Ryan Tannehill and Other First-Round NFL Rookies with the Most to Prove

There are no exceptions to the rule when it comes to NFL rookies that have to prove they can play in the pros. Every rookie has no other option than to prepare well and be consistent during the minicamps and voluntary workouts before training camp.

Then once training camp happens, we see the discrepancies between guys like Andrew Luck and a mid-round selection or undrafted free agent. Even more fascinating though, are first-round selections from the NFL draft that have more to prove than guys like Luck, Robert Griffin III and Trent Richardson.

Whether it's because they lack experience or production, have health concerns or were inconsistent, the following players are the first-rounders with the most to prove.

Ryan Tannehill: QB, Dolphins

Despite only playing roughly 1.5 years at quarterback, thus enjoying limited success by comparison to other college quarterbacks, Ryan Tannehill was a risky selection by the Miami Dolphins at No. 8 overall.

Beginning his college days as a receiver, Tannehill did catch 101 passes for 1,453 yards and score nine times between 2008 and 2009. At quarterback though, Tannehill rarely played under center and didn't make many pre-snap reads to create an easier transition into pro football.

Tannehill threw for 3,700 yards passing and 29 touchdowns in 2011, but he also threw 15 picks. The offseason began by missing the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine due to health issues, which were reasonably overlooked in his college career.

The man undoubtedly has the strong arm, size and mobility to develop as an NFL quarterback, but the Dolphins don't provide any standout receivers or a reliable, pass-blocking offensive line (52 sacks allowed last season).

Tannehill will have to take many reps from under center between now and Week 1 while also adjusting quicker on the fly and reading blitzes and coverages before the snap.

Bruce Irvin: LB, Seahawks

One thing we have to remember about the Seahawks and their selection of Bruce Irvin is that Seattle still presents a sound defense if you exclude his ability.

That said, Irvin will remain a reach in Round 1 unless he develops a lot faster than expected. We know he's going to dominate in applying quarterback pressure in passing situations because that's his forte.

However, Irvin must gain quick experience in defending more against the run. Whether it's short-yard situations or first and second down, the Seahawks can't afford a slow transition. The NFC West has emerged as one of the better divisions in the NFL and presents stud running backs in Frank Gore and Steven Jackson.

Not to mention the 49ers also have Brandon Jacobs and LaMichael James, and the Rams added Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead. Provided that Arizona gets more consistent, Beanie Wells will roll again as he did hit over a grand in 2011.

As for Irvin, he recorded 22 sacks and forced five fumbles in two seasons, but he only made 62 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss that weren't sacks. If he fails to develop as a complete defender, Seattle will become more vulnerable to play-action, and Chris Clemons will see a nosedive in production from getting double-teamed.

Whitney Mercilus: DE, Texans

The Houston Texans definitely got a defensive player that has extreme potential in Whitney Mercilus, but the guy has a lot of work to do.

While at Illinois, Mercilus had a career-year in 2011 with 16 sacks, nine forced fumbles, 57 tackles and 22.5 tackles for loss. That was, however, his only legit college season, so consistency is needed.

Fortunately for Mercilus, the Texans have arguably the NFL's best overall defense and were dominant in 2011 ranking No. 3 against the pass and No. 4 against the rush. Mercilus is a great addition as he provides talented depth to the front seven, but he needs to react better against the run.

The AFC South won't be kind to him as a rookie, either. Stud ball-carriers in Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson will expose his inconsistency at anchoring the edge and shedding blocks to keep contain.

Expect him to only contribute in strict passing situations while earning some time against the run later in the year.

Harrison Smith: Safety, Vikings

Although Notre Dame's Harrison Smith was a slight reach for Minnesota at the end of Round 1, the Vikings did desperately need to improve the pass defense, so it wasn't a bad selection.

During his tenure for the Irish, Smith defended 35 passes and made 307 tackles. Now, he did intercept seven passes, but they all came in the 2010 season and three were against Jacory Harris of Miami. To that end, Smith will be immediately challenged at the utmost level in the NFC North.

Offensive fire-powers like Green Bay and Detroit will expose his overaggressive play on play-action passes, double moves and pump-fakes. Smith must improve at changing directions quicker while reading the developing routes faster. Otherwise, his development will be limited in a pass-heavy division.

The good news, however, is that expectations won't be unrealistically high in Minnesota. The Vikings remain a few years out of division title/NFC Wild Card contention, and he's also assisted by fellow rookie Josh Robinson.

If Smith can revert back to his 2010 playmaking self and be a more aware defender in Cover 1 and 3, he'll see solid production in 2012.

John Rozum on Twitter.