Identifying Potential Breakout Players for the Miami Dolphins' 2012 Season

Regime changes often bring about a ground swelling of new seeds being planted, hoping they'll grow into big-time contributors for the team.

But sometimes, that growth can come from within the team and players already on the roster.

The Miami Dolphins are spending the 2012 offseason finding out the best fits for the West Coast offense and the hybrid defensive front that they'll implement. With so much changing, there will be plenty of opportunities for otherwise unheralded players to make a big impact.

Here are just a few breakout candidates for the Dolphins in 2012.

Jared Odrick

Jared Odrick played his collegiate career in a defense that played to his strengths as a penetrating defensive tackle. 20.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in the final two seasons of his collegiate career are proof of that.

The Penn State defensive tackle always seemed to suffer as a result of his role in the Dolphins' 3-4 defense. As of yet, he hasn't had the opportunity to penetrate the line, get up field and make plays in the offensive backfield. In a hybrid front that will feature elements of both the 3-4 and the 4-3, though, that could finally change.

And with a defensive line that will feature defensive tackles Paul Soliai and Randy Starks and defensive end Cameron Wake, Odrick could get opportunities in one-on-one situations.

Charles Clay

2011 sixth-round pick Charles Clay is listed as a tight end, but at 6'3" and 245 pounds, he's more of an H-back in a similar role to Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez (6'2", 250 pounds).

Another receiving tight end with a similar skill set to Clay and Hernandez? Jermichael Finley of the Green Bay Packers. With that, it's clear that Joe Philbin knows how to utilize tight ends in his offense.

He'll have to deal with competition from Michael Egnew, who was taken by the Dolphins in the third round of April's draft. But Clay has an edge on Egnew: He was a running back at Tulsa.

He's adept at making plays with the ball in his hands, making defenders miss and getting into open space. He also is tough to bring down. These are all traits that will help him make an instant impact in the West Coast offense.

It's safe to say Philbin can find a way to utilize Clay.

Steve Slaton

Can you have a breakout season after having a rookie season like the one Slaton had (1,659 total yards, 10 total touchdowns)?

Only when you've followed up that rookie campaign with three seasons of well-below-average performances (1,045 total yards, eight total touchdowns).

Although the Dolphins have two explosive backs in Lamar Miller and Reggie Bush, they're both fairly similar. The Dolphins truly need a between-the-tackles back to grind out those tough yards on 3rd-and-short situations and down near the goal line. 

That being said, he played just 57 snaps last season and has faced declining production over the course of his career, so expectations should be fairly low. It should be noted, though, that while it would cost the Dolphins nothing to cut him, according to the Palm Beach Post, Joe Philbin has praised Slaton as a "good fit" in the zone-blocking scheme they'll run on the offensive line.

Clyde Gates

Gates was primarily a kick returner in 2011, but with a depth chart that lacks top-end talent, the situation is ripe for any of the Dolphins' young unheralded receiver to make a big impact. So, why Gates?

Well, of all the receivers on the roster, Gates has the best long speed. He also has a skill set that's conducive to production in the West Coast offense.

The Dolphins could be expecting a bit out of Gates this season, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald:

"

I can also tell you the Dolphins are hoping from 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.

"

Gates was selected in the fourth round in 2011, and he caught just two passes last season, but he wouldn't be the first mid-round receiver to make a big impact for Joe Philbin.

Erik Frenz is the AFC East lead blogger for Bleacher Report. Be sure to follow Erik on Twitter and '"like" the AFC East blog on Facebook to keep up with all the updates.