Please use extreme caution when handling the following draft nuggets. These are fresh off the stove:
- The Miami Dolphins are the most tight-lipped organization in football right now. Bill Parcells broke his silence to say a few words to New York Daily News columnist Gary Myers last week, but it wasn't anything particularly revealing. The Dolphins would prefer trading out of the pick, but they won't find a willing partner. I have Miami choosing Virginia defensive end Chris Long right now, but Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan is still a strong possibility. I think Ryan has the intangibles that Parcells is looking for, and it wouldn't be the first time the former head coach drafted a quarterback No. 1 overall (Drew Bledsoe).
I'm told that Parcells has spent hours pouring over tape of Ryan and that he and GM Jeff Ireland have talked to pretty much anyone who's been associated with him. If the Dolphins can reach an agreement with Ryan before the draft, I think they take him. If not, they'll stick with Long.
- If Ryan somehow slips to No. 5, the Chiefs will have an interesting decision to make. At this point, I think the Ravens (No. 8) would make a serious play for Ryan. This team's obviously in the market for a quarterback, and it has studied Ryan more than any team in the league. If they don't land Ryan, the Ravens will hope that Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco falls to them in the second round.
- Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart has fallen on draft boards because of recent surgery on his right toe that could keep him out for four to six months. He played through the injury in college, but NFL general managers and team doctors encouraged him to undergo the surgery. I talked to someone close to Stewart this morning who said he would be ready in time for training camp. The procedure was done to tighten a ligament in Stewart's right foot. Because of the injury, Arkansas' Felix Jones and perhaps even Texas' Jamaal Charles could move in front of Stewart on draft boards. The Cowboys would love to see Stewart slip to the No. 28 spot, but I think he'll be gone.
- LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey is set to go through a complete workout during today's pro day in Baton Rouge. He's been upset about reports (one on the Jacksonville Jaguars' Web site) that he had a secret knee surgery recently. If he has a solid workout and there are no further injury scares, I think the Chiefs will end up taking him at No. 5. Now if the Dolphins take Ryan No. 1, it could change up everything. Much more to come.
