National Football League

Dolphins prep for draft without Parcells' 'aura'

Published Apr. 21, 2011 10:24 p.m. ET

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When it comes to running the Miami Dolphins' draft, general manager Jeff Ireland concedes he can't match Bill Parcells' experience or gift for gab.

Next week's draft will be the first for Miami since Parcells stepped down last September after 2 1/2 years as head of football operations. That means more authority for Ireland, a Parcells protege who is going into his fourth draft with the Dolphins.

''Bill had an aura and he always made it fun, but everybody knew when it was time to get down to business,'' Ireland said Thursday. ''That really hasn't changed. I'm not naive in the fact that I don't have that aura, but really the mechanics have not changed.

''As a matter of fact,'' Ireland added with a smile, ''we're probably more focused on just work most of the time, because there was usually some storytelling involved in the draft room.''

In Parcells' absence, Ireland will rely more heavily on Brian Gaine, whose promotion to director of player personnel was announced Thursday. Gaine had worked primarily on the evaluation of pro players and now assesses college talent too.

''He's going to be my right-hand man since Bill has left,'' Ireland said.

Ireland, Gaine and the rest of the Parcells regime have a respectable track record in the draft. The 2010 class produced five players who saw significant duty, although top pick Jared Odrick missed almost the entire season because of injuries. The 2009 group included second-round bust Pat White but also four players who became starters. Top 2008 pick Jake Long blossomed into an All-Pro tackle, but the jury's still out on second-round pick Chad Henne as a long-term solution at quarterback.

The Dolphins have the 15th pick in the first round next Thursday. With many needs, no second-round choice and only two of the first 110 picks, they would love to trade down in the first round for multiple picks.

And Ireland didn't rule out trading up.

''I'm game for anything,'' he said. ''I think there will be quite a bit of movement.''

After finishing next to last in the AFC in scoring in 2010, the biggest needs are on offense. That includes a running back, quarterback, tight end and guard.

While the NFL labor dispute has delayed addressing roster deficiencies in free agency, Ireland said he won't reach in the draft to fill a position.

''Free agency will open up again,'' Ireland said. ''Brian Gaine has reminded me of that about a thousand times.''

One benefit of the lockout has been allowing teams to focus solely on the draft. Ireland said the entire scouting department and coaching staff has been involved in preparations, and the work has been so thorough he's giving his staff an Easter break.

''It has been all hands on deck,'' he said. ''You are prepared for it, for sure.''