Miami Dolphins owner doesn't like risk of top pick

[DolFan619]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flspdolnotes01sbapr01,0,5253615.story

Miami Dolphins owner doesn't like risk of top pick

By Omar Kelly
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

April 1, 2008

PALM BEACH - Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga cringed when asked about the contract he'll likely have to approve to sign the No. 1 pick in this month's draft.

But Huizenga stressed his annoyance has more to do with the level of risk associated with drafting so high than the financial commitment needed to sign the player, who could demand a contract worth more than $60 million, with about $32 million guaranteed.

"Just like it's important to get the right guy, it's just as important not to make a mistake," Huizenga said.

Like most of the owners, Huizenga stressed he'd rather pay that type of salary to a veteran and not an unproven college standout.

"Don't get me wrong, it's not the money we're concerned about," Huizenga said. "But if you pay $35 million, or some number like that, to a person who does not work out, you're stuck with that for a period of five or six years.

"You are paying that big salary. You can't get rid of him and there could be someone else there taking that money. The [salary] cap is the cap. We always pay to the cap. We're not trying to save money. It's just a matter of being prudent when putting the money in the right place."

The Dolphins have been trying to trade the pick since January, but there apparently are no takers because of the financial commitment. Huizenga said hindering those trade talks is the fact that the draft's top talent doesn't match up with many teams primary needs.


Two more picks

The Dolphins were awarded compensatory choices in the sixth and seventh rounds of the draft. The picks are Nos. 204 and 245.

The Dolphins were awarded the picks as a result of free agents lost prior to the 2007 season.

During that offseason, the Dolphins lost David Bowens, Damion McIntosh, Sammy Morris and Jeff Zgonina. They signed kicker Jay Feely and tight end David Martin.

The addition of those selections brings the total of draft picks to nine. The Dolphins have the No. 1 pick, two second-round picks, a third, a fourth, two sixths and two sevenths.

[jacperkinsonisagoddperson]

A top pick is a big responsibility. For the Dolphins especially! picking the right guy this year could help them some next year and boost their chances of rebounding from last season much faster then everyone expects!