12 pick to lower in the first round to earn back some of the picks they will give away in the trade.
According to NFL.com, the Dolphins likely will trade out of the number 12 spot in the draft if they can complete a trade for Albert, as the team could get back draft picks and wouldn't need a lineman at that spot anymore, meaning they could trade down and still get a solid player since the draft is deep. The Dolphins were linked to Lane Johnson, but they likely would have to trade up to get him and if they trade for Albert, they will need to give the Chiefs one of their two second round picks.
So far the big hang up with Albert has been on a contract, with him wanting at least $8 million, but chances are the trade will go down as it gets closer to the draft and he has less leverage. The Dolphins want a left tackle after letting Jake Long go in free agency and they feel that Albert would be more worth using their second round pick rather than trading up to get Johnson. The Cardinals at number seven are known to want Johnson, so the Dolphins would at least need to move up to six to get him and that might be too much.
According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins have been talking to teams for the "past couple of days" about the pick and they could have takers. The toughest thing for Miami is that a bunch of teams are looking to trade out of the top of the draft, including the Eagles, Lions and Browns, since the bottom of the first round also has talent because it is very deep draft.
The Dolphins would like to get a deal done because based on what happens there is a chance they don't get Albert or Johnson and are stuck in the same spot at 12 when the draft begins. The Chargers would like to move up to possibly six to get Johnson, while other teams are looking to trade up and may go past the Dolphins into the top 10, including the 49ers and the Vikings.
Some players that the Dolphins will be looking at if they don't go for Johnson and trade down includes tight end Tyler Eifert of Notre Dame as well as safety Kenny Vaccaro of Texas, who is quickly moving up draft boards as the event gets closer. Other options include guard Jonathan Cooper as well as tight end Tyler Eifert, who can help replace Anthony Fasano and give Ryan Tannehill more weapons alongside Brian Hartline and the newly signed Mike Wallace. The Dolphins deal appears as if it will get done with Albert, meaning that the team will likely find a walking partner to move up in the draft.
