The possibilities for Miami's first overall pick

Based on the events of the last week, it is becoming clear the Dolphins will have a grand opportunity to pick up talent in next April's NFL draft and will have a choice how they do it.

With coach Houston "Sometimes I feel like a" Nutt leaving Arkansas as the head coach, it practically guarantees that junior running back Darren McFadden will pass up his final year of eligibility at the school and enter the NFL draft. Thus McFadden will join LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long, Virginia defensive end Chris Long, and possibly one of the available QBs -- either Matt Ryan or Brian Brohm -- as candidates to be the first player selected.

Assuming the Dolphins have the first overall pick -- I can't believe I'm covering a team awful enough to have that pick -- they will have the option of using the pick on the highest rated player on their draft board or trading and turning it into multiple picks for lower rated players.

So how do I know the Dolphins will have a choice? Because I know of at least one trade partner they will have, assuming egos don't get in the way.

The Dallas Cowboys, holders of two first round draft picks, would love McFadden. Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones graduated from Arkansas. He was in the stadium when McFadden rushed for over 300 yards in one game earlier this year and has assigned a scout to each and every Arkansas game this year. And I am told by a Cowboys source, Jones believes adding a star as bright as McFadden to his offense could make the Cowboys unstoppable.

It would give them a triple threat at QB, WR and RB much in the mold of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin.

But the Cowboys, you say, already have two good running backs in Julius Jones and Marion Barber. And that is true blogbreath. But McFadden has the chance to be GREAT. And here's the interesting thing: Jones is unsigned for next year and there have been no talks between the parties about an extension.

And while the Cowboys have time between now and the start of free agency to deal with Jones, it is just as likely they will go in another direction because Barber is already the better of the two and they believe they can draft a complimentary back even if they don't get McFadden.

So here is the question: If the Dolphins have an opportunity to take McFadden with the first pick, should they do it? Or should they trade with the Cowboys or the highest bidder, and go for multiple picks?

Understand that the Dallas first rounders won't be very high. The Cowboys, following last night's victory over Green Bay, are in position to have home field advantage throughout the playoffs and absolutely no one outside of Green Bay would be surprised if they're in the Super Bowl. That means their pick would be no better than No. 31. Even if they falter in the playoffs, the pick would be no better than 24ish.

The other pick they own belongs to the Browns. Guess what? The Browns might get in the playoffs also and, even if they don't, their pick will come in the 16 range.

Personally, I would love it if Miami could get the two first-round picks and, at least, a third this year, and the Cowboys first rounder -- again likely to be a late pick -- next year. Improbable? That's what the draft trade value chart says it will take to even out the deal.

I just think quantity is necessary over quality right now. The Dolphins have needs at NT, DE, WR, LB, CB, TE, RB and OT. McFadden would fill one of those needs with a great prospect.

But idea of filling several of those needs with good prospects somehow seems more inviting.

Your thoughts?