How Each Draft Pick Fits into Miami Dolphins' Plan in 2012

Now that the Miami Dolphins' 2012 draft class is complete, we have a preview of what the team's roster will look like on opening day. 

Jeff Ireland used all of his draft picks to address positions of need, which leaves the door open for a handful of rookies to earn starting jobs this summer. 

Which rookies will earn those starting jobs?

And, how does everybody else fit in?

Here are my predictions. 

Ryan Tannehill: Backup Quarterback

People are already speculating about Ryan Tannehill's chances of starting this season, but I'd be surprised if he makes more than a handful of appearances. 

Tannehill is still very raw and inexperienced; every scouting report on him reaffirms this. Throwing an unprepared rookie into the gauntlet can be catastrophic to his development. There's no reason to rush Tannehill onto the field, and pressure from fans won't faze Joe Philbin. 

Unless Tannehill wows in training camp, David Garrard or Matt Moore will be Miami's quarterback in 2012. 

Jonathan Martin: Starting Right Tackle

A combined nine offensive tackles were drafted in the first two rounds of the 2011 NFL Draft. All but two were in starting lineups on opening day (Ben Ijalana, Derek Sherrod).

Teams often plug highly-touted offensive linemen into their starting lineups from the get-go, and I suspect the Dolphins will install Jonathan Martin at right tackle. 

Martin needs to soothe concerns about his consistency and quickness, but he has the makeup of a stud offensive tackle. He'll have to compete with Lydon Murtha for the starting right tackle job, but Martin should secure that role by preseason's end. 

Olivier Vernon: Rotational Defensive End and Linebacker

Olivier Vernon's pass-rushing abilities make him a near-lock to receive playing time this season. Cameron Wake is the only incumbent pass rusher on the roster, so Vernon will definitely get looks on passing downs. 

The jury is still out on Vernon's run-stuffing capabilities. If he shows a nose for the ball carrier in training camp, he might receive an expanded role. 

For now, though, expect to see Vernon rotate in when the Dolphins need to generate pressure on the quarterback. 

Michael Egnew: Red Zone Target

Michael Egnew is one of the most talented seam-threat tight ends from this year's draft class, but he has almost no value on non-passing plays (unless he's being used as an aversion). 

He was rarely asked to block at Missouri and he struggled at the combine's blocking drills. Until Egnew can build strength and develop some blocking skills, I think he will only appear in the red zone and on the occasional passing play.

Egnew's 6'5", 252 pound build will pose problems for opposing defenses. He can use his size to dominate defensive backs on fade routes, and he can utilize 4.5 speed to burn linebackers. 

Lamar Miller: Third-Down Running Back

If Lamar Miller can stay healthy—and that's a big if—he should be a regular contributor. 

On a teleconference call to season ticket holders, Joe Philbin said via Izzy Gould of the Sun-Sentinel, "With Reggie, we want to be multiple—not just hand the ball off to him." This suggests Philbin wants to use Bush as a wide receiver in some scenarios, which could open the door for Miller to lineup at running back. 

Imagine Bush at wideout and Miller (and his 4.3 speed) at running back. That's a terrifying proposition for opposing defenses. 

Miller will compete with Bush and Daniel Thomas for more reps during camp, but, for now, I see him as a change of pace, third-down back. 

Josh Kaddu: Special Teams Contributor

Josh Kaddu has the physical attributes of a quality NFL pass rusher, but he has a way to go before he achieves his potential. 

Kaddu must add bulk to his 239 pound frame, and Pro Football Weekly suggests that he needs to develop his instincts as well. 

Under the watchful eye of Miami's defensive coaching staff, Kaddu could eventually work his way onto the field. This year, however, he'll spend most of his time on special teams. 

B.J. Cunningham: Number 3 or 4 Wide Receiver

B.J. Cunningham doesn't boast any spectacular physical traits, but he is a very well-rounded West Coast offense wideout. He does everything a WCO wide receiver should (specializes in running quick slants, racks up yards after the catch), and there isn't exactly tough competition ahead of him on the depth chart. 

He will compete with the likes of Legedu Naanee, Roberto Wallace, Marlon Moore, Clyde Gates and Julius Pruitt for playing time in training camp. 

Cunningham has the make-up of a diamond in the rough, and given the weak competition ahead of him, could make decent contributions this season. 

Kheeston Randall: Practice Squad

The Dolphins have great depth along their defensive line, so Kheeston Randall will face an uphill battle for a roster spot immediately.

It doesn't exactly help that he's a seventh-round draft pick. Only one of Jeff Ireland's six seventh-round draft picks have panned out (Jimmy Wilson). 

One day, Kheeston Randall could be a serviceable defensive lineman. Kacy Rodgers, Miami's defensive line coach, is one of the best in the business, and he'll get the most out of Randall. It might be a a year or two until we see him in the Dolphins lineup, though. 

Rishard Matthews: Practice Squad

Rishard Matthews is another wide receiver with a skill-set suited perfectly for a West Coast offense. 

He's 6'0", 217 pounds, ran a 4.46 40 at Nevada's pro day, and caught 91 passes for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Clearly, Matthews has the physical tools to play in the NFL, but he needs to refine and polish his game first.

Nevada runs a funky offense, and Matthews will have to master a NFL route tree before he earns a roster spot. In all likelihood, he'll spend this season on the practice squad.