NFL Draft 2011: Miami Dolphins, Ryan Mallett Isn't Your First-Round Draft Pick

As the draft gets closer, people are gettin' antsier. No one can talk about any NFL team without having to talk about who they select with their top picks. Speculation runs rampant, and stuff gets crazy around this time. 

So much so, that there is now speculation that the Miami Dolphins would be interested in selecting Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Of course, this is stupid speculation, mainly because the Dolphins would have to be stupid to pick him with their 15th pick in the NFL draft.

So, a quarterback pick for the Dolphins in the first round? Uh-oh. All of a sudden, those Dan Marino comparisons we hear basically every year are starting to sound really freaking annoying.

Because Mallett is no Marino. And the Dolphins don't need a quarterback. Not yet. Not now. 

Sure, we know Dolphins' General Manager Jeff Ireland is a dude who's a total mover and shaker—he's not afraid to make a splash or two, especially to try and improve the team, even if it means controversy would follow (See: Dez Bryant; Jim Harbaugh).

But it would be a ridiculous mistake trying to trade up for a quarterback in this year's draft.

This isn't the best draft class at the quarterback position, though it ain't a horrible one, either.

And that Chad Henne kid that's already your starter for next season? How about lettin' the guy develop a little; see if, with talent and health around him, he can produce at a consistent level, and play some mistake-free football.

How about putting a solid running back around him, as well as a more-bolstered offensive line, even if that means trading late-round draft picks for a higher second-round pick to take Mike Poncey?

And if that doesn't work? Then make your move; then, try and obtain that top pick in the draft, and wait for Andrew Luck of Stanford to come out of his senior year.

But now? No. Play it safe, Miami. Don't do anything you might horribly regret.

That safe pick is easily Mike Ingram, the top running back in the draft. Bolster that O-line, man, and stay patient—you have one of the best, if not the best, defensive unit in the NFL, and adding a solid running game to allow Henne to develop would undoubtedly be beneficial. 

Or, you know, listen to the rest of the idiots who like drafting quarterbacks and get a very-shaky Ryan Mallett. Your call.  

(Carlos Sandoval is co-host of weekly NFL podcast, The Pigeon Toe. Check out the latest episode here, and follow him on Twitter.)