Why don't the Dolphins have a first-round pick?

In an alternate universe, Sean Payton is coaching the Dolphins and Tom Brady is his quarterback.

Payton and Brady were interested in that arrangement and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was, too.

But that coach and that player were under contract when the NFL said Miami had contact.

And it cost the franchise dearly.

The Dolphins are in win-now mode but they can't add a win-now tight end, running back or offensive tackle in the first round of Thursday night's NFL Draft.

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They'll sit this one out, barring a trade.

It was August 2, 2022, not long before Mike McDaniel would coach his first Dolphins' game, that the NFL dropped a hammer. And so let's take a look back:

Why don't the Dolphins have a first-round pick?

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ordered a six-month investigation covering events from 2019-2022 that was led by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White.

The NFL determined that the investigation conclusively established violations of the league's anti-tampering policy on three separate occasions.

Goodell took a first-round pick in 2023 and a third-round pick in 2024, stating that Miami's acts were "unprecedented scope and severity."

"I know of no prior instance of a team violating the prohibition on tampering with both a head coach and star player, to the potential detriment of multiple other clubs, over a period of several years," Goodell added. "Similarly, I know of no prior instance in which ownership was so directly involved in the violations."

How did the Dolphins tamper?

The NFL says that as early as 2019, Miami tampered with Tom Brady, while he was under contract with the New England Patriots. Bruce Beal, who was in line to succeed Ross as Miami owner, allegedly conducted the contact.

The NFL says that during and after the 2021 season, Brady and his agent communicated with Ross and Beal. The talks centered around Brady becoming a partner and possible player. Brady was with the Bucs.

The NFL says that in January of 2022, before McDaniel was hired, Miami had impermissible communications with Sean Payton's agent, who happens to also be Tom Brady's agent, about becoming head coach.

Did the Dolphins tank in 2019?

The NFL investigated claims by former Miami coach Brian Flores that the organization wanted to intentionally lose games during the 2019 season to improve the club's draft position.

The investigation concluded that the Dolphins did not intentionally lose games during the 2019 season.

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However, it was found that Ross expressed his belief that the Dolphins' position in the upcoming 2020 draft should take priority over the team's win-loss record.

Ross was also found to have made a comment related to "pay(ing) Coach Flores $100,000 to lose games." But different individuals had different recollections about the specifics of the remark and the league found it was a not "a serious offer."

What pick would the Dolphins have had in first round?

Because the Dolphins finished 9-8 and made the NFL Playoffs, the loss of a first-round pick was not as devastating as it may have been.

In fact Miami used another 2023 first-round pick in a deal for edge rusher Bradley Chubb.

The Dolphins would have had the 21st pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 17.

The Chargers, Ravens and Jags quickly follow and those are all teams the Dolphins figure to compete with in the AFC playoff hunt.

One ESPN mock draft has Texas running back Bijan Robinson being selected by the Chargers at No. 21. That would hurt as Miami could use a running back like Robinson.

What picks do the Dolphins have in this NFL Draft?

The Dolphins have Picks 51 (second round), 84 (third round), 197 (6) and 238 (7).

It's possible Miami tries to move down in Round 3 to pick up an additional pick in Round 4 or 5.

This is the second consecutive year Miami stands to make only four picks. One reason is the acquisitions of Tyreek Hill, Chubb and Jalen Ramsey, who cost a 2023 third-round pick.

What did Brian Flores and Stephen Ross say about NFL findings?

Flores released a statement that said in part, "I am thankful that the NFL's investigator found my factual allegations against Stephen Ross are true. At the same time, I am disappointed to learn that the investigator minimized Mr. Ross's offers and pressure to tank games especially when I wrote and submitted a letter at the time to Dolphins executives documenting my serious concerns regarding this subject at the time which the investigator has in her possession.

Ross released a statement that said in part, "The independent investigation cleared our organization on any issues relating to tanking and all of Brian Flores' other allegations. As I have said all along, these allegations were false, malicious and defamatory, and this issue is now put to rest. With regards to tampering, I strongly disagree with the conclusions and the punishment. However, I will accept the outcome..."

Would Tom Brady ever play for the Dolphins?

Miami is hoping Tua Tagovailoa, whom they selected with the fifth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, is among the league leaders in passer rating and yards per attempt again in 2023.

They are also hoping Tua stays healthy.

If Tua unfortunately does not, Brady has not said he won't respond to texts or calls from Miami Gardens.

As for Payton, he'll take over the Broncos this year.

And Miami seems just fine at head coach, with McDaniel.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins tampering cost them NFL Draft first-round pick on Thursday