While running backs tend to be more NFL-ready right away than players at other offensive positions, Ronnie Brown is very good and there isn't much reason to trade him. The only scenario in which it is worthwhile on our end of things to move Ronnie is if we can move him for a first round pick between 11 and 20.
In that range we should be able to draft our choice of Knowshown Moreno or Wells before the Eagles pick. With the Peters trade completed, I would be very surprised if the Eagles do not take Moreno or Wells if either is on the board at 21. Westbrook just is not capable of being the only game in town anymore.
Personally, I'd opt for Moreno between the two because I believe that Moreno has a better all-around game than Wells. If we knew that we could effectively trade Brown for Moreno then I would have no problem doing the deal. Moreno is significantly younger and would cost less money than Brown.
But it takes two to tango. The reason why Wells and Moreno are not going as high in most mock drafts as their talent dictates is because there aren't a lot of teams that need running backs. And some of the teams that do need running backs, like Denver, are still not likely to trade for one, because they think that anyone can succeed in their system.
The perfect dance partner in terms of needs would be the Cardinals. There's a team with a high-octane offense that already made it to the Super Bowl last year. It makes more sense for them to trade for Ronnie than draft a RB because Ronnie is a proven NFL RB and Arizona's window to contend for a championship is only open as long as Kurt Warner can play.
There's only one problem: the Cardinals' first round pick is #31. The Dolphins will not be able to get either Wells or Moreno there. And I do not think it would be worthwhile for the Dolphins to effectively move Ronnie for LeSean McCoy or Donald Brown, even if they are cheaper and younger. If the FO feels differently it is something they can consider, but I just don't think that either is a sure enough bet to make trading Ronnie away worthwhile.
The bigger issue to me is on the Ricky Williams end of our backfield tandem. This team could survive with Ricky as the #2 back for another year, but I cannot conceive of a scenario in which he returns in 2010.
I would not be surprised if the Dolphins draft a RB this year along the lines of Cedric Peerman or Rashad Jennings, a guy who can be had in the 3rd or 4th round. That guy could replace Ricky in 2010, or even now, if we want him to.
We'll trade Ronnie if the perfect storm manifests, but without the opportunity to draft Wells or Moreno, there's very little reason to make a deal.
