Miami Dolphins: Can the 2011 Rookie Class Make a Second-Year Leap?

For as much attention as Ryan Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins' 2012 NFL draft class has garnered, the long-term success of the team depends just as much on the draft class of last year and years past.

The question is whether last year's rookies are ready to make the leap in their second year.

While some of the Dolphins' 2011 draft picks made the most of their opportunities, others have a long way to go.

Just how far will they go in 2012?

C Mike Pouncey

Mike Pouncey started all 16 games for the Dolphins and played admirably as a rookie at center. He has some work to do in pass protection, but he's a mauling run-blocker. 

B/R Dolphins featured columnist Alex Miglio says of Pouncey's rookie season:

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Mike Pouncey had better be good considering the Dolphins took a center with the 15th overall pick of the 2011 NFL draft. Thankfully for Miami and Jeff Ireland, he lived up to expectations as a rookie.

He was a good run-blocker, but he needs to improve his pass protection. Pro Football Focus actually had him rated just behind his brother, Maurkice, who has been in the league for a few years now. Pouncey should improve as a sophomore and be a fixture on that offensive line for years.

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RB Daniel Thomas

Daniel Thomas played in 13 games as a rookie, starting just two and playing just 373 snaps according to Pro Football Focus (35.7 percent). He didn't inspire much confidence with his performance, with just 581 yards on 165 carries (3.5 yards per carry), adding 12 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown.

But, he showed big potential in college, with two solid seasons at Kansas State in which he averaged over five yards per carry each season and totaled over 1,500 yards from scrimmage. Can he bring his big potential to the big leagues?

The Dolphins will implement a new zone-blocking scheme under Joe Philbin. Whether they have the right offensive linemen to run it is another question, but that should play well into Thomas' downhill style of running between the tackles.

WR Edmond 'Clyde' Gates

Gates suited up for 13 games, but had a minimal impact as a rookie. He played on offense and special teams, though, so he'll clearly have opportunities to make a bigger splash for the Dolphins as a sophomore.

What's more, the Dolphins are expecting a lot out of Gates, at least if the first week of minicamp is any indication. Per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald:

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I can also tell you the Dolphins are hoping (for) a lot out of Clyde Gates. He was on the receiving end of more passes than just about any wide receiver today. I didn't say he was the most impressive receiver at the workout. To me, that was Brian Hartline and Roberto Wallace.

But suffice to say Gates was a major focal point.

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TE Charles Clay

Despite playing in 13 games and starting nine as a rookie, Clay didn't have a huge impact. He caught just 16 passes for 233 yards, but he flashed potential to do damage in an NFL offense. He has the ability to be used much like Aaron Hernandez is in the Patriots offense, and at 6'3", 245 pounds, he has the frame for it.

However, his future in the offense got a bit murkier when the Dolphins drafted Missouri tight end Michael Egnew. Is there room for two tight ends with such similar skill sets?

DB Jimmy Wilson

Wilson suited up for 15 games and started one as well, but played in just 216 defensive snaps (19.1 percent) for the Dolphins. They have added Richard Marshall to the secondary, but they can use all the help they can get, and that includes from within.

Wilson played well in his limited action, defending five passes and intercepting another, even forcing a fumble along the way.

If others in the Dolphins secondary don't step up, it shouldn't take long for Wilson to get an opportunity, and if he can make the most of those opportunities as he did in 2011, the Dolphins might be better off for it.

EDIT: Ryan Tannehill in the first sentence originally read 'Ryan Mallett.' Honest mistake. I'll catch up on sleep tonight.

Follow @ErikFrenz.