NFL Trade Rumors: Dolphins Called Bengals to Try to Deal for No. 1 Draft Pick

The Miami Dolphins were reportedly rebuffed in their attempts to acquire the No. 1 overall pick from the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL draft.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins called the Bengals multiple times, but they were told "in no uncertain terms" that Cincinnati had no interest in trading the pick.

The prize, of course, is LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, who is expected to be the first player selected in this year's draft.

Joe Burrow Highlights Alerts

If any team had the ammo to move up to No. 1, it was the Dolphins. Miami owns 14 picks, including three first-rounders (Nos. 5, 18 and 26) and two second-rounders (39 and 56).

Had Cincy been interested in Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa or Oregon's Justin Herbert, trading down would have been the play. But after winning just two games last season and missing the playoffs the past four campaigns, the Bengals are ready to move on from veteran Andy Dalton and hitch their wagon to Burrow.

Like Cincinnati, the Dolphins are in search of their franchise quarterback. Acquiring Josh Rosen from the Arizona Cardinals didn't work out, and although journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick was better than expected last season, he is not a long-term answer.

The Dolphins will almost certainly choose between Tua and Herbert if they stay put or trade up a spot or two.

Tagovailoa had a better college career, but he comes with more risk. He underwent procedures on his ankle in both 2018 and 2019, and his 2019 season ended prematurely after a hip injury required surgery.

Tua Tagovailoa Highlights

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ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. reported Wednesday the "tide has turned" for the Dolphins and that they now prefer Herbert over Tua.

Herbert never led Oregon to the College Football Playoff, but he is more durable and has better size (6'6", 236 lbs) than Tua (6'0", 217 lbs).

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported Wednesday the Dolphins gave Tagovailoa a passing grade on his physical at the NFL Scouting Combine, which suggests there is still at least a chance they take him and that "tanking for Tua" paid off.

Everything will come to pass Thursday night when the first round of the 2020 NFL draft commences at 8 p.m. ET.